Oh no! Not Again! The Exploitation of Young Creatives

In a recent blog I talked about how creatives - photographers in particular - are sometimes under valued by organisations who should really know better. https://www.jameswarmanphotography.com/blog/the-hidden-cost-of-free-why-photographers-deserve-better)

This was in response to a social media post I saw from a Shrewsbury organisation asking for photos to help with their promotion. 

In return, the photographer was only offered a mention - a photo credit when their image is used, no payment, not even a nominal license fee. 

What made it worrying (and why it prompted me to write a blog) was the proud boast from the organisers that there were no terms and conditions attached to the offer.

This should be a red flag for any creative being asked to hand over their work for the benefit of someone else. No terms and conditions means ambiguity and suggests either a less than professional approach, a lack of understanding about image rights or worst still an exploitative attempt to get something for nothing.

Well, here I am again, sounding like a broken record but another post has caught my eye from a different local organisation. This time aimed at young creatives and media students to volunteer their time and videography talents for a project.

No reimbursement, other than a mention and possibility some merchandise, but an expectation of regular weekly commitment for the period of the project. 

It might sound like a great way to get experience. I get the appeal. When I was starting out, I would have jumped at a chance to be part of something creative, to prove myself, to be in the room. 

But after more than a decade in professional photography, and having worked with students, artists, and institutions I’ve come to see these offers for what they often are:

Free labour in exchange for a name check next to the published image.

This is the absolute bare minimum any photographer or videographer should expect. It should certainly not be packaged as the sole reimbursement for your hard work.

The Creative Work Has Value — Always

Let’s be clear: filming, editing, photographing, designing — these are skilled services. They require time, equipment, editing software, and, most importantly, creative insight. If an organisation is asking you to tell their story in your time, and they’re going to use that content to promote their work, attract funding, or build their brand, then they’re benefitting from your labour. That has value. And value deserves compensation.

“Exposure” Is Not Payment

You can’t pay your bills in “credits.” You can’t buy lunch with a merch bundle. The promise of being “seen” is not the same as being paid.

The truth is, if someone is asking you to produce professional-quality work, they should treat you like a professional.

Lack of Respect to Photographers

Whether it comes from a place of ignorance or not, treating photographers, even amateurs or those just starting out on their career this way is disrespectful, patronising and contributes to the devaluing of the profession.

It is also morally wrong.

To Young Creatives: Know Your Worth

If you’re just starting out and looking for opportunities, here’s what I’d say:

• Ask questions. Who will use the work? Where will it be shown? Will you retain any rights? (For more information about your rights as a photographer over your images see my previous blog on the subject - https://www.jameswarmanphotography.com/blog/copyright-a-photographers-struggle-to-protect-whats-theirs )

• Clarify the commitment. How many hours? How long is the project? Is there mentoring involved?

• Negotiate. Even if a fee isn’t advertised, you can ask, “Is there a budget for this?”

• Don’t be afraid to walk away. If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.

There are plenty of ethical, supportive organisations who will pay or at least offer genuine value in return — proper mentoring, equipment support, travel expenses, and a clear pathway into paid opportunities.

To Organisations: You Should Know Better

For any other service your business needs, whether it’s website design, flyers printed, an ad in the local media, you would expect to pay for that service.

So why do you think photography is any different?

By only offering a name check you are essentially patronising photographers, devaluing their work, and undermining the local photography market.

You may try and pass it off as a philanthropic gesture but many creatives will see it for what it is - exploitative.

Instead, consider offering a nominal license fee, acknowledging that you wish to support student or amateur photographers. This could be as low as £50 for perpetual non-exclusive use of a single image.

This will not only attract a lot more attention from local photographers but it also shows that you respect and value photography as a profession.

You may even tie it into other tangible benefits such as: mentorship, training, professional feedback, or genuine collaboration where the creative has authorship, not just utility.

Final Thought

I’m not saying never help out, never volunteer, never take a chance. I have previously offered my services on a voluntary basis where it’s a cause or an organisation I feel passionately about, but these are the exception not the rule, and it has always been at my suggestion, never the expectation.

There’s a difference between mutual exchange and being taken advantage of. Young creatives are the lifeblood of the arts and we have a duty to treat them with respect, not just when they’re award-winning professionals, but from the moment they show up with a camera, a sketchbook, or an idea.

We can do better. And we should.