Avoiding the 'Exposure Trap': How to Establish Fair Rates as an Emerging Filmmaker?

Hey everyone, Luc Gagnon here, Steadicam Op. I've been working on a few indie projects lately (mostly with my ALEXA Mini and a set of Supreme Primes, sometimes paired with an Orbiter or a couple of SkyPanel S60-Cs for lighting. I'm finding a recurring challenge, particularly with newer filmmakers, where there's an unspoken expectation to work for 'exposure' or ridiculously low rates. I get that everyone's starting out, but it feels like there's a real undervaluing of specialized skills. I recently had a conversation where my day rate, which I feel is already pretty competitive for my experience, was met with surprise because they'd budgeted for someone 'with a camera' and not an operator with specific expertise. I always try to explain the value of what I bring beyond just gear) the craft, the time it takes to set up a shot, the storytelling aspect. What practical steps can emerging filmmakers, especially those in specialized roles like mine, take to establish fair rates right from the start and avoid getting caught in this 'exposure' trap? How do you effectively communicate your value to producers who might not fully understand the technical demands?