January 13, 2025
So, you’re a creative business owner (in Calgary or otherwise) and you’ve been approached for a collaboration. Exciting, right?
The word collaboration can conjure up images of dreamy photoshoots and exciting partnerships.
But let’s be honest, sometimes the reality is… well, a bit less glamorous. (Here’s another post that talks about the dark side of working for exposure.)
We’ve all been there. You get approached for a ‘collab’ and the other person is dangling the carrot of ‘exposure’ — but it seems like they’re forgetting that actual compensation is a thing.
A true collaboration is a win-win for everyone involved.
It’s about bringing everyone’s unique skills and resources to the table, working together towards shared goals, and making sure that everyone’s getting an equal amount out of it… whether it’s monetary, bartering services, or anything else you’ve agreed on.
In the Calgary photography scene, collaborations often involve photographers teaming up with models, stylists, makeup artists, brands, and other creatives. We all contribute our expertise to create something incredible that none of us could achieve alone.
✨ If you’ve got a great collaboration idea but you’re not sure how to approach the other parties, read our other post on collaborations!
Before you jump in, take a moment to assess the offer. A little clarity up front can save you from headaches later.
Here are a few questions that’ll help you determine whether this is a genuine collaboration opportunity where everyone wins, or if it’s someone trying to get free labour.
Oh, and don’t forget about your contract! It doesn’t have to be long or even particularly formal, but be sure to outline the terms of the collaboration, including:
The best collaborations often happen naturally, growing out of genuine connections.
Building strong relationships with other creatives through industry events, online communities, or simply supporting work you admire can lead to incredible opportunities.
But what if you’ve got a specific idea in mind and want to pitch it? How do you approach potential partners? Here are a few tips:
Remember, a true collaboration is a win-win. It’s about creating something amazing together and sharing the rewards in a way that values everyone’s contributions!
I recently had the pleasure of working with a fantastic collab with Ashley. She’s a set designer, stylist, florist, and all around creative genius. I met Ashley at a workshop and immediately we knew that we wanted to collaborate on a creative project of our own.
Ashley provided the styling, the model (herself!) and her beautiful loft. I was responsible for the photography, the shot list, and the overall concept board. We worked together to create each set that day.
This shoot was a tribute to my grandmother, who was a woman of quiet luxury and elegance. We incorporated some of her pieces — fur, fascinators, a vintage rotary phone, and jewelry. We blended these with Ashley’s own lingerie, accessories, and records, all set against the backdrop of her stunning home.
The result? A touch of classic glamour with a modern, slightly saucy twist. We (and Grandma) were thrilled.
This shoot was so much fun! When a collab works, it really works, and this was one for the books.
It’s time to flip the script on the whole “exposure” thing. Let’s value our time, talent, and creativity.
When someone offers you a collab, ask yourself: Is this a fair deal? If the answer is no, don’t be afraid to politely decline. (Not sure exactly how to go about it? We tell you exactly what you need to say in this post right here!)
Let’s work together to create a more equitable creative industry. By standing up for ourselves and each other, we can ensure that our work is valued and compensated fairly!
Collabs are not about working for FREE, they are about working TOGETHER. A genuine collaboration should benefit all parties—not just one. Your skills are valuable, and you deserve to be paid for your work!
Want more?