Clients

Ask questions instead of overloading your clients with information.

Q:

How do I align my style/voice/aesthetic with clients? Or even figure out which market I best fit in?

A:

Paul Barshon: Stick with your style and the clients will come to you for your look. Trying to chase a style that’s in vogue at the moment always leaves you a step behind. It’s nice to look at other photographers to see what is new and look at new techniques, but your style is what will get you work. Stick with the subjects that you enjoy shooting – this will lead you to a place where the market will find you.

Q:

Does a rep match a photographer to a project? I.e., does a rep evaluate whether a certain project is actually RIGHT for that photographer; their aesthetic, their vision, their desired projects?

A:

No. Reps don’t have that much power. We are the negotiation voices for our photographers so we are asked to bid someone that they choose. I am sometimes asked to send them a photographer who would be good for their project, but they ultimately decide who they want to bid and then hire.

Q:

(via APA National) What are three things to keep in mind for client presentations, creative meetings, keeping people engaged?

A:

Art Streiber: The primary thing to remember when you’re speaking or presenting is that you are a storyteller. First and foremost, you have to have an engaging narrative, a through-line, a beginning, a middle and an end. Secondarily, keep it light and fun. Make ‘em laugh! Next? Know your audience. Don’t get bogged down in tech talk with people that don’t know what an F-stop is…save your shutter speed jokes for the big photo nerds. And DO YOUR HOMEWORK. Know what you’re talking about. Otherwise, why should anyone listen?

Sometimes the more you say, the less you will be heard. Think of your audience and how much time they have to read an email. 

Treat others how you want to be treated. How much time do you have to read an email or take a phone call?

Test with purpose.

Who is the client you want to target? What is the feeling you want to achieve? What are you selling and how are you using styling, lighting, models, and the right environment to target your desired audience and get the point across?