The Documentary Photographer

Last Monday I went to the launch of the National Photographic Exhibition. Last year 500,000 people saw the photographs. A similar number is expected again in 2010. That’s great. Five of my photographs are included in the exhibit.

One of the reasons the exhibition gets such phenomenal viewing figures is the choice of venues throughout Ireland – all of which are public spaces.

The photographs will be on show at Cork airport in the arrivals and departure hall for several weeks before moving on to Limerick.

Already, we’ve had an enquiry from somebody who saw my work while traveling.

I was back at the airport on Tuesday, this time as a passenger, and I took this grab shot of the exhibition.

The 2010 National Photographic Exhibition on display in Cork airport's arrival and departure halls. (c) Roger Overall 2010

I also took this one. It makes me smile how children and adults have such different ways of passing the time while waiting for their flights.

Waiting. (c) Roger Overall 2010

Everyone knows that photographers and their families get all the nourishment they need from the air they breathe. They do not need to eat or drink like other people.

Nor do they have to make mortgage payments. Banks generally give them their houses for free.

In fact, they never have any bills to pay. Ever.

It’s great!

At least, it would be if it were true.

Yet somehow a lot of people see the world this way. None of them photographers, mind.

How else to account for the large number of requests we get for free pictures?

And nearly always we’re told that giving free photography will benefit our business. The classic one is that the picture  is for newspaper use and that it will appear with a byline – free advertising!

Rubbish. Bylines are often omitted and even if they aren’t, they are useless. Do this quick test: Without looking, who is the most published photographer your daily newspaper? The paper you read everyday.

Most people can’t answer this. Most people can’t name a single photographer from their daily paper. Nobody reads picture credits, except for photographers and their mums.

Yet a single mention is going to propel me to fame?

At the recent BNI Big Breakfast, a number of people came up to me for free photographs of themselves at the event and gave exactly that reason.

It’s insulting.

So how should people ask and make it an attractive proposition?

Offer something tangible in return. Ideally money, but how about this:

“Hi, I see you’re taking photographs. I’d love to get one to use for some self-promotion, but I’d like to give you something in return before you do. Where do you get most of your business from and which of my business contacts could I introduce you to with a personal recommendation? Let’s meet for coffee and I’ll bring my contacts book along for you to look at.”

Now, there’s a proposition. And it’s applicable to any business. Importantly, it gives proper balance to the proposal. Reciprocity is key to any healthy business relationship.

Or, in my case, I will shoot for cupcakes.

A shot from a recent shoot I did for Margaret Smith of Um Num Num. A box of cakes came home with me. More on this shoot soon. (c) Roger Overall 2010

I have a Facebook page.

Who doesn’t?

Mine is specifically geared towards my wedding clients, and is designed to encourage interaction between couples and the business.

Thing is, I don’t get on with Facebook at all. Having moved from PC to Mac just over a year ago, I can best describe my feelings towards Facebook as follows: It was surely designed by a PC guy.

Fortunately, I have help. My wife runs the page for me in her role as the business’s marketing angel. I have to say, she does a pretty fab job too: Roger’s Facebook Page.