Exciting belly painting news!

I got a very exciting email yesterday!

Hello Janna,

My name is [xxx] and I am a photographer at the local newspaper.

I saw an ad for your painting on pregnant ladies bellies and I think this would make a great photo feature for the newspaper, as its such a unique and creative service.

Let me know if you may be interested in a possible interview and we will need to snap some new photos too.

With thanks,
[xxx]

How cool is that! I'm pretty sure I'm the only person in town who does belly painting, so I think this will be amazing exposure! I'll definitely post pics when they get done. I am thrilled!!

Fun!!

Amazing!!!! I'm super exited for you, hope you have a superb time belly painting.

Thanks guys!

Follow-up question...

Do you think I charge for this belly painting, or offer it for free?

That such great news Janna...Newspaper is great exposure, I think perhaps do it for free as this lovely mum will be plastered in the paper. You are getting free photo's ad advertising..So it's really a win win..But thats my take on it. Maybe charge a bit less than you normally do if you decide to charge.

That's kind of though. I would not offer it free in case they give you some sort of signal. They reached out to you they know you are a ligit business I don't see why they would figure it will be free of charge. Sure you are exited as we all are for you but truth of the matter is they will be making money out of your work one way or the other I suppose. Also in the future if you do work for free they possibly can ask for another session at no cost there is pro's and con's to this after all it's what benefits you the most. And also they Obviously SEE your talent why allow them to see you are willing to work for free. Just my thoughts

This is NOT a paid gig. This is a request for interview and Photo op. It is a reporter asking to take photos not a mom wanting a painting IMO.

If you happen to have a belly painting BOOKED already, and the client is willing to allow the reporter/photographer to observe and take photos, then by all means take the opportunity.

But if you don't have a booking you probably won't be able to get a paid one just for the photo op. Try to find a pregnant friend or co-worker who would be WILLING to model for the photo op.

I've done a lot of interviews for the paper and often they use MY photos and supplement with one or two they take of me when we are doing the in person interview.

If she wants to take photos of YOU painting belly ask her if she has leads on any potential models.

And just to reiterate... this is not a PAID gig. Don't even bring it up. This is dealing with the media ... it is free publicity YOU are not going to be paid.

Grab the opportunity and be friendly and cooperative - once the press form a relationship with you, they will call you, take photos of you when they see you working and you will benefit from free exposure in the paper over time. Trust me.

Yes, this is free advertising for you & not a paid gig. They won't pay you to interview you. I'd do it. This is the good kind of exposure.

CONGRATS!!!

Thanks for the opinions ladies!

I was definitely leaning towards not charging, so I'm glad you agree.

Congrats Janna!!!! this is grate!!!

I'm so happy for you, I actually contacted my local paper a couple months ago, hoping they would see what a cool thing this would be for the paper. No bite yet,LOL So glad they see your talent!

Congrats! I'm looking forward to reading your interview!

Janna...I see this post was from back in August...curious, how did this turn out?

Test the paint on a small area of your skin first to make sure that it applies smoothly and is not irritating – and to make sure that you’ll be able to take it off when you’re ready. It’s also a good idea to do a practice run of your design so you know how to paint it and what it’s going to look like. If you’re doing your own painting, set up a mirror in such a way that you can comfortably see what you are doing.