Working for ‘Exposure’ = Working for Free
The Offer That Sounds Amazing… Until It Doesn’t
At some point in your entrepreneurial journey, you’ll be asked to work for free — but don’t worry, they’ll pay you in “exposure”.
🙄 Lovely.
As a photographer (still something I do occasionally), I’ve had all kinds of requests:
Be someone’s “ambassador” and model-shooter — for free
Travel to a massive corporate event and shoot everything — for free
Work unpaid, but “get credit” and “build connections”
One invite was to photograph an event for 100 six- and seven-figure entrepreneurs. The organiser offered me a booth for headshots and “the opportunity” to network. But when I asked about budget?
I was told I’d be the official sponsor — for free.
If I was new and building a portfolio, maybe. But as someone who regularly charged over £1,000 for this kind of work? Nope.
🚩 Red Flags Disguised as Opportunities
Some of these “offers” come in with phrases like:
“You’ll get to work with XYZ — some of the biggest names in the industry.”
or
“We’re looking for talented creatives to show off their skills. You’ll get full credit!”
🎯 Full credit? I already own my damn work.
If someone’s offering “credit” as the main benefit, they’re unlikely to offer actual pay. That’s a red flag all on its own.
❌ Why Working for Free Is Bullsh*t
1. It Devalues Your Work (and Everyone Else’s)
Yes, offering free work on your own terms (e.g. portfolio mini-sessions) is fine. But when it’s pitched as a favour to you, it’s not. Working unpaid undercuts your value — and undermines your whole industry.
2. Their Network Is Full of Freebie Hunters
If someone’s not paying you, chances are their network won’t either. Exposure to the wrong audience is worthless.
3. You Can’t Charge Them Later
Once you work for someone for free, they’ll always expect free. You become “the person who helped out that time”.
4. You’re Tied to Their Brand
If they credit you publicly, your work is now associated with them. If they’re awful, problematic or just unaligned — you’re stuck.
5. Exposure Doesn’t Pay the Bills
You’re running a business. You need paying clients. If your name’s getting out there but your bills aren’t getting paid, something’s off.
Artists, photographers, designers, creators... you own whatever you have made.
Even after a client has purchased it,
you still own it.
💡 When Working for Free Can Make Sense
There are exceptions — but they’re on your terms.
You’re building a portfolio It’s a cause you care about The opportunity is truly one you couldn’t access otherwise
If you choose to do it, set boundaries:
Be clear on what you’re offering — and what you’re not
Time-limit the project or internship
Ask if there’s a paid role on the other side
Communicate like they’re paying — because your professionalism matters
State clearly that you retain ownership of your work
❤️ From Nic & Lesley
We’re Nic and Lesley – bossy Digital Fixers with at least a thousand years of experience* between us (well, it feels like it).
We created Digital Fixers to help small business owners and creatives learn the tech stuff themselves – without getting ripped off or patronised in the process.
There is a great Blog about how to DIY your Digital Marketing, which will help you get paying customers! *Not really, we are not quite that old
