I recently was hired to shoot for a client who will be participating in a sporting event. Said sporting event also has official photographers by the event organizers, but they are only paid via direct sales to participants, no upfront payment. Taking this job means ill be cutting in potential sales for the official photographers, whom I am also friends and shoot with from time to time.
My question is, is it morally ok for me to take the job in these situations? My client came directly to me even when they could’ve chosen the official photographers themselves. Should I just honor my clients wishes and go ahead? Looking at the big picture I realize the bigger assholes are the organizers who don’t pay their official photographers upfront.
Has anyone been put in similar situations? I’d really appreciate some second thoughts and discussions. Thanks.
Your client most likely booked you because they want pictures of themselves or specific people and don’t think the “official” photographer will be able to capture enough of their people. So, I wouldn’t feel bad about taking maybe 5% of their potential sales when it’s all said and done.