Event photographer with a "shadow"?

MainlySports

I have a sporting event to photograph in a couple of weeks. I have a contract saying I'll be the exclusive photographer, etc. I received an email from the event organizer today saying he has a friend who is a college photography student. She's in the process of building her sports portfolio and he wants to know if it would be okay if she shadowed me for the event and take her own photos to put into her portfolio.

I have some issues with this as A) I will be WORKING and won't have chit chat time to explain everything I'm doing and as the event photographer, I have access to photograph where the general public does not (so I can get the best photos) and C) I don't want to train someone who could potentially be my replacement. Additionally, how do I keep this person from taking photos and distributing them for free (thus taking $ out of my pocket)?

Has anyone encountered something like this or have any suggestions? I've been shooting events like this for awhile and this is the first time I've encountered someone with a request like this.

Cygnus Studios

MainlySports wrote:

I have some issues with this as A) I will be WORKING and won't have chit chat time to explain everything I'm doing and as the event photographer, I have access to photograph where the general public does not (so I can get the best photos) and C) I don't want to train someone who could potentially be my replacement. Additionally, how do I keep this person from taking photos and distributing them for free (thus taking $ out of my pocket)?.

This is pretty simple if you allow it to be.

A. Were you asked to chit chat and explain anything? If this person has some experience, they can be an asset. They can assist, and they can be directed to get shots that you may not have time to do.

B. Discussing the event with the other photographer prior to the event will solve this problem. Discussing it with the event coordinator also solves this issue.

C. I am not sure why you would worry about a college photographer stealing your business, but that seems to be a constant worry among internet photographers.
As far as limiting the photos to a portfolio, that is easy. Discuss this with the organizer and the other photographer. Set up areas where you are the only photographer and other areas that are shared.

snaptie2002

I would jump on the opportunity! I like talking about taking pictures almost as much as actually taking them. There's always time between innings, between quarters, halftime, during time outs, or when the action is at the other end or whatever to have a conversation.

It is also nice of the organizer to ask your permission. I would definitely turn this into a chance to win his/her favor by saying yes rather than risk sparking a resentment by saying no.

Just explain up front why you don't want the photos made available to the general public. Take this opportunity to pass some on some of the ethical aspects of photography to the next generation.

As far as competition, they're coming whether we help them or not. When they show up next to me I would rather have them know me as the guy who helped them out than the guy who was too busy to be bothered with them.

Bottom line.......I guess you have to ask yourself if you are the right person for the job. If your heart is not in it you may come off as a sour puss who can't be bothered by some whippersnapper with a camera. In that case you are not doing the student any good nor the photography community in general and should find a way to politely decline.

Marty

Ann McRae

I think you are looking a gift horse in the mouth. In return for building this persons portfolio, you get a second shooter, and could ask for rights to sell his/her shots!

Take advantage of the offer, is what I say!

ann

termina3

Let the student shadow you, but make it clear that you're more interested in talking before and after (not during) the event. Explain that you'll be 'in the moment' or something similar.

Ask that, in return for the special access, you get the rights to sell the student's photos.

It would be rude and unusual for the organizer and student to not accept these terms. The small amount of trouble it'll be for you is worth the good favor of the organizer.

ian408

If you turn this around and look at it as a positive experience, I think you'll be the better for it.

First, if you agree, the rights to the photos are yours with a select few for your student's portfolio. Your student has no rights to distribute or sell the photos. Use your student as a second for the event--use the "chit-chat" time to give your second direction. Find time to catch up from time to time during the event--chimp a little and give more direction.

Your second is a student and your opportunity is to trade some help for some help--given the right agreement, both of you will win.