What Do I Say When People Ask for Free Work “for Exposure”?

Jul 24

“We don’t have a budget, but it’ll be great exposure!”

Whether you’re new to videography or years into your career, this line still shows up—and it never stops being uncomfortable. So what do you say when someone offers “exposure” instead of a check?

Let’s talk about why people ask this, how to respond with clarity, and when it might (rarely) be worth considering.

Why It Happens

Most of the time, people aren’t trying to be disrespectful. They may genuinely believe that offering you “visibility” is a fair trade. But here's the truth:

Exposure isn’t rent.
You can’t pay your crew in likes.
And being seen isn’t the same as being valued.

When someone offers exposure instead of payment, what they’re really doing is asking you to invest your time, skill, and gear—for free.

What You Can Say Instead of Just “No”

You don’t have to be harsh. But you can be clear, confident, and kind. Here are a few scripts to keep in your back pocket:

“Thanks for thinking of me! I’m not able to take on unpaid projects right now, but I’d love to explore a paid partnership if the budget shifts.”
“I believe in what you're doing, but I’ve learned that saying yes to unpaid work creates space for burnout—not excellence. If there's a future opportunity with a budget, I’d love to talk.”
“I’ve committed to honoring my time and craft by charging for it. I hope you can understand that decision.”

These responses draw a line without burning a bridge.

When (Rarely) It’s Worth It

Not all exposure is empty. Ask yourself these questions before considering a free project:

Do I deeply believe in the mission or message?
Will I retain creative control and be proud to share the final result?
Will I gain access to an audience or network I otherwise couldn’t?
Am I choosing this—not feeling obligated?

If the answer is yes to most of these, and you have the bandwidth, it might be worth investing. Just know what you're getting into—and put boundaries around it.