"In the belt-tightening world of editorial photography, many media outlets now offer a photo credit, rather than monetary compensation, for the use of your photo. “It will be great advertising for your work,” they tell you, “and getting published by us will help you professionally.”" - Ginger Makela Riker from Bookmarklet

"Ultimately, the best way to help yourself professionally is to do what professionals do — get paid for your work." - Clare Dibble

I've done lots of free photography, and the only jobs it ever led to was from clients who wanted free photography. - Gabe

I've had plenty of paid gigs that came through free work I'd done, but also found many people who value my work as long as it's free. One thing I'm finding is that charging for my work, even just a little bit or maybe through barter, is often the best way to ensure that people value my time and the product of my work. And that's just for baseline respect, let alone making a living. - Seth

At the beginning of the year I allowed an editor to use a few shots to illustrate one article, only to find out six months later that he had been helping himself to my images without any further permission. He has avoided all attempts to accept responsibility and acted like an unprofessional idiot when I asked for the going rate according to NUJ freelance fees guide (http://media.gn.apc.org/feesgui...). - Simon Curran