Hey Reader,
It’s crazy how often we creatives get asked to do more for less.
If you’ve been doing this for a while, you know the feeling when you’re asked to produce a long list of deliverables for a number that makes you laugh (or cry).
The question is: can you stand behind your worth even when it feels uncomfortable?
That’s what I want to share today: how I handle low-ball offers, negotiations and the messy business side of this creative life.
Let's dive in!
The 3 F’s: Fun, Fortune, Fame
I first heard this from photographer Finn Beales in his online workshop and it stuck with me.
When a new enquiry lands, I run it through this filter:
- Fun – Will this actually be enjoyable? Good people, good energy, good vibe?
- Fortune – Is the rate fair for the work?
- Fame – Will it grow my portfolio, connections, or visibility (not just online, but real-world exposure)?
A project needs to hit at least two out of three.
Fun + Fame? Maybe you swallow the lower rate once and enjoy the possibility of a fun shoot and exposure.
Fortune + Fun? Easy yes. Maybe it’s not the exposure you’re wanting, but it’s a step in the right direction.
Ideally, all three.
But one on its own? That’s where trouble starts.
Only “fame” leaves you burned out.
Only “fun” leaves you resenting the low pay.
And only “fortune” leaves you uninspired or creatively drained.
I can’t tell you how many hours this little filter has saved me or made my life easier.
If you’ve ever stared at a DM for hours, wondering “should I… shouldn’t I…”, try running it through the 3 F’s.
It makes the decision so much clearer.
Thinking Like a Business Person
Here’s something I wish I’d learned earlier: your creativity has layers of value, and clients should pay for more than just the hours you’re behind the camera.
Extra edits cost money.
Extra time on set costs money.
Even your advice on how a shoot should run – that’s worth something too.
I started thinking differently once I realised this.
For example, when I’m shooting a project, I often shoot a little above the package my client had booked.
A client might book me for photos only, but while I’m working, I’ll grab a few basic reel shots on my A7IV.
Nothing crazy, just clips I’d usually capture anyway for my own BTS or content.
Once the shoot’s delivered, I can go back to the client and say:
“By the way, I also produced a few video clips. If you’d like, I can pull them together into a simple edit for $X.”
If they’re not interested, no stress – I was going to shoot those clips anyway.
But if they say yes, suddenly the same project earns a little more and the client walks away with extra value.
That’s the mindset shift.
It’s not about hustling or tricking anyone.
It’s about recognising that the small things you already do carry value, and giving yourself permission to charge for them.
One thing I always keep in mind: under-promise and over-deliver. Never the opposite.
Learning to Say No
This is the hardest one.
Saying no feels risky. The fear creeps in – “If I don’t take this, there won’t be anything else.”
But you have to remind yourself that this is famine thinking, and I’ve caught myself there plenty of times.
Recently, I had an enquiry for a role that involved a lot of travel.
On paper, it sounded exciting.
But the pay? Nowhere near what made sense, especially when you consider the “drop everything” nature of this opportunity.
My old self might have just taken it “for the experience”, thinking it was the only opportunity for me.
Or shut the door and walked away, frustrated that the “wrong” opportunities kept coming my way.
Instead, I tried a middle path. I wrote back:
“Hey, this setup doesn’t quite work for me, but I’d love to stay connected and hear what else you’ve got coming up. Maybe there’s a project where we’d be a better fit.”
That reply did two things.
It protected my worth and it kept the door open.
And that’s key.
Sometimes the same client will circle back months later with a project that does make sense for you.
And now, on this occasion, they have an elevated perception of you thanks to your actions before.
That’s the difference between just saying “no” and saying “no” like a business person.
Committing to Improving
Here’s the other side of knowing your worth: you’ve got to back it up.
Confidence doesn’t come out of thin air. It comes from knowing you’re improving, that you’re levelling up behind the scenes.
For me, that’s looked like diving into reels – sharpening my editing, pushing my colour grading, even playing with sound design.
I’m growing my confidence for videos, so when I get asked to produce content, I feel happy charging a fair price.
For you, it might be refining your portfolio, experimenting with new styles, or finally learning how to pitch yourself better.
When you’re actively growing, saying no gets easier.
Because you know the right opportunities will come – and when they do, you’ll be ready.
Final Thoughts
Your worth isn’t a number. It’s a standard.
Protect it with the 3 F’s.
Value every layer of what you bring.
Learn how to say no without burning bridges.
And keep sharpening your craft.
You've got this!
btw...
I’ve been writing Captured every week for a few years now.
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It’s a small way to help keep this going while I keep sharing these newsletters with you.
