Photography Chain Table
The chain table brings photographers, clients, education, and experts together. Based on research and practical experience, we develop guidelines for fair rates and good working conditions. We translate the results into concrete tools that are directly applicable in practice. Themes include:
- copyrights
- unpaid work
- the value of photography
Objective
Raising awareness and facilitating discussion regarding the labor market position of photographers working in the cultural sector. Development of guideline rates for photography assignments in the cultural sector. Discussions and information regarding fair pay based on several relevant themes.
Type of activity:
Recently, the chain table has focused on developing fair pay guidelines for both photographers and clients within the cultural sector. Key themes include copyrights, uncompensated activities by photographers, and the value of photography. Based on research, discussions, and interviews with photographers and other professionals from the sector, it has mapped out the situation and the challenges.
Duration:
Participants:
Dutch Photographers/DuPho; plus a number of members, MBO and HBO vocational training programs, PhD candidates, and participants from various types of service providers/agencies.
The chain table graphic is under development.
The chain table graphic can be viewed on desktop and tablet.
Latest News
About the Table
The chain table was established in May 2023 and consists of nineteen professionals from the field. Photographers, clients from cultural institutions and event organizations, as well as representatives from knowledge institutes and vocational training programs. Led by independent chair Ruud Visschedijk, advisor and former director of the Nederlands Fotomuseum, the chain table conducts its own research or commissions it. The chain table performs analyses and develops concrete guidelines and tools for practical application. Examples from the cultural sector and comparable sectors are used for this purpose.
Concrete tools have now been developed to strengthen the labor market position of photographers in the field of culture and event photography, and the chain table has established a working group for the communication of these tools.
A communication working group has been established so that the conversation about fair pay can be conducted across the entire country. Additionally, an explorer has been appointed to investigate whether there are possibilities within the field to better safeguard fair pay for the future.
Contribute?
If you would like to contribute to the knowledge and acceptance of fair pay within photography within your organization, educational institution, or during a photo festival, please contact Anne Bloemendaal. She will be happy to assist you!
Participants
Below you will find a list of all participants. Is something incorrect or would you like more information? Please contact the team.
Documents
- Initial dossier
- Preliminary research: Photographers and bottlenecks in terms of employment and working conditions, an exploration. August, 2022, HTH.
- Preliminary research: Value of Image, Image of Value. January, 2023, Federatie Beeldrechten c.s.
- Practical tool 1: Report 'The value of professional photography'. April 2024, FOTODOK and Flowerdales.
- Practical Instrument 3: Focusing on Billability: Exploration of Paid and Unpaid Hours of professional photographers in the cultural sector. November 2024, Social Finance Matters in collaboration with the chain table.
- Practical Instrument 4: Photography | Copyright Guide. March 2025, Max van Olden, director of DuPho and legal expert, in collaboration with the chain table.
- Practical Instrument 5: Photography | 'Pricing' Guide. March 2025, Marc Prüst, consultant and research advisor, in collaboration with the chain table.
- Survey report: 'A Sharper Picture: Uncompensated Activities of Photographers'. April 2024, Social Finance Matters.