Gaining Great Exposure – For What?

I find it interesting to read the posts on Craigslist among other places. Example:

“We're a non-profit organization publishing a relocation guide for […]. We're looking for photos of […] and the surrounding neighborhoods that we can use free of charge. Photo credit will be given for each image. Please reply with a link to your online portfolio. This is a great way to get some exposure for your photography skills!”

All these people who want to get photos for free – and in return they are willing to give away all this wonderful exposure. What folks seem to be missing is that all this exposure is only worth something if there is a market for paid photography to balance it out. Why would I want exposure, if it doesn’t result in anything, because nobody is willing to pay?

That’s like an ad agency going to Circuit City (or your favorite brand that went out of business) and telling them they should create new bill boards, because it would give them great exposure!

Even better – the request was titled “looking for stock photos” – Now if they had titled it “looking for free photos” it would have been ok. But they’re looking for all the quality of a stock photo, which has specific implications. That market has gone from a well paying market to a market that pays pennies. Apparently it’s on track to a market that pays nothing.

I understand that folks have stretched budgets, and you cut every corner you can. I would too. It’s the attitude that comes with it, that I take issue with. How about - ‘Hey, we’re a non-profit. We’re doing the community you live in this great service by publishing a free relo guide. We could use some great images. Can’t pay, but if you don’t mind sharing an image you took of your community, we’d sure appreciate it. We’ll make sure to mention your name’. That would be cool.