Are free headshots a fair exchange for your time?

10/12/2018

It's fun to help others with photography tips, share helpful info that relates to running a business even outside my industry, and educate people about what to expect from their photographer.

I wrote a blog post about the difference between professional headshots and selfie headshots. The behind-the-scenes theme that I didn't cover: was it fair to both sides?

I posted a message on Facebook that said "FREE HEADSHOT if you give me 5 minutes of your time for an upcoming project. Email me for details!"

Within 24 hours, 40 people emailed me - see the screenshot above! I linked them to a Doodle Poll registration with a 30-minute block on one single day. Fifteen people registered. Two emailed me the week before and said their schedule had changed. Three emailed me the day of and said something came up. Out of the ten remaining, four didn't show and six came to get a free headshot.

So is this a fair exchange?

My personal thoughts:

I was grateful for people to gift me their time in exchange for one photo, especially since I chose the date, time, and location!
How did I feel about people not being able to come? Totally fine! This wasn't a project where there was a contract or an exchange of money. I knew some people wouldn't be available or maybe forget to put it on their calendar.
What about the people who didn't show? I still don't mind (for the two reasons that above), but I always do have some pretty strong expectations when it comes to communication.

What about your thoughts - was it a fair exchange?

Happy Friday!
Autumn

4 Comments

Roger link

10/12/2018 07:09:13 am

Two or three years ago, Autumn provided me a no cost headshot at the Columbus Startup Week. Today, I am still using the headshot.
Notice, I did not say free headshot but at no cost. For me, the concept of free in business is hard to accept. There are implied obligations. In my case, the obligation has been to periodically provide comments to Autumn. Also, if there is a future opportunity involving photography to invite Autumn to participate in the quoting process.
It is also important for me to add, I am striving to have courteous behavior. That means taking the time to communicate if I am unable to meet a commitment. If our lives and society become so busy that we can't show courtesy that would be sad.

Autumn Theodore

10/12/2018 07:33:20 am

Roger, thank you - I appreciate you so much! I agree that we should remember to be courteous every day for things that others do for us, on our behalf, etc. Sharing your thoughts in this way is very helpful, especially as I produce more content. Thanks again!!

Steve

10/13/2018 10:25:00 am

I’ve always valued being a free headshot for Autumn, whether she’s taking a candid photo with her iPhone or testing out a theme with her camera, the results always exceed anything I put into the process. That’s why it blows my mind that someone can volunteer for such an opportunity and neither have the eagerness to show up nor the decency to communicate that their availability no longer permits it. Whether on Tinder or LinkedIn, a professional picture will take you exponentially further than a selfie ever could.

Autumn

10/13/2018 10:58:20 am

Thanks for your kind and supportive words, Steve! I appreciate all the time you've given me over the past 5 years!

Focus Friday

Are free headshots a fair exchange for your time?

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