Photography in Orlando, Hard Rock Cafe Experience - Work and Travel

I participated  Work and Travel program  in summer in 2009, and I chose the photo work which  I continue as a hobby now. In order to participate to this program, we first participated to an interview with a delegation who came from  the United States in a hotel in Taksim. Approximately 10 people were interviewed at the same time, and  our levels were  defined in there. The english level must be at least upper-intermediate in this interview. I passed the interview and deserved to go to the USA  as a photographer.

Before we started working in America, we were headed to Kodak Headquarters in Orlando and  it was  decided that where we will work on behalf of the KODAK company. There were 2 options to work, a big water park and Hard Rock Cafe. We drew a ticket and just my luck I chose  Hard Rock Cafe.

Hard Rock Cafe in Orlando is the largest Hard Rock Cafe in the world. Celebrities  often give concerts here. There are photographs of famous artists on the walls of the place. In the middle of the cafe, Elvis Presley's famous car is constantly turning, and adding a distinct atmosphere. The place has  two floors and it is huge. There are  a lot of places to go in Hard Rock Café while you are  waiting  for your  meal , you are never bored. The meals were also very tasty. But you absolutely have to tip the waiter. If you do not, you make a bad impression. Waiters are suddenly dropping off everything and dancing in the middle of the place. If you wish, you can join to them. It offers an spectecular  visual feast. Another privilege of working at the Hard Rock Cafe is that it's close to Universal Studios and free to enter. You can enter this huge world-famous entertainment center which its entrance fee is normally  around $ 100 per day at any time you want

However, as a photographer, what are we doing for a day at the Hard Rock Cafe ? Employees coming from Turkey are tasked in 2 different jobs. First task is , you are working  as a photographer ;  you say people to stop at the entrance and take their  photos with an electric guitar. The guitar is on your side, you stop the group who is coming to Hard rock Cafe  and give the guitar to their hand and  then,  take their photos. The second task  is you are selling photos  by going to  tables. You are trying to sell 3 photos which are in different sizes for 20 dollars. Single small photos are sold for 8 dollars. KODAK was sending us trophies when we  are  over  sales quota.  I also took photos in  American  Football League matches on behalf of KODAK.  I earned an extra $ 800 a month. We were working 8 hours a day and earning an average of $ 1000 a month. I got $ 1,800 a month with extras. I was just working in the evening and spending my time by  visiting outlets and hanging out at the hotel’s  pool by evening.

You do not earn very high money in photography in America, but you have lots of fun and you get useful experiences. It keeps you one step ahead in business interviews in the future.