581 I know some photojournalists and documentary filmmakers support themselves with commercial work, but I'm wondering if there is an ethical line that shouldn't be crossed. As a journalist, I'm used to a "Chinese Wall" between the reporter and advertiser, and maintaining an objective perspective of the subject despite flacks (PR) pushing their agenda. However, as I shoot more documentary photo and video multimedia projects in the hopes of making it my living, I'm realizing that this route alone may not pay the bills, and therefore I haven't left my secure writing position. But what about shooting promo videos and other commercial photo projects, which could be very lucrative? I just got passed over for a promo video for a nonprofit because while they liked my doc work, i lacked promo video experience. It got me thinking about my existing doc projects. Is it in bad taste to shoot promo videos related or featuring some of the subjects that i'm shooting a doc about? For instance, I'm following the lives of some young, talented skateboarders for a short documentary that i'm not being compensated for. A few in the group are sponsored by a skateboard manufacturer, who i could approach about a producing a separate promo video and photo series for commercial applications? Can any of you share how you navigate this world of commercial photography and video, but maintain your integrity as a documentary photographer or photojournalist? Thanks, Craig 4 2008-08-30T12:17:49Z 0 2008-09-02T01:51:20Z true 23698 false 4229 2008-09-02T01:51:20Z Brooklyn, New York true 2009-02-28T00:00:00Z false balancing-commercial-and-documentary-work 1 2008-09-02T01:51:20Z 4229