[Leica] Helping others

[lrzeitlin at gmail.com (Lawrence Zeitlin)]

Ted writes as an excuse for not paying for advice:

"We don't and haven't charged each other for our experinece and pleasure of

helping each other! WHY? Simply because we assist each other in exchange of

our greart wisdom! :-) And buddies don't charge buddies for a helping hand!

See how easy it is?"


- - - - -


So why rank against Peter Klein for donating a photo of his dog to a web
site? Isn't that just helping an organization that he supports. A double
standard or just a knee jerk protection of turf?


I'm all in favor of giving free advice and assistance to friends and virtual
web friends.  It is a voluntary action in a situation that I entered into
freely. But when someone requests service in my area of expertise through
normal business channels I expect payment, the services and fees agreed upon
upfront. What I object to is the attitude of some members of the LUG that
free pictures somehow reduce the earning capability of working photographers
even though the working photographer was not in competition with the
amateur. If the working photographer is good enough, clients will line up to
get his/her services. Obviously they did so in your case. But if their
efforts are no better than the "free" photos volunteered by amateurs, they
they should either strive to improve their skills, get a better agent, or
find some other line of work. As you pointed out yourself, in a newsworthy
situation, almost anyone can pick up a modern wi-fi equipped camera and
submit an adequate photo to a publication. It may not be the best but it
will do.

Larry Z