Branding

Q:

I’m finalizing my portfolio and wondering if I should have separate books for different categories, or one larger book with more variety? I mainly shoot portraits and fitness. There are many through lines to my work but also some vast differences.

A:

Ah, the million dollar question. The answer can change depending on what is timely, so keep that in mind. I know photographers who present their work on printed 8x10s inside a beautifully made box, as a way to stand out. The client can always see your website or social media feeds to get a fuller picture of your work. Create a package that feels like you and understand that the presentation might change in a year or two to reflect current trends. Keep it fresh and the bottom line is you want the client to see your style but at the same time, have your images speak louder than the actual portfolio.

Q:

Should you create two instagram profiles? One for portraits and the other for products? Or combine both into one profile?

A:

If you have two separate businesses and websites this would make sense. But assuming you don’t, the best way to sell yourself is to have one strong cohesive style that is evident in everything you shoot. Two separate profiles will lower the quality of your work and create the appearance of two separate brands.

 I once heard the very wise rep Rhoni Epstein of Photo Therapists say, “Build your brand on a T shape. Build a strong style and then expand once it is sturdy.”

Follow her advice.

www.phototherapists.com

I hear a lot about expansion from photographers who want to explore new areas. It’s natural to want variety and not do the same thing over and over. However, it’s important to stay strong with your core style—what you’re known for. I remember the concept of the ‘T-shape’: build a strong foundation with your primary style first, then you can expand. You need to have that core style balanced and structured before branching out. So, focus on solidifying your main style and then consider expanding from there.

Q:

Is it better to find a rep who has photographers with a similar style to mine? Or should I find a company where I could potentially fill a void and stand out?

A:

Don’t focus only on their roster of photographers. You should primarily be looking to find a rep who works with your dream client base. You also need to factor in if your work is of a similar standard to their photographers. If it isn’t up to that standard yet, focus on bringing up the quality of your work first so you’re better positioned to find a top tier rep.

Q:

How do you figure out your style? I am working towards making my work cohesive and really struggling with this…

A:

The answer to this question can make or break your career. Familiarize yourself with photographers doing the kind of work you want to be doing, and doing it on a high level. Study them. Understand the difference between a cohesive portfolio, with a clear through line and those who have many different styles. Identify your own visual instincts and apply them every time you shoot. Learn to become objective so you can be the best judge of your own work.

Q:

What would it take to get you to rep me?

A:

It would take a powerful and compelling body of work that displays a unique, but marketable, style that brands would be willing to pay for. It also comes down to personality for me, I need to trust and enjoy the daily interactions of working with a photographer and have a compatible style of communication.

Q:

I love photographing kids, architecture, urban environments, and candid images… Is it a requirement to focus on a specific niche as a photographer?

A:

This does depend on what industry you are in, but for commercial photography, an advance prior to the start of the shoot is especially important if it is with a new client. I would not begin a shoot without an advance for 50% of the total or 75% of the expenses.

TOP 10 SECRETS

TO SUCCESS WITH @ASKSTERNREP

1. Create a cohesive body of work with a consistent look. Know who you are as a photographer. 

2. Know your niche + know your market. Who are your clients?

3. Market yourself. Consistently + tenaciously, and in a way that is aligned with your brand and goals. 

4. Know what you’re good at and delegate what you’d rather not to.

5. Ask for help. There’s no shame in needing help or asking for it.

6. Be a good business person. Manage your time with discipline based on your priorities.

7. TEST outside your box. Be hungry. Hustle. Stay fresh with the times.  Your portfolio should not just be the jobs you have shot , it should be the jobs you want to shoot.

8. Social Media. In this day and age, as a professional photographer, being on Instagram is a MUST. And know, it has become the new portfolio. Most of your images need to be professional, while a sprinkling of behind-the-scenes personal images can complement your brand. (But no drunken Taco Tuesday photos!)

9. Money. Know how  to negotiate or have a rep help you.

10. Enjoy it!

Q:

What is your suggestion for how to navigate this world where every client seems to want more and more deliverables? Trying to stand firm on pricing feels hard when many are charging less.

A:

The best way to stand firm on pricing is to become more valuable with a strong style. If your style is unique to you, then they will need to find the budget to hire you.

“It’s so funny how almost every lifestyle portfolio these days includes some girls wearing cutoff jean shorts and running down an empty road with an American flag, someone on a motorcycle, a group of friends with sparklers, people on rocks jumping into a swimming hole, a couple in the backseat of a vintage car, etc. The cliches abound and I think stuff like that just makes everyone’s books look so dated. It’s bad lifestyle photography that doesn’t feel natural. 

I think most people get tired of looking at books that all feel the same so you need to see some freshness in their approach, whether it’s through casting, locations, props, graphic compositions, more controlled moments and less ‘run free wild lifestyle’…”

Guest Post: Anonymous Art Producer