We’ve sometimes heard people in the creative industry (especially photographers and designers) groaning about how their work is largely unappreciated. “Why you charge so high for a logo design?” “Can I have a free photoshoot for my graduation ceremony?” And the list just goes on.
Lim, a KL-based photographer, shared his encounter with WeirdKaya with a netizen asking for a “test shot”. Yesterday (Jan 28), he received a message on Instagram from the said netizen who requested for a free photoshoot.
The conversation went like this…
From the screenshot above, someone texted Lim asking for a “test shot”. He replied by saying he is not up for it, to which the person quipped: “A “test shot” is a “win-win” collaboration.” *insert confused Nick Young meme*
Upon seeing his reply, Lim enquired more details about the “collaboration”.
In a nutshell, a collaboration is a partnership in which all parties benefit mutually from working together. Lim told WeirdKaya that the person is neither a photographer nor a professional model after viewing his Instagram profile. He then continued the conversation by asking the person what he can actually contribute to the “collaboration”. As you can see, the person was offended by the question and asked whether Lim was unconvinced by his talents.
Lim believes the person is actually asking for a free photoshoot under the guise of a ‘collaboration’, making it look as though there was something for both parties to benefit from.
People who do something they love doesn’t mean they are happy doing it for free as every work has its own value. This story serves as a good reminder to always appreciate the effort people have put into their work for others to enjoy.
Have you ever experienced something similar? Comment and tell us what you think!
Sources: WeirdKaya’s reader
Editor: Raymond Chen
Proofreader: Sarah Yeoh
