Avoiding the 'Exposure' Trap: Practical Steps for Fair Rates?

Hey everyone, I'm Tyler, a camera operator currently DPing a short film on an ALEXA Mini. I've been running into the all-too-common 'exposure versus fair pay' dilemma lately, and it's getting frustrating. I'm trying to establish a decent day rate and clearly define my services, but it feels like every conversation starts with how much 'opportunity' there is, especially with indie projects. I've tried being firm about my rates, detailing my kit (including my set of Supreme Primes and a SmallHD Cine 18 monitor), and highlighting past work, but sometimes it feels like I'm speaking a different language. How do you all practically navigate these conversations? What steps can emerging filmmakers take to truly establish fair rates and avoid constantly feeling like their work is being undervalued for the promise of nebulous 'exposure'?