Earlier this week, a number of local freelance photojournalists received a curious email from New York Post photo editor David Boyle. It started by saying that the paper pays its freelance photographers "based on experience and equipment." Then Boyle went on to say that the paper was doing an "equipment audit," and as such, needed all of its freelancers to come in—with all of their equipment—to be inspected by Boyle and his deputies. Oh, and Boyle also wanted these photographers—who, remember, have presumably already been shooting for the Post—to "carry out a simulated assignment." The photogs who received this missive were, predictably, not amused; one photojournalism blog ranted, "What the hell does the fact that YOU are going to an equipment audit have to do with calling in freelancer's gear, unless you think they stole from you when you were practicing your home team cheers from days gone by and weren't minding the store?" Good point! The email follows.

Dear All,

As you know, we pay our freelancer rates based on experience and equipment. As such, we're updating our equipment records in an audit, and need you to come into the office for one day to meet with David Boyle and Dave Johnston.

We will pay a day rate for this visit.

Please bring all of your equipment along with you, including your laptop

We will be looking for the following types of equipment:

Radio (for monitoring police/fire)
Your Camera Bodies
300mm Lens and Converter
All Your Lenses
Your Flashes
All Your Battery Packs
Point & Shoot Camera
Computer/Software
Any other lights

You can schedule an appointment by contacting Jessica Hober, our new photo desk assistant, at (212) 930-8530

You will be asked to carry out a simulated assignment during your visit, so please come prepared.

Thank you,
David Boyle

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