14 Jan Amsterdam, The Netherlands

“When I first started working as a photographer, I was doing so many jobs for free.  Nobody would pay me, but they’d offer dinner.  Or drinks.  Or publicity.  Or experience.  Or connections.  Or insight.  Even though I felt like my work was worth more, I never thought I was in a position to negotiate.  I’d become so small when discussing compensation.  I’d shrink.  I needed everyone to like me.  I assumed that if people liked me, they’d respect me.  They’d treat me with dignity.  They’d value my work.  And they’d eventually pay me for it.  But instead, they kept asking me back without pay.

I think it’s so hard for creators to get out of that cycle, but my mom gave me the best line to use: ‘I’m sorry, but I can’t afford to do that for free.’  I still do free gigs, but only on my terms.  Only if they provide value beyond a person’s gratitude.  I’m never aggressive or mean.  But I’m clear.  I’m not sure what I’m worth to them.  But I know what I’m worth to myself.  And I want it put in writing.  I’m still nice about it.  I’m still polite.  But I’m more dominant.  Well, maybe not dominant.  Actually I will say dominant.  You can still be dominant and nice.”    (Amsterdam, The Netherlands)