One obvious difference between the amateurs and professionals (and I am not
a photographer) is I guess that if it is your livelihood you seek to
actively market your images, produce calendars, books etc. For an amateur
any income is nice but I guess unless you get that special shot - the first
Night Parrot would be nice - there will always be someone else who will
give something for free.
But there is no reason I am sure why they cannot co-exist. In a related
field we can look at bird guides - there are many (I would say an
increasing number) of professional bird guides, but there are also many
amateurs on sites like Birding Pals who take people out because they enjoy
it. I am in the latter category and if someone contributes to my expenses
that is good - but if not I don't really mind as I have almost always had a
good time. Some people I guess are always happier paying for a professional
service - others prefer for various reasons an amateur.
So I think you have to make decision Cheryl - if it is a hobby then accept
that it will cost you money (birding is certainly not free, but then few
hobbies are) and be grateful when a few $ come your way. If you want to
make money then you will need to approach things in a different way. And
finally I would guess - as you hint - that the end use is important. If
someone wants to make an educational brochure for schools then I would be
much more likely to donate my (hypothetical) images than if they were using
them to make tourist souvenirs!
On 20 July 2012 12:49, Stephen Murray <> wrote:
> Hi Cheryl. An interesting question. I would suggest that whatever the value
> of a photo is, it's on the way down. With the advances in modern cameras
> and
> equipment, and with more and more people getting into bird photography,
> there is a glut of high quality images out there. There a lots of amateurs
> around that are capable of taking stunning shots, and it's not just because
> they have the expensive gear, but because they have been doing it for a
> while and have the skills as well. I know some professionals get cranky
> when they hear of people just giving images away, but the bottom line is
> that, for images to be worth something, they have to really stand out, and
> you would have to be doing something different from the mob,. e.g., getting
> good shots of rare birds or getting good action shots that no-one else is
> getting. It doesn't matter how much money you spent on petrol getting an
> image, or how long you had to sit in a hide, the demand has to be there.
> Steve Murray
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From:
> On Behalf Of Cheryl Ridge
> Sent: Friday, 20 July 2012 11:54 AM
> To:
> Subject: [Birding-Aus] What value a photo?
>
> Hi folks
>
> It can feel nice to help a project out,
> especially if it is for a "good cause"
> and seeing one's name in print (credit line) can be a buzz.
>
> But is there a general expectation that bird and nature images should just
> be supplied freely to whoever asks?
>
> There will always be those who cheerfully give their images away because
> they see themselves as JUST an amateur or it is JUST a hobby for them.
>
> Bird and nature photography is a hobby for me yet I do find myself thinking
> more about the 'value' of an image and now take a step back before sending
> off a high resolution image to someone.
>
> First I will try to establish if they
> are seeking donations/freebies, their
> intended audience and what they plan
> to do with the finished product. Based
> on their response I decide if I can
> help them.
>
> If necessary I take the opportunity to
> mention that photographers have their
> own expenses, time and skills associated with the image not to mention
> things like petrol/accom costs, photography permits in some cases, wear and
> tear on equipment even insurance.
>
> I am hoping other bird/nature photographers might be willing to share their
> experiences or thoughts with regard to giving away images.
>
> Thanks!
>
> Cheryl Ridge
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