Photographers beware of Craigslist

So you’ve decided to become a photographer as your way of making a living.  That’s wonderful!  You’re next step, finding and booking clients.  You undoubtedly have to start somewhere.  Sometimes your first clients are friends who then recommend you to others.  Word of mouth is a very effective means of marketing.  You’re excited about the work you’ve been doing, but you crave more and turn to Craigslist to look for more opportunities jobs.

This is where you need to proceed with caution.  Craigslist is a great tool for several types of needs.  As a creative professional, you have to learn how to not be suckered into no-pay jobs that sometimes promise future paid work.  Especially avoid the jobs that list experience as your payment.  Now that may lead some to ask, “Well how am I supposed to get photos for my portfolio?” 

The answer is simple.  Shoot that type of work on your own accord.  If you’re going to photograph something for free, then it should be something that you want to shoot and how you want it to look.  This allows you to really create and/or improve your style and techniques without giving your talent, time, and work away for free.

Today I have seen two humorous examples of ads on Craigslist searching for free photographic services and how a couple of witty photographers have responded (see below).  If you’re a photographer and thinking you have to work for free to start out, ask yourself this.  If you just opened a grocery store today, would you give away all the items in the store for free?

Score This: Photog 1, Cheapskate 0
(Perhaps the best response to a Craigslist ad ever)

Photographer Looking For People to Do Their Job Without Pay (Atlanta)