Money Matters

I got my back-up gig pay today from the photog I assisted last Sunday. It was disappointing that my ‘salary’ was smaller than what I had previously gotten — I got 25% less than the going rate for back-up photographers then — and now I only got half. I was 50% underpaid! Hmph! I know, I should be thankful that at least I’m still earning something no matter how meager it is, but my mind says otherwise. Blame it on the “charge what you think how much you’re worth” philosophy of the artsy-fartsies. Eh love ko sarili ko, so, mataas ang value ko. Haha 😀

Ideally, when you value your work, you not only take into account the time and effort you spend doing it (in my case, that’s about 10-14 hours on my toes, constantly running after the bride and groom and most of the time hungry, thirsty and in need of a bathroom break — there are times that I only get to do those after the reception) but also the cost of equipment or materials, travel expenses (including cost of lost income while traveling), miscellaneous costs such as electricity, food, etc. AND your creative fee. Why of course, you’re supposed to you should give value to what’s between your ears. 😉 (And people wonder why having their pictures taken costs so much. *lol*)

Unfortunately, it doesn’t work that way most of the time. Kaya nga IDEALLY eh. Sigh.

Looking at the bright side, at least I’ll be able to attend the WPPP Photo Congress without opening up my piggy bank. Teehee.