What would it take to get you to rep me?
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.
I love photographing kids, architecture, urban environments, and candid images… Is it a requirement to focus on a specific niche as a photographer?
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
Create a cohesive body of work with a consistent look. Know who you are as a photographer.
Know your niche + know your market. Who are your clients?
Market yourself. Consistently + tenaciously, and in a way that is aligned with your brand and goals.
Know what you’re good at and delegate what you’d rather not to.
Ask for help. There’s no shame in needing help or asking for it.
Be a good business person. Manage your time with discipline based on your priorities.
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.
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!)
Money. Know how to negotiate or have a rep help you.
Enjoy it!
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.
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
I keep hearing you say, “focus on one genre to become an A-Level Photographer.” How does one reconcile that statement, with your feedback that stills photographers also need to offer video? Isn’t that a new genre? Separate from stills?
Today’s photographer is also shooting video. We can’t fight this need for more and more content. It’s the way of the world. When asked if you do motion, your A-level photographer response should be: “Yes, I do motion in the same style in which I shoot my stills.” Use motion to confirm the style you have built with stills.
Having a hard time with a long term direction! If I feel I am effective in multiple areas, is it worth promoting myself in those multiple areas, or should I just pick ONE?
In my opinion, being an A-level photographer is based on your style, your look, your vibe. This solid branded look can work across different industries and clients. Even if you are getting work across a variety of fields, the key is to make sure your style is consistent throughout. When your portfolio looks like you could be different photographers, this dilutes your branding and may only work if you want to get jobs in a smaller city.
When sending out promos consisting of documentary or environmental portraiture, how important is it to have subjects in the photos that are well-known celebrities or artists? Or does that even matter at all?
Send out promos where your work matches the type of imagery your clients are looking for. That’s what will help you get noticed.
You only need to show famous folks if you are going for the celebrity or entertainment industry. Stay true to your look/style and make that powerful theme which will stand out.
For photographers “just starting out,” what are some test shoots every photographer should have in their portfolio? Liquid? Automotive? Lifestyle?
Photographers starting out should choose the area that really interests them. Do the tests that really intrigue you when you see others. One way to do that is to go through other photographer’s websites to check out all the different industry options.
As Director of Operations at SternRep, I spend a lot of my time looking through photographers’ images.
Sometimes as I am examining someone’s body of work I find a magic spark somewhere in their portfolio. Something pops out at me. An image or series that is set apart from the rest.
Something highly marketable, different, bold, unique, and really well done. But mixed in with lots of other stuff in their portfolio.
Sometimes it’s actually about cleaning out your portfolio, of anything that does not have this magic spark. It’s about finding your spark and then expanding your portfolio based on what makes your work strong and different. It’s kind of like your own magical thread that you need to follow to be successful in the commercial market, explore more, grow, and expand.
But if the photographer can’t see or feel or want to follow it, there’s no forcing it…
Guest Post: Olivia Katz
Director of Operations, SternRep
