Time off for Workshops

Like most continuing professional education, it is clearly in the interest of the employer that its employees “sharpen the saw.” So paying photographers for reasonable time spent in courses makes great sense objectively.

I know organizations who do this for reporters and editors generally, so why not for shooters too?

My suggestion is that you post the same question on the NPPA listserve. That group has many more staff photographers participating. Hence they will be better able, I suspect, to answer this question than the group here.

James,

When I was hired on staff at an NGO I worked for two years, I negotiated into the contract that I got to go to one workshop a year in the interest of professional development. This was paid time that did not come out of vacation. My employer paid for the workshop and I covered my travel and living expenses. Neal is right on this one, to any employer that cares about the excellence of their product, workshops should be a no-brainer. If presented properly, a great case can be made to your employer that shouldn’t put them off. Good luck with everything!

www.edwardlinsmier.com