Rookie Abuse! JUST SAY NO!

[Ahh!]

As a rookie in many fields over the years, I have been abused. I have seen rookies abused and strive instead to be a mentor. Always...And a booster, as I have have spirit.

Anyone dealt with rookies and figured out ways to get what you want and help them get what they want? <<<A rookie contract>> <<OR, What points should be considered when putting together an agreement>>

Bring it on here or eventually maybe we should add it to the sticky on Contracts? See my comments at:

Contracts, forms, etc.

This is a tough and yet passionate group. Keep it professional and leave out the war stories, please.

What say you?

[HotHolly]

Originally Posted by phorn45

Anyone dealt with rookies and figured out ways to get what you want and help them get what they want?

There's the ideal balance, huh? So far so good. Last intern improved too much (she's freaky good) - helped me a whole lot too - I hired her 6 months later - plus, now we're good friends. How was that for a rookie? And I think I made out pretty good too.

[CaptainTom]

I'm somehow not understanding the point of this thread ...

Gently explain to me what it is supposed to mean..please...

[guitarbug]

I'm with you Cpt Tom, I am lost on this one!

[Ahh!]

I am looking at what contracts are/should be in place to make sure rookies can hone their craft while the photog and rookie both benefit to each other's mutual satisfaction (and protection). I haven't yet seen anything.

Sounds like it happens naturally in most cases as there is respect for the work. But what if that respect is broken? What protections should be in place? Also unforseen circumstances "stuff" happens. What then?

Again, not looking for war stories, more looking for potential issues and ways to manage the risks for both parties.

[Daniel Bates]

Are we talking about how to make sure that assistants and second shooters aren't exploited, but get their proper due? Or something else?

[zepp]

Huh?

[Ahh!]

Thanks for asking. I worry that it could cut both ways. Here are some hypotheticals:

As a rookie, especially as a once-in-a-while- and I-met-them-at-a-GTG-and-they-seem-great- basis, how do you officially set their expectation on how they can use their shots, based on the contract you have with the client?
Are there restrictions on you that must be passed along to them? Confidentiality (business location/product shoot)?
If you have them assist with workflow, or have access to your shots.
Can they take the shots (appropriate credits or not) and jazz them up for their own portfolio?
Do you insist (and check to see if) they have their own liability?

Intern arrangements are much more supervised and are (I would think) easier to set and reset expectations...but wouldn't those experiences on the photog underscore the need for a contract with any off-the-street second shooter.

I would not want to encumber a professional arrangement with a long legal contract, but what seems appropriate...I always hate to see the relationship end on a sour note when a reasonable framework can be put in place. To put in a way that other threads have, perhaps, "lay down the law, and nobody gets dished at, blackballed, banished...", and all the rest of the vitriol.