Clients

Q:

This whole topic seems to be a little contentious, but I’ve been seeing more lately suggesting that companies and brands should not repost images and videos without the artist’s permission. That makes sense to me as they are using the content commercially without permission, compensation, or even proper credit in many cases. 

My question is: how would you suggest handling this?

A:

You are the image creator, so you own the copyright. It’s your responsibility to contact whoever used your image without your permission and request to be paid. Unfortunately, IG’s terms don’t support image creators, so if this went to court, there’s a good chance you’d lose. That’s why it’s important to contact them, let them know you own the image, and find out where they are using your image. At the very least, you should have your name tagged to get some PR exposure. In my experience, many clients simply don’t know any better and aren’t aware they need your permission, so they’re often open to negotiation. 

Q:

What do I do when clients use my photos for marketing before paying me?

A:

A norm I’ve experienced when our images go live before being paid for is one client’s department didn’t communicate with the other department or the client may not be aware of usage ownership rights. This must be spelled out and agreed upon before the job begins. Contracts usually state this, but clients may not be reading our contracts. Make sure the logistics timeline is also communicated verbally. Do your research, and don’t assume they will handle this appropriately.

Q:

When approaching a potential client directly for the first time, do you find it’s best to send one email to multiple contacts you may have or send individual emails separately to each person?

A:

Since we’re all overloaded with spam, make your outreach as personal as possible. Sound like you are speaking directly to them by using their name (spelled correctly) and mentioning anything you may have in common. 

Do your research on LinkedIn and social media to find some quick points of interest you can touch on. Those are the emails I bet you’d want to respond to yourself. 

When a client asks for more, we must stop proceeding with any changes to discuss them before they happen! Engage clients in a 2-way, respectful, open exploration, knowing this is a full hierarchy engagement. 

Q:

Are there any new ways to give clients gifts since they aren’t in the office the way they used to be?

A:

With so many clients no longer in their offices, I find the best gift is to bring back the personal human connection by taking them to dinner, coffee, even a phone call or whatever works. Essentially, you are bringing YOURSELF into your marketing plan with sincere long-lasting connections as a bonus to your “cold” mass promos, outreach, etc. 

DO NOT send any promos to a client’s personal email, unless they have given you permission. Doing this crosses a professional boundary and could affect potential future work. 

Q:

I have a lot of new projects that I want to show on my website, but don’t want to overwhelm potential clients when visiting my site. If I get rid of some of my older projects, where could they live online without taking up precious space on my portfolio website? A blog or Behance?

A:

Websites must have a clean wave of memorable, fast, readable, and concise impact. We also want to show a story with a different vibe every now and then. The story can be just that, a story. Use a personal human vibe showcase with a unique descriptive platform that stands out as different but shows more of your personality to be the common thread.

Photographers, what extras are you bringing to the job? Think about it. What is your contribution that extends beyond your client’s expectations? Reach further by offering more than completing the expected shot list. Build up your reputation to win you the jobs.

Q:

How would you advise a photographer about how to get more work?

A:

Focus specifically on the client or industry you most want to work with, and shape your portfolio around that market. Start with one area and master it. Then you can expand and grow.

Q:

We just had an odd situation, and I would love to consult with you and see what an actual cost would have looked like, knowing what I know now. It was for a big international brand for a big ad campaign, and we felt completely taken advantage of. We want to learn from this, but I’d love to consult with you! Is this something you might help me out with?

A:

Terrible situations happen with clients across the board, and I always have the same answer: have a rep and/or a producer on your team when bidding on any new type of project. Not all image makers have the experience to know how to protect themselves from a client. An extra set of experienced eyes before the trouble begins can be worth the cost.