Private shoots... why so awkward?!

So we're a couple of weeks into 2017 already, and I've managed to already attend a car show BUT... I'm missing taking photos so much!!!
There's just something about private shoots, that is so fun. Not even doing it just to show off for social media - just to meet new people, learn more about people's pride & joy and to hopefully create images they enjoy!

Now here's the political issue of it.

I have some lovely people who ask me to take photos for their companies, or for personal use and they pay for my time, travel and efforts.
I mean I'm no professional and I sincerely appreciate when someone wants to pay for my work. 

But it's something that's so awkward!!!
I've had people approach me just expecting my photos (my time) to be free! 

It often goes -

"so wanna do some photos of my car?"
"Sure, what you thinking?"
"Well somewhere near mine, do a few pics"
"Sure! I'll do mates rates too!"
*lots of laughter*
Erm.... You're expecting me to bring my expensive equipment to you, upon your request, and to spend my fuel, time and efforts to come do this for you.... for free.
Really?

I use my expensive camera and lenses (they don't buy themselves unfortunately.) The expensive camera body. The fuel for travel. My time. My effort. The editing time. 

People will say, don't buy such expensive cameras and lenses, but I wanted to upgrade! I just need to maintain it and expand the lens collection. The money would go right back into what it paid for, to keep it moving! Bigger better equipment!

If I say, can I shoot your car - I understand, I asked... therefore I can't charge for my time, upon me asking. Same at a public event! Not right for me to charge for that.

But it's just so awkward!

Then you have people offering everything for free and people choose that option! You kind of lose hope with most people and wait until someone who appreciates your time and work, asks.

But it's just such a touchy subject. When it doesn't need to be.

Anyway, just a random thought as I haven't posted in a couple weeks.
I will definitely try and keep this updated this year!

Take care
Skully x

Twenty Four

2nd January, 1993 saw me enter the world.
A lot has happened in those years. Everyone has their story to tell but mine is certainly an awkward, complex, unpredictable one!
Now, I'm not sure what I want to do/achieve this year... I know after 2016 tried to see me off, I'd rather like 2017 not having an scenarios like that, preferably!

- I know I want to raise more awareness for the illnesses I have, not just for my benefit, but for all those that suffer this horrendous pain!
- I DEFINITELY want to see my godchildren more!

But car wise, I'm not really sure. Obviously getting to drive some more cars would be EPIC but 24 is an awkward age for insurance! BOO. So I guess just experiencing some cars would be just as cool!!

Going to explore more of America is certainly an aim, especially the West Coast as I haven't been! (any companies that want to sponsor a car photographer to visit the West Coast... feel free to get in touch ;) worth a shot! haha)
Travelling in general, as and when time/life allows me would be cool. I really love just going somewhere new and discovering new stuff and meeting new people.

But I guess, I just want to better myself.
- Better ways to manage my time
- Find a way to balance my illnesses, with not overdoing it!!!!!!!
- Just become a better person really.

I really do want to try and blog/vlog more this year. Myself and Demi did film some stuff at some events last year, but never really did anything with it!

I said all my thank you's at New Years, to all the amazing people I know and love, but anyone who reads this... thank you!!

Take care
Skully x