Here's how you can negotiate alternative forms of compensation as a photographer.

We all know how hard photography can be on the body, especially if you're a wedding photographer and you are on your feet 8-10 hours non-stop. It's for this reason that I try and get a massage once a week. A year ago I was booking a session when I noticed the outdated images on the company website, so I brought up the possibility of an exchange; updated photos for a certain amount of sessions. The owner was more than happy to do a trade. They received some amazing images that drives in more customers, and I receive a certain amount of free massages, which I would have paid for anyhow. Everybody wins. Just make sure to outline the deal in writing. And treat it as any other business transaction.

Recently, I teamed up with another photographer for a service swap that turned out to be a win-win. She nailed new branding headshots for me, giving my professional look a fresh boost. In return, I pitched in as a second shooter at one of her weddings, lending a hand and capturing some memorable moments. It was a great way to help each other out, build our portfolios, and strengthen our photographer camaraderie. These swaps really show how supporting fellow creatives can pay off in more ways than one!

I am not sure if this is the easiest but this is two ways I have done it. 1)If you have packages for work that is a dollar amount. An electrician come to my house and I did a video of them working and filmed me as a testimonial about how happy I was after. I took 2200 off my bill it was amazing. 2)I did a photo/video campaign for a company for free. I said I want 40% of all sales over the norm today for 2.5 years typically takes a year for an add to really go. first year I made 3k the second year I made 100K third half year I made 50k. It wasnt bad for a week worth. I took all the risk so I demanded a bigger slice. Value comes from Risk. They hire you as you are less risky. If you take more risk, you have more control over compensation.

Value trading has almost always given me a leg up to get paying jobs in the end. This vs doing exposure jobs alone just because has also made me value my work much more than I would normally. Not that I don't take my work seriously, but when I know there's more than just exposure on the line, I feel like I put a little more oomph and care into something. Unless the exposure gig is really once in a lifetime.

My mindset is when a like = a dollar I can pay a bill. Till then it is not worth it unless it comes to 3 things. (This is for me) 1)Once in a lifetime shoot. If you were able to photograph your favorite band/celebrity or something you always wanted 2)If it would be amazing in your portfolio. At that point you must maintain copyright so you can use it. 3)I will say something like this job is worth X so I will get X amount in product or compensation. I would do a job for an oil company because I need oil for my house. Or say you will give me credit on every post and 3 recommendations. If it is exposure what do you want to be exposed to? Its not just up to them to decide...

I rarely do exposure offers these days because I got burned by so many people who had the highest demands and least ROI. Also, the only exposure stuff I will do, when I do, ends up being for my own enjoyment alone. And while I might deliver the images, I will do them in my creative way usually.

Equipment is nice, just know in some places you can see paid in kind. You may have to pay the taxes on something like gear. Just make sure its what you need or you may have taxes for stuff just to have stuff. Lets say you do a photo for a restaurant and you say I am able to use this space once for a photoshoot on a day you are not open or after hours. Pay someone minimum wage to be there. Rent that space as a rental to yourself for 1k dollars and you get an extra thousand for a future shoot if needed. You can move prices around but you understand. I did that with a tea shop.

I once had a guy offer me a studio in exchange for photo work. I was actually super excited about the deal and he never came through on his end of the deal and then totally ghosted me. Be careful when you're dealing with things like this, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Mouths talk, money feeds.

Before agreeing to an unpaid project, carefully evaluate its potential to enhance your portfolio. Consider the following factors: Uniqueness: Does the project offer something different from your existing portfolio? Unique subjects, locations, or concepts can add depth and interest to your portfolio. Creative Freedom: Will the project allow you to experiment with new techniques or styles? Creative freedom can lead to innovative and standout images. Exposure and Networking: Could the project lead to increased visibility or valuable connections in the industry? Working with influential clients or on high-profile projects can open doors to future opportunities.

I think that doing portfolio piece projects are in the same vein as exposure deals. Set the goals and be strict with them, don't get taken advantage of just because it might be a pet project for example. At the same time, absolutely consider the enhancement it has to offer to you and your business. Sometimes this will give you unique access to places that you wouldn't normally get too, which can enhance your credentials in ways you hadn't considered.

É muito comum, especialmente no começo de carreira, que os fotógrafos aceitem alguns trabalhos com foco exclusivo em portfólio. O fotógrafo, nessas ocasiões, deve pensar de forma estratégica, focar no seu nicho e especialidade e, ainda, deixar claro que se trata de uma exceção pontual.

Ensure you attend industry events where you can showcase your work and meet potential clients. These events could include gallery openings, photography exhibitions, industry conferences, and social gatherings. By being present and actively participating, you enhance your visibility and create opportunities to discuss your work with influential figures in the industry. Networking events are not just about meeting people; they are also an opportunity to showcase your work. Bring a portfolio of your best images, business cards, and any promotional materials that can help potential clients remember you.

Networking is the number one way any photographer will get jobs. Networking can be done anywhere too, I've met some of the best photographers while out on jobs that I was doing or that they were doing. When you're working with clients, the social media tags are nice, but make sure you impress them enough so that they in essence sell your work, for you. An intro from a happy client is the best thing you can get. Also learn your elevator pitch. You have limited time to win someone over and keep their attention. Talk to everyone too, don't just limit people just because you think they don't look like someone who would buy from you. They may know people, think beyond. Remember, business cards are currency.

Identify workshops or courses that are relevant to your current needs and future aspirations. Look for programs that cover advanced photography techniques, business skills, marketing strategies, or any other areas where you seek improvement. Ensure that the education offered comes from reputable sources with a proven track record of success. When negotiating, explain how the educational opportunities will benefit both you and the client. Enhanced skills can lead to higher quality work, which ultimately benefits the client. This mutual benefit can make clients more amenable to agreeing to your terms.

Another aspect to consider is the possibility of creating long-term collaborations. For instance, by regularly working with a company for their photography needs, I negotiated preferential rates in exchange for a steady volume of work. This ongoing relationship not only ensured a regular income stream but also strengthened my credibility in the industry. Look for opportunities for lasting partnerships that provide financial stability and continuous professional growth.

Only people who can hire you can hire you. Small business meeting will get small business. If you want to network make sure you do with decision makers. My favorite thing to do is to get a deal on jobs. Where would you like to be? Lets say you make 500 a day now say you charge 1k a day. But say you will give a 50% discount for the first shoot 40% next etc etc you will get hired where you are now and always move up in pay. Even if they work with you 3 times you can earn more than you are making now. Give a deal and people like that, but also give yourself a place where you want to end. Both of you win. One walks away feeling they got a deal and you can always get rid of your worst client. Or say you want 10 jobs a year for a 40% discount.

If a client is able to commit to consistent work, it's worth exploring a contract at a discounted rate. This approach can lead to a lasting professional relationship and positions you as a dependable photographer, available for ongoing collaboration. An arrangement like this fosters stability, is mutually beneficial and facilitates ongoing creative partnerships.