Sometimes I am asked to work for free

People don't necessarily ring me up and ask directly for a freebie. I get asked for interviews about travel photography, or destinations I have been to, yet I am not allowed to mention any of my books, tours or other projects. Sometimes I get asked for anecdotes, or information for other people's stories, brochures or magazines. I get asked to let people use pictures for free, I have even been asked to go out and take pictures for free. Hell, sometimes, I am not even offered a credit! I get asked for 'consultancy' – where people want make money out of my knowledge, experience and contacts – yet they shuffle nervously when I mention a fee.

People say they don't have a budget yet they still receive a salary! They say it will be good publicity even though I can't mention any of my projects. Do a search for my name on Google: I get enough mentions.

I have spent over twenty years at this game, building knowledge, experience and contacts. I have a house, a mortgage, a particularly hungry two year old daughter. I might work for free when you work for free!

One of my favourites is the old: "it's for charity" line. This from people who are earning £35k plus spectacular benefits. I have given pictures to certain charities. I probably will do again. Please feel free to ask, but don't be offended if I refuse. And please make sure that you are a genuine charity, giving the majority of the money you raise to a development, ecological or poverty related cause, not a pressure group, religious organisation or a plain tax fiddle!

Before asking me to be involved in something without pay, please consider the following:

Will it genuinely promote one of my projects, whether it be a book or a tour?

If not, Harlan Ellison says it far better than I ever could: