The creative space is one that thrives with collaborations. Photographers + Models, Photographers + Makeup Artists, Photographers + Models + M.U.A… and the unusual but very common one,; Photographers + other Photographers. The constant flow of collaborations means that there’s a constant exchange of ideas that, in turn, help the creative grow whilst introducing them to an entirely new audience (which is the case online, most often than not).
But, it is easy (especially for new photographers) to be conned into creating content for someone using the guise of collaboration hence why we’re here to discuss how to thread the line of collaborations carefully, so everyone leaves the table satisfied.
Collaborations Benefit all Parties Involved
The most common indicator that you’re in a collaboration is it benefits all the parties involved as everyone gets an equal (or somewhat equal) portion of benefits from the partnership. All parties should be willing to meet on common ground about what should be achieved rather than being one-sided. A common indicator is when other parties point out what kind of image they hope to create despite objections from the photographer. If you find yourself in a situation like this, you’re most likely being used to create content.
Collaborations often serve as a testing ground for new ideas
Collabs are sort of co-labs (get it?) where the parties involved test out new ideas that they feel their various audiences may like or, rather, a way to show off skill sets or test new ideas. Not all collaborations are like this, but most are, so if you find someone approaching you to do what you’re already good at but with no pay in sight… You know where this is headed.
Collaborations should be fun and expose you, the photographer, to the endless possibilities within photography. This is in no way saying that collaboration doesn’t involve undertaking projects that play to your strengths, but most often, they are an avenue to try new stuff, network with other creatives and create art that you wouldn’t normally undertake.
Collaborations are an essential tool in the creative industry (it even was a topic at the 2022 Business of Photography Conference. Click here to read that) as it propels the industry forward, but it is important for all to tread carefully so that you, as a photographer stay protected instead of being used.
