When a job is awarded to another photographer, how likely is it to get feedback from the client and to find out who the photographer they chose is?
A:
When another photographer gets the job, it’s really difficult to get the info of who they are or who else bid on the job. I am not sure why it’s such a big secret. I do my damndest to always find out who got it to help educate us, but it is a challenge that is hard to make happen. We get one opportunity to ask for this info so I wait a week or so when the information is not so top secret.
What is the most effective way to successfully educate clients of content rights and usage?
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Educating clients often requires me asking them the right questions like- what will you be needing these images for? We have to frame it in a way they understand. They will pay less with the least amount of usage, so why purchase a TV broadcast if you aren’t going to use it on a commercial?
I find that when working as a freelancer I often get ghosted by clients. We will have approved rates and discussed dates and then they go cold. It seems so unprofessional and I’m surprised by how often it happens. What is the best way to deal with this?
A:
Ya I hear you. This procedure is they reach out to about 10 photographers and then their creative choose 3 of them to bid the job. It can be misleading as it isn’t presented as an initial round up of available photographers. I email them back after not hearing anything for a few days, asking if we should keep the hold. That is when I get a response because they don’t really want us losing other jobs and holding the dates.
When we hear licensing terms like “copyright” and buyout,” they don’t always know what they are saying. I usually assume they don’t mean it unless they are large companies who are known to require ownership of a usage.
Recently we were emailed by someone who said they wanted to buy the copyright. We knew this was client direct because ad agencies know usage terms. Nowadays we’re getting requests from clients directly and production companies don’t really know what usage is. We spoke on the phone and after some explanation about usage we discovered what they needed it for. It turned out they needed it for social media, which is way different. It takes asking people directly on the phone, what they really need it for, so you don’t have to charge that much or get so intimidated by it to find out what they want to use it for.
As portfolio reviews shift online rather than in person, do you have any guidelines as to how best show our work? Is it a curated website gallery? A shared PDF? How best to display our work over Zoom etc?
A:
What do our clients need right now? Think about it beforehand and have your topics ready to show and discuss. Give them your solution ideas because you are a valuable team player for them. Relate to who they are and what they work on. This is our opportunity to really have their attention vs. portfolio showings in the past which sometimes became about the food and their time to socialize. Prepare, research, and then have a pdf of relatable images ready, but ask if they want to see the pdf of relatable images ready, but ask if they want to see the pdf OR your website. I personally find websites more helpful when I’m on the reviewer’s side. I want to know you and get the whole picture. The only rule I have is to show clients the images that relate to what they look for.
It was poetry to my rep ears when I heard the words this client responded with on my photographer’s creative call –
“I hear the emotion you want to bring to this, and I hear your energy for this concept.”
Finally, the words that embody exactly what we need to achieve on these calls.
Creative calls have been a hot topic for everyone wanting to know what makes a good creative call. I’ve never been able to nail down the words as well as I did the other day on a call when I heard a creative discuss the energy and emotion they bring. In our business, as photographers, you need to bring the same passion that got you into this career to these calls. Be yourself, and convey the energy you will bring. Show them the concept and make it come to life. As Neff said, “That baby will be brought to life by you because you get it.” There’s only one way to demonstrate that understanding: through how you present yourself on the call. Words alone won’t do it—it’s about how you sound and how you convey your vision. Prepare for the call by finding the right words and expressing your understanding clearly. Show them what it will look like and how you will bring it to life.
Are producers, creative/art directors & agencies open to virtual meetings?
A:
Yes, virtual meetings are happening although keep in mind we have busier clients than usual because a lot of layoffs have happened and they are doing the work for 2 or 3 people themselves. We can’t expect many clients to show up right now. The other part of this is I’d suggest you only do this if you have something to say and show. Make sure you really have a “pitch” to share and new images so that it is meaningful for them or else it could backfire and work against you.
I have a question regarding fees during this pandemic. I have a client wanting me to do a shoot in Florida early August. Being that that is a high risk state right now do you see photographers increasing their feeds for the added risk of the situation? Like hazardous pay? Thanks much!
A:
This is a new situation for all of us, so there is no absolute answer to this. Since your question makes rational sense, it’s worth bringing up with a client you have food communication with. As you know, less jobs are happening so budgets are going down and photographers are extra eager to get work now. This high level of competition could prevent any extra financial coverage. Play it safe though and don’t cut corners on the precautions which affect the expenses and shot count. I’d suggest bringing up the expenses instead of trying to raise your fee, where clients can rationally see and understand what they’d be paying more for.
I’m noticing a trend how people want to stay in touch and see what you are up to. We are in this human business of photography because it’s your “eye” we are selling. Clients want to know your “eye”.
Clients are going through a lot right now, just like the rest of us. As photographers, we need to let them know who we are because they want to trust the people they’re allocating their budget to and who will be shooting for them remotely. They need to get a sense of who you are, and social media is perfect for that. Be proactive and use any extra time you have to showcase yourself and let clients feel like they know you.
Is anyone talking about Covid cancellation language yet? I need help.
A:
At this point, the client cannot be held responsible for normal cancellation fees if it is COVID related. Protect yourself by adding this line in the Job Description on the top of your estimate, “Due to any cancellations for Covid-19, all previously incurred expenses and fees will be covered once this estimate has been officially approved.” Having this sentence on your signed estimate, your purchase order, or even in your email agreement with your client can help protect you.
