I’ve gone back and forth about whether to say anything, and at this point I almost feel like a broken record. But when something continues to bother you, sometimes you need to speak from the heart

.Photography means a lot to me. Whether I’m standing in front of a rock stage or at a dog show, when I pick up my camera, I’m giving a part of myself—my time, experience, energy, and something I truly love.

That’s why this situation hurt.

When I agreed to photograph the event, there was never a discussion about money, compensation, or specific expectations of what I was required to provide. I came because I wanted to be there, support the event, and capture some great moments.

So when expectations were placed on me afterward that had never been discussed beforehand, I was honestly disappointed and hurt.

And again, this really isn’t about the money.

It’s about feeling appreciated and respected.

Maybe that’s also why I notice such a difference when I’m photographing music events. I love being part of the music photography community because, in my experience, there seems to be a little more appreciation for what photographers contribute—even if that appreciation is simply someone using my photo, sharing it, tagging me, giving me credit, or saying, “Great shot, Bobby.”

Those little things mean something to me.

They tell me that the time I spent behind the camera mattered to somebody.

I don’t need a parade or a pat on the back every time I take a photograph. That’s never been why I do this. But I also don’t want to walk away feeling like something I freely gave wasn’t enough.

If I had been hired and paid to provide a specific service, then absolutely—I should be held accountable for whatever we agreed upon. But when no agreement or compensation was ever discussed, I don’t think it’s fair for expectations to suddenly appear afterward.

People see the finished photograph. They don’t always see the years of experience behind it, the equipment, the travel, the hours spent shooting, or the additional hours going through hundreds of images and editing them.

My time has value, even when I choose to give it freely.

That’s really what I’m trying to say.

I care about the dog community, and I enjoy photographing these events. That’s exactly why this hurts. I don’t want something I enjoy doing to become something I dread because generosity slowly turns into expectation.

Maybe I sound like a broken record, but communication, appreciation, and respect go a long way.

Sometimes a photographer isn’t asking for money.Sometimes they’re simply asking you to recognize that what they gave you had value.

And sometimes a simple “Thank you, Bobby. We appreciate what you did” means more than you could possibly know.

~ Bobby Dreher

and a Huge THANK YOU To ALL the bands and especially to BAD MARRIAGE & MARK WEISS