I have written about people asking to use photography gratis in the past with this column:
Compensation For Our Work

Image from:
Pixabay
download

Though I have written about this topic in the past, I've never followed through.  
--I can't keep giving my diligently created work away and expect to taken seriously as a professional.
--My photography is obviously worth SOMETHING to the person/entity asking to use it.
--I’ve seen it said countless times that photographers don’t get paid from exposure.

That is true.  Hence the my new policy:
Digital Download Policy  

As artists, we have to stand together and stand up when someone asks us for free photos in exchange for exposure.  If one photographer concedes, it hurts every photographer.  I need to remember this and put my new policy in effect EVERY time I get a request for use without financial compensation.  And so should EVERY other photographer, whether they consider themselves professional or not.  Someone clearly wanted to use one of your photos.  They must have considered the image high quality.  Otherwise they wouldn’t have asked.

I created a new page on my website in May detailing my new digital download policy.  You can read it here:
Digital Download Policy

Now I have to follow through.

In the meantime:
Focus on what's ahead of you.
--
Chris