Framed But Forgotten: Part 2 – Pay to Play

If getting access to a red carpet event sounds hard, try affording it.

A growing, troubling trend in event photography is pay-to-play access. Photographers are now asked to pay hefty fees just for the "privilege" of photographing celebrities — without any guarantee of rights, publication, or even a return on investment. It’s a system that benefits the wealthy, shuts out working-class artists, and commodifies opportunities that should be based on talent and professionalism.

Even some so-called “nonprofit” award shows and galas have gotten into the act, charging "credential fees" that can run into the thousands. Often, only photographers backed by powerful agencies — or those willing to absorb financial losses — can afford to participate.

This practice deepens inequality in the industry and discourages authentic, ethical storytelling. Instead of uplifting new voices, the system recycles the same insiders over and over again.

But change is possible — and in the next part of this series, we'll talk about ways to push back against this toxic model and demand a better future for event photographers everywhere.

Stay tuned for Part 3: Redemption on the Red Carpet.