If you’ve shot for free for a while, 1/ you’re the « shoot for free » photographer and frankly you’re just bad for the whole business because you undercut everyone. and 2/ you’re now known as the « shoot for free photographer », good luck trying to get hired for money by people who got you for free or heard from colleagues/acquaintances you work for no money.
Good luck though, everyone deserves a chance, but don’t count on others and do your own thing, it’s also 10 times more rewarding…
Not overreacting, telling it like it is. Do not do free work. Charge even a little bit for it because from a little bit you’ll be able to raise your prices. If you shoot for free, you’ll be the free photographer. Hurt your feelings over that? Oh well