The whole polemics about Jim Nachtwey's ad for internship (http://jamieslist.wordpress.com/2009/12/10/internship-for-james-nachtwey-nyc-unpaid/) reeks of that old phenomenon in our profession: jealousy. Fame attracts praise and vicious attacks in same numbers, often from the sme leeches - all those who think that having a famous name on their CV makes them better photographers. So those "in" enjoy it, while those "out" curse it. It reminds me of the nasty criticisms directed at Yann Arhtus-Bertrand since he started to do TV... If you're not good enough, just blame or demean somebody else!
Jim Nachtwey is a great photographer, though not my favourite. He also is a businessman, employing several persons - and as such he has to do what every business is doing, balance costs. It can't be that easy since rumors have been flying around for a while that he has considered moving his operation from NYC to Bangkok. Is it sad to have to ask somebody to work for you for 3 months with no pay? Yes, but if you cannot afford it, then look for something else. Will the person who gets the job learn something? Obviously. Personaly, I'd prefer to work for him without salary rather than pay thousands of dollars for a week-long workshop! But then I'm only an editor, or in the words of an - untalented - AP stringer "a frustrated photographer"...
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