Why Working for Exposure is a Waste of Time (And When It’s Actually Worth It)

Let’s talk about working for exposure—one of the biggest traps new creators fall into. You’re trying to build your career, get your name out there, and some big influencer or brand hits you up with an “opportunity.”

“We don’t have a budget, but we can offer exposure!”

Sounds tempting, right? They’ve got 100K, maybe even a million followers. You start thinking about the connections, the visibility, maybe even the big break that could come from it.

I’ve been there. And let me tell you—99% of the time, working for exposure is a complete waste.

Why “Exposure” Usually Means Nothing

The reality is, most of the time, when someone offers you “exposure” instead of payment, it’s because they don’t value what you do—at least not enough to pay for it. If your work was actually important to them, they’d find the budget. They’d prioritize it. The fact that they won’t? That tells you everything you need to know.

In my years of shooting content, working with influencers, and producing videos, I’ve learned that exposure only matters if the right people are seeing your work. And guess what?

At these so-called “high-profile” events, the people you actually want to connect with aren’t there to network with you.

They’re there to enjoy themselves. They don’t care about the event photographer, the videographer, or the guy running social media. You’re just background noise.

I’ve worked huge events, snapping photos of celebrities, business moguls, and social media stars. And guess what? Not once did those connections turn into actual paid work. These people are being pulled in a hundred different directions—they’re not thinking about hiring you.

Even if you somehow manage to slip them your business card, what’s going to happen? They’ll nod, say “let’s connect soon,” and never think about you again. It’s a dead-end.

The Real Cost of Working for Free

When you work for free, you’re not just losing out on money. You’re setting a dangerous precedent for your brand.

People don’t value free work. They take it for granted. And once you start working for free, you’ll be known as the “free guy”—the one who’ll shoot an event or design a logo for exposure. You’ve now positioned yourself as a non-priority.

If you want to be treated like a professional, you need to act like one. And that means setting boundaries.

When Should You Work for Exposure?

Look, there are some situations where it makes sense to work for free—but only if it benefits you.

1. Early Experience – If you’re brand new, have zero portfolio, and need real-world experience, doing a few free gigs can help build confidence and give you practice.
2. Portfolio Building – If the opportunity lets you showcase a specific type of work you want to be known for, it might be worth it. Shooting an event for a celebrity if you plan to specialize in celebrity event photography? That might be strategic.
3. Strategic Trades – Instead of working for free, negotiate something valuable in return. If they won’t pay you, ask for something equally beneficial—like a guaranteed mentorship session with their CEO or access to high-value connections.

Here’s a pro tip: Instead of just saying “no,” say this—

“I appreciate the opportunity, but I’m currently only taking on paid projects. However, I’d be open to an exchange—if I work X hours for your event, I’d love to set up a one-on-one strategy session with [CEO/Influencer].”

Now you’re putting the ball in their court. They either see your value and give you something in return, or they walk away—saving you time.

What You Should NEVER Accept Instead of Payment

1. Social Media Shoutouts – Let’s be real, when was the last time you scrolled through an Instagram post, saw a photographer tagged at the bottom, and went to follow them? Exactly. Shoutouts don’t pay the bills.
2. “We’ll Work Together Again in the Future” – If they really want to work with you in the future, they can pay you now. Future promises are meaningless.
3. “It’s a Great Networking Opportunity” – Events are noisy, chaotic, and no one cares about the hired help. Your time is better spent strategically connecting with people outside of the event setting.

Final Takeaway

Working for exposure doesn’t build your business—it builds theirs. If someone is reaching out to you for your skills, that means your work has value. And if it has value, you should be compensated for it.

The only time you should accept unpaid work is when you are in control—when it benefits you, aligns with your goals, and moves you forward.

So next time someone offers you “exposure,” think twice. You’re not an intern. You’re not desperate. You’re a professional. Charge for your work and own your value.