Craigslist is great. I used to use it all the time when I was younger and spent my money recklessly on musical instruments. Of course, it was only natural for me to gravitate towards the site when I started my photography business. Posting an ad on Craigslist is free, after all.
I will admit, I have gotten a number of jobs from Craigslist, but I will also admit that it is probably one of my most frustrating things I've done related to my business. So frustrating, that I try to avoid the website like the plague when it comes to finding photography jobs, and here's why...
It only took me a number of replies to my emails to figure out that everyone who posts an ad on Craigslist that's looking for a photographer is looking for the absolute cheapest price possible. Trying to find a deal is understandable, but the prices the majority of the people from Craigslist think is reasonable is ridiculous, assuming they're willing to pay at all. I know this is due to dSLRs being so accessible now, but I also know "photographers" not knowing what to charge and asking for almost nothing to take photos certainly isn't helping...
Which brings me to the other reason I hate Craigslist. While searching Craigslist for anyone who is looking for a photographer, I happen across a lot, a lot, and a lot of ads from "photographers" who, quite honestly, have no business trying to make money by taking photos. I'm not saying my work is the absolute best, or even great, but the quality of work these fauxtographers are trying to sell is almost criminal.
"You get what you pay for" applies to many, many different items and situations, and photography is no exception. Do yourself a favor, and pay the extra money to have decent work done. Chances are if you don't you'll end up spending the $25 or whatever, and then whatever the actual photographer was charging when you have to go to them because your first photographer, unsurprisingly, failed.
www.danpomykalski.com
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