Asking for compensation for photography work

[theperfectplex]

I’ve shot for a pro wrestling company a few times now for free and my pictures are loved by many and shared by a bunch of stars. The company has a tv show as well. How can I request money for the next shoot? I’ve done work for free for the past year 1. As a fan and 2. to get my name out there. I am just unsure what to charge. I do take a couple days in my spare time to edit the photos as well. But I don’t want to request too much to where I’m not asked back although the owner is very cool as are everyone else. They don’t make a lot of many and their stars don’t make a lot either. 

[shadowsports]

Greetings,

If you are going to be paid for your work, you may want to consider drawing up a contract.  This is to protect you and the customer for the services you will be providing.  If you have been providing services for free, you may need to tread lightly with your existing customers while you ease them into a paid business model.  

[rs-eos]

Yes, contracts would be a must. Also, I would recommend first meeting with your clients to first discuss that you'd like to move to a paid arrangement.

[kvbarkley]

But be prepared for a "No Thanks." In other words, you need to be prepared to stop doing the free work. As the saying goes in another context, "Why buy the cow, when you get the milk for free?"