1) Being Hired

This should be straightforward, yet it often proves to be quite the opposite. My experiences have led me to reconsider my desire to accept paid photography jobs. I strive to offer affordable, high-quality images, but my struggle to appropriately value my time often leads to situations that leave me feeling frustrated.

While many encourage pursuing financial gain from your passions, I’m starting to think it may not be worth the toll it takes on my creativity. Clients looking for budget-friendly options frequently expect a significant say in the creative process. Unfortunately, it seems they don’t fully appreciate my unique style, which often isn’t what they envision. This disconnect can be disheartening, making me reluctant to take on new projects since my artistic integrity means more to me than any potential income.

2) Hiring a Model

In this scenario, I maintain complete creative control over the images. However, industry norms dictate that both the photographer and the model receive the edited photos. Although I have the final say, I often find myself making edits based on the model's requests, which undermines my creative authority.

When I’m hired, I generally refrain from showcasing those images on my social media or website. It’s common for clients to expect that models will receive a portfolio update in addition to their payment. Unfortunately, I’ve encountered models who have used my images for profit on exclusive platforms, which feels unfair to my creative process. While I’m happy to share my edits with models and typically enjoy our collaborations, the unauthorized resale of my work is where I draw the line.

3) Time for Print

Though the term may seem outdated, it refers to collaborative projects where neither party receives payment, yet both can use the images for their portfolios. This arrangement works well when both individuals are at similar stages in their artistic journeys or when one is willing to work for free to gain exposure.

In my view, the individual leading the project should dictate the creative direction, but all participants must also contribute. For instance, photographers should avoid contacting models who don’t work with nudity if that’s part of their vision. Similarly, models should choose photographers whose editing styles align with their preferences. Failing to do so only adds unnecessary stress.

Where Am I Going With This?

I’ve decided to step back from taking on photography jobs. I also won’t participate in TFP (time for print) sessions with anyone who isn’t a close friend. When I edit an image in black and white—my preferred style—and then I’m asked to provide a color version, it infuriates me. Such requests feel akin to asking for my raw files. This mentality is a surefire way to be blacklisted in my book.

While I recognize this may come off as a mere rant, it’s a sentiment I hold dearly. I create art as a personal expression of my experiences and the world around me. Yet, I’ve reached a point where I’m opting out of the traditional photography hustle.

For friends, I’ve decided to simplify my process. I’ve set up my X100F with Acros and Portra film recipes, and from now on, they’ll receive SOOC JPEGs. Let’s face it: many will apply Instagram filters regardless of the quality of my work. I might sound jaded, but I’m choosing to be brutally honest. I can no longer invest my time and creativity into projects that don’t respect my artistic vision.

For future endeavors, I plan to save up to hire models who align with my vision and rent studios that allow me to express my creativity freely. I will ensure that my contracts stipulate that I retain full creative control unless otherwise agreed upon.

The moment I received a request to edit the images in color, I felt a wave of frustration wash over me. I’ll complete this shoot in color, but I’m done with this approach. Ironically, most of the images I provided were already in color; four out of ten were intentionally black and white because of how I lit them. Reverting those to color will require extensive edits to correct the hues, which likely won’t satisfy the client’s expectations.

Thank you for taking the time to read my thoughts. I won’t apologize for sharing them; it was necessary to voice my frustrations, and this felt like the right outlet.