How to Get a Photography Agent Without Commercial Clients

Q:

How do I get an agent when I have not booked any commercial clients, and I mostly do fine art/conceptual/corporate/family work? If I transition to a higher-end portraiture style and get some unpaid projects with AP & Reuters-type publications, will that help?

A:

 Reps basically need to see a style they can sell to their market. I am only familiar with the commercial advertising world, but I would think that if your work hits the mark for what photojournalism/editorial work looks for, you could get your foot in the door. Yes, photo needs have changed, but the bottom-line truth, in my eyes, is that talented skills keeping up with the times open doors.