Volunteering your talent for high profile events to further your career

A lot of young budding photographers and videographers are hesitant to volunteer their time; in other words “work for free.” I was the same way. People would ask me to be a photographer at their birthday parties and unless they were family I would give them the squint of the eyes, and tilt of the head accompanied by the high pitched uncertain voice searching for the polite way to decline. It wasn’t until two years ago (the Summer before I started my program at Seneca for Broadcast Television) when I had gone to a beginner’s filmmaking workshop. From that workshop I met the first of my many mentors. She was the one that set all my networking opportunities in motion. At first I didn’t think I would network very much through her.

Rule #1: Don’t try to impress anyone. 9/10 times you end up looking like an idiot and filling the grave you dug from the inside trying to recover from it.

I guess I didn’t make a huge fool of myself because lo and behold, 6 months later, without any prior contact what so ever I get an email from her asking if I would like to help out with the North American Ismaili Games 2014 that was held in Chicago. Knowing that this is a community event (regardless of the size) I knew no accommodations would be provided. And my first response was – “So I’m paying to volunteer?!?” Immediately she corrected me saying that I was being recruited to work with some of the best media professionals in the community. Instantly I was sold and packed my camera bag to head off and cover the tryouts for Volleyball, Basketball, badminton, and table tennis. Without fail my first day I met my photography mentor. Despite working such High Profile events; The Ismaili Games (Kenya, Edmonton, Chicago, and recently Calgary), Aga Khan visits and Celebrations, the IIFA Awards (A.K.A. the Bollywood Oscars), and more, he was so humble and eager to teach me how to improve my photography skills.

On this journey to the Ismaili Games I did not only meet mentors but also I made friends with common interests that can see past the competition within our industry. I even connected with a fellow budding photographer who I can say in a matter of 365 days since, has become more than a friend, she has become my partner in crime when it comes to shooting, framing, hanging our subjects (a little photography humour) and a loyal trustworthy confidant.

Rule #2 Keep working! Hard work doesn’t go unnoticed. Just unappreciated by the lazy people you outshine.

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