The truth is that when I started this “Free Sunrise Tour” series, I did give it away for free.  But, after the first 3 tours only 1 out of 6 photographers actually showed up for the Sunrise photography session after signing up.  I felt hurt honestly.  It was a humiliating feeling that I couldn’t give this tour away.

     However, I knew that there had to more to the story.  After all, I’ve won 3 Travel and Hospitality Awards for my tours for the variety and educational experience that they represent.  I was frequently selling this same tour to photographers who wanted to book me on other days for $250.  In fact, while the free tour was poorly attended I was still booking a healthy amount of paid private sunrise, half day and full day tours.  

      I reasoned that when people don’t actually pay to book a tour they didn’t value it enough to get out of bed early in the morning to attend it.  It seemed that if they didn’t have any “skin” in the game, they were more likely to sign up for the tour and then simply not bother showing up for it or canceling.

     I know that many of the photographers who follow me can’t afford to hire me for a tour.  However, I also know that I absolutely need to charge for my tours to make a living.  I am a full time outdoor photographer and I can’t give my services away for free all of the time, and I wouldn’t be in business long if I did.  But, how do I help all landscape photographers and not just the people who can afford me.