Done for free? A lesson in the photographic world.
My photography is no more than a fun thing I like to do. Is it rewarding? Yes, but not so much in the sense of earning a living from my images. More from wandering about, stumbling across stuff to point my camera at. I like to uncover the unusual, quirky and fun moments, enjoying the outdoors – or indoors, whatever the occasion. My daughter knew of this photographic expertise. Kids always support their poor old dad, don’t they? She is a hardworking professional, rightfully proud of her skills, working in an aged care village. One day she asked me to take photos at an upcoming celebration - the anniversary of the opening of their venue. Sounds an easy ask, doesn't it? I said 'yes' and then hoped I would not stuff it up.
Normally I justify no pay with, 'oh well, if the photos don't turn out, the price matches the product'. Stupid, eh? My concern was that I did not want to let my daughter down in front of her workmates. Even worse I did not want to disappoint the people I was to meet at the anniversary do. Anyway, I wondered how I would take photos of her ageing community.
Photography became serious.
Who'd have thought?
The celebration included the people who lived there and their families - a rare event for everyone to get involved. The car was part of the 50’s theme. Everyone dressed to that theme, staff too. The car featured in many photos.
The night was great. The staff were awesome in the way they interacted with each other and everyone else there. I relaxed and pressed the shutter with increasing enjoyment. Such fun.
At the end of it all, I downloaded the photos and gave them to my daughter on a usb. With what came next, I began to understand one of the real joys of photography and the intense care those staff have for their patients. Staff printed photos and delivered them to attendees. Man, people amaze me sometimes. The world contains wonderful people.
There were more ways I would learn that photography could be really rewarding. In the few months after the party, several of the care home inhabitants who attended that party unfortunately passed. At three of the passing remembrances, people shared the last photo taken of their loved one with an image taken of them at that party.
There was more value in the experience of that event than money. Done for free? Oh, no. I was very well paid, believe me.
Thanks for the great learning.
