Photographer Convinces Live Nation CEO to Change ‘Work For Free’ Photography Policy
Jun 29, 2015
Allen Mowery
Allen Mowery is a Nationally-published Commercial & Editorial Photographer with over 20 years of experience. He has shot for major brands as well small clients. When not shooting client work or chasing overgrown wildlife from his yard, he loves to capture the stories of the people and culture around him.
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Sometimes ranting about things works. On Friday, Jared Polin of FroKnowsPhoto posted a rant in which he expressed his frustration with Live Nation about their policy of not paying photographers for their work while retaining the rights to the images.
After replying to a job ad looking for photographers to cover the opening of their new Ascend Amphitheater, Polin was informed that the position “is a great opportunity to build a portfolio.” In response, Polin made a video as an open letter to Live Nation CEO Michael Rapino. In his original bog post, Jared urged readers to “share this out with the world and lets make Michael Rapino hear that he needs to make a change inside his company and #RespectPhotographers.” And, apparently, it worked.
The Rant
The Outcome
Shortly after posting the video, viewers began flooding Rapino’s Twitter feed demanding change, and it didn’t take long for him to respond.
In a tweeted reply to Polin, Rapino said, “Jared you are right was not aware but will get fixed.” This started a dialogue between Polin and Rapino that ended with Live Nation rapidly instituting a policy whereby all venue photographers will be paid a set fee and can then negotiate further on image usage rights.
Jared posted a video update on his blog:
There are many who may simply decline an offer to work for free, but here is a good example of what can happen when action is taken. Maybe don’t go around doing this to every client who asks for your services at not cost, but sometimes taking a stand can be a move in a positive direction.
[RANT: Live Nation needs to #RespectPhotographers by FroKnowsPhoto]
Allen Mowery
Allen Mowery is a Nationally-published Commercial & Editorial Photographer with over 20 years of experience. He has shot for major brands as well small clients. When not shooting client work or chasing overgrown wildlife from his yard, he loves to capture the stories of the people and culture around him.
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10 responses to “Photographer Convinces Live Nation CEO to Change ‘Work For Free’ Photography Policy”
No offence, but how can someone ask for respect, when the message starts with “#”?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hashtag
after seeing it work, you’re still questioning it’s legitimacy? Have fun with your Palm Pilot PDA
I never heard of Live Nation
I wish I had a ‘dollar’ for everything I haven’t heard of! Nevertheless “the movement toward the better outcome start with one.”
They are basically the Clear Channel of live events.
Words are cheap. I think it’s great that Live nation has “said” they will “address” the policy but until action is actually taken all you have are empty words. #RespectPhotographers
Jared Polin is a misogynistic homophobe. Have you ever watched his Raw talks? Not someone I’d look up to.
Alexander tummen upp till din chef!
Now if he could just go after sports wire services.