Comments on: How to Get Screwed by an “Ultra-Hip” Magazine

By: N.B

N.B — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 09:18:57 +0000

Melissa, you’re awesome. Your work is awesome, and your personality is awesome.

Watching the video was very inspiring. Bravo.

I will be frequenting this blog a lot more.

By: Anthony Dawson Ayrshire Photographer

Anthony Dawson Ayrshire Photographer — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 20:32:10 +0000

I think you are very justified in your beliefs here, and I picked up on the fact that those involved wavered their fee’s, which when there is no credit to those people (so basically no work references) would absolutely make my blood boil too.

If you where to put aside the facts of politics and 2 page spreads that one fact alone I personally consider to be a great disrespect on a personal level that no one would like.

I am not a religious person but I do believe in one quote:
Do to others as you expect done to yourself (to put it in plain English rather then bible talk), which very much rings true and backs up the old saying “what comes around goes around”

Oh and on a lighter note, its always great to read blogs such as your own when they extend an air of honesty, its a great point of information and inspiration and furthermore those other photographers that suffer indignancies know that they are not alone.

By: Efra

Efra — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 07:17:04 +0000

Right, but that happen all the time with photographers, most of the time i see it as a rewarding artistic profession dressed with creativity and experimentation, but some times small people leave a ruin flavor in our mouths, but that too is something we learn to pass by.

By: Karl Baxter

Karl Baxter — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 17:05:15 +0000

Feeling your pain. FWIW.. my work is full of breasts and smack hits.. that sometimes gets cut too.. or ignored, or agreed to run and then cut, or agreed to run, asked to be extended and then cut back to the original size after another arduous day of post work.

Hey Ho.. shit happens

By: Beneath the Glossy | imagine that

Beneath the Glossy | imagine that — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 14:16:56 +0000

[...] I came across this post by Fashion Photography Blog’s Melissa Rodwell, where she talks about being screwed by Flaunt Magazine. In her post, she talks about how she started her blog to make people aware of the real world [...]

By: Aloha Lavina

Aloha Lavina — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 22:58:51 +0000

Your photos are awesome! Thanks for sharing this story. I recently did a two day shoot for a wedding issue and when the issue came out, there was no mention of the photog, the models, or the MUA/stylist on the article. At all. It was very disappointing, and I really wonder, for someone who’s just starting out as a fashion editorial photog should I just take any job that comes along if the pay is ‘right’? What advice can you give for clauses in the contract that protect us from huge editorial changes that are done after the original agreement was signed?
You inspire, as always, Melissa. Rock on.

By: Photographers In San Luis Obispo

Photographers In San Luis Obispo — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 03:44:56 +0000

This is very eye opening. Thank you for sharing it with us!

By: Corey Melton

Corey Melton — Sun, 19 Dec 2010 06:32:55 +0000

the whole crew did this thing for free? WHY? When you say fee waived, are you speaking of the models? the assistants, the stylist? You as the photographer??? I cant imagine agreeing to shooting this for free, a 16 page spread (and i am nobody). That seems to be a huge, flame spewing fire engine screaming red flag right there.

By: Rodney Horne

Rodney Horne — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 21:43:42 +0000

I really enjoyed seeing what a pro fashion shoot looks like. I’m also going to try holding the camera underhanded the next time I shoot.

By: Natalie

Natalie — Sat, 11 Dec 2010 06:02:43 +0000

Well done for speaking your mind!

It is a very frustrating industry and the only reason any of us try and carry on is because we love what we do, but even that wears thin when you are treated as you have been. Being under valued begins to eat at you as it all you have ever wanted to do and makes you question your talent!
The pictures are beautiful and you can see how hard everyone worked. Lets hope the fashion industry learns some manners