All the young and seasoned women photographers: We have some concerning updates. According to a new study, freelance photographers—especially women—earn less than their male counterparts. While it may seem the issue only plagues the creative field, in reality, it is affecting other work categories, too.
The study, organized by OnDeck, a loan advisory company, examined the pay of 9,078 U.S.-based freelancers who use Upwork (a portal that connects independent professionals to businesses or anyone who needs their service). After examining the invoices of freelancers who have worked more than 100 hours, OnDeck analyzed the gap in pay rates between men and women in different states.
Per the report, local male photographers charge $100.50 per hour on average. However, women earn about 25% less, making only $75.41. But don’t despair. Some good news, too: Women creatives are favored in ten of the 24 roles surveyed in the design and creative section, with the biggest difference seen in videography. Women videographers earn $121.67, unlike men, who make $74.25 — a whooping $47.42 difference.
While the gender pay gap is lowest in the creative field among the other 11 categories (engineering and architecture, sales and marketing, writing, and more), it is, however, persists. For example, the pay gap difference in photography and videography has to do with the history of the mediums. The former’s invention occurred in the early 1800s, while the latter came about near the turn of the century. As a result of the great divide, photography is entrenched with the outdated notion that it’s a man’s job. After all, the medium was founded by (white) men, and thus, their hold hasn’t wavered.
Because of such glaring errors, agencies and organizations are making a conscious effort to identify and showcase the works of women artists. An example is Hundred Heroines, a UK-based contemporary museum and gallery honoring women in the visual arts. While the discourse has begun, it’ll likely be decades before society shifts away from favoring men. Thus, every minute effort must be counted in paving the way for a more equitable future.
But until we arrive at that utopian era, here are some suggestions to help you better value your worth:
1. Research, research, research: One of the most crucial points in this list is to look at other offerings. Portals like Upwork, Glassdoor, and PayScale are great spaces to compare rates and experiences.
2. The cardinal sin—Underpricing: The livelihood equation includes determining your service price, weighing your profit margin, and the value of your end product.
3. Your experience counts: The bitter pill to swallow is that thousands of others can do your job at a far lower wage. So, use your skillset and experiences for negotiation.
4. Update your rate: Each successful project is another notch in your belt while you gather valuable experience. So, annually, reassess your strengths and let them shine in your rate card.
5. Be ready to compensate: There are moments when you ask for more, and other times, charging less makes sense. Make your decisions based on project duration, consistency, and requirements.
6. Highlight details: If your client requires a customized photobook or high-quality paper for prints, then opt for a variable rate. Also, stay open to adjusting prices post-trial period satisfaction for flexibility.
Most importantly, your gender shouldn’t affect your pay. While the chasm seems far wider in a few freelance roles, remember, this is just beginning. Our last piece of advice: Don’t undervalue yourself because of doubt or expectations. If you don’t fight for fair pay, who will?