GWP blogspot

This blog is going to be a mix of what I'm up to now, a look back at some of my past favourites, maybe some equipment and technical stuff and whatever else you would like to see...but primarily with a photographic theme.

More than the money

Hi All

It’s been a big few weeks.

Tony Abbott photographed for the Mercury Newspaper.

Tony Abbott photographed for the Mercury Newspaper.

For those of you living in a vacuum (or don’t give a flying fajita about politics) there is a by-election looming.

Pollies from both sides stand up and make promises (a large number of which will never come to pass). They also seem to have a built-in need to bag out their opponent.

It’s this bagging that leads me to this week’s topic.

Justine Keay photographed for The Australian Newspaper.

Justine Keay photographed for The Australian Newspaper.

I was approached by an ad agency to supply photographs of one of the candidates…for a good fee.

Ok…no problem…or so it seems.

The issue I had was that I had been contracted to take the shots in question for a national newspaper. The candidate gave their time for the shoot knowing they were to be used for a specific purpose.

Brett Whiteley photographed for The Australian Newspaper.

Brett Whiteley photographed for The Australian Newspaper.

I had a very strong suspicion that the images were intended to be used in some sort of negative campaign…despite the fact there was good money on offer (and I had copyright over the images)…I just wasn’t morally comfortable.

I said no.

I may never have to deal with either candidate again…but that is unlikely…I live in a relatively small community.

I think my professional integrity is worth way more than a one-time pay off.

Until next time…