Motivation?

As an "Photographer", there are three main motivations for working with and for people:


1. Money
2. Improving/ challenging my skill set
3. The "C" word ...(Collaboration)

Often only one of these is necessary for me to work on a project. 

Here are 4  main de-motivators for working with people:
1. No money
2. Micromanaging 
3. Glad-handing / Leading on
4. Job Creep

You hired me for job A.  We've agreed on the terms. job A is turning out swell.. so swell in fact that over drinks... your'e asking me to do Job B.  Out of the kindness of my heart (massive mistake!)  I agree, and suddenly I am doing Job's C, D & E too  (Refer to no money and micromanaging).

 Pretty obvious, but a lot of people think I should work for free, regardless. 

There are people who I will always work with because of their  energy, spirit,  and enthusiasm for the projects as well as their public and private behaviours.  When I work well with somebody I have come up with some pretty amazing pieces.


If I don't know you and you ask me to work for free, there better be some other really serious pay-off. "Adding" to my portfolio so that you can get $$$ worth of head shots for zero (or maybe an espresso if I am lucky??) is not something that interests me. (unless I absolutely adore you, don't even ask).

I'm skilled. No shit. You looked at my website, you have see my work. You think is great and want some shots of your dog/yourself/lover/semiprivate parts... and you KNOW I have done this and can make you look good.   If you're going to stand over my shoulder and dictate every detail of what I'm doing, don't hire me. It's insulting.

 Let's work together.

I get so tired of people saying "this will lead to X" or "we'll be splitting the $" and then getting vague brush-offs or nothing at all. 

Be clear with me what you want and what you have to offer. Otherwise I'm going to think you're generally full of shit.  

And usually you are.  :(