I am referring to the alarming rate of jobs being advertised with no (yes NO) form of remuneration. What I find utterly ridiculous though is that these arrogant companies have a long list of requirements for the "successful" candidate in terms of experience and education.
It is often encountered when you try to break into a new industry. You might be expected to work for an extended amount of time in order for the employer to see if you are a good fit or for you to get to know the business. Well maybe I have just reached that certain age where I am no longer bedazzled by big words and fancy promises, but in my book this is just plain wrong. If my skills are deemed good enough to do actual work, I need to be paid in actual dollars.
Media Watch exposed that professional photographers are facing this very same problem. Tennis Australia tried to lure experienced photographers to cover a tournament in Melbourne as volunteers.
A key requirement of this role is that you own your own camera and equipment and have a portfolio of work, especially action shots that can be submitted with your application.
— seek.com.au, 6th September, 2013
So what would this photographer using his/her own equipment, skills and time get by committing? Well exposure of course!
This seems to be new buzz word - you work for free in order to gain valuable exposure. It is a well known fact that media is struggling to come to terms with all the changes caused by technology. However, expecting professionals to work for free or sourcing information and pictures from bystanders are surely not the answer.
Social Media already provides us with all the exposure we desire, what we need is for our work to be acknowledged, valued and paid for. If you feel as strongly as I do about this, please show your support by joining https://www.facebook.com/fairgoforphotographers
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