Photographer Sponsorship?

[egproductions]

What are the benefits and drawbacks from being sponsored by a company. For instance, being a Canon Explorer of Light. I know every sponsorship must have different terms and things you have to agree too but in general what can you gain out of it and what should you be wary of. Here is my preliminary list:

Pros:

• Prestige
• Free gear to use and evaluate
• Potentially being able to get your hands on equipment before it's released
• Self Promotion

Cons:

• Maybe having to use a specific companies gear?
• Being under the "grip" of the sponsor which takes away your objectivity

 

[TheDingo]

For your "Cons" list, you might want to add self-censorship of the company's products when it comes to discussing flaws. Most companies only want to hear praise for their products, or you get dumped from the program.