If someone is claiming to want to showcase you as an artist & you feel you are not ready, what is the best professional response to decline without ruining your chances for a future showcase?
If someone wants to showcase your work, go for it! You would not usually be asked if you’re not ready. Worse case scenario: It will be a learning opportunity. You will discover what works and what doesn’t, and can make adjustments in the future.
I’m constantly frustrated about not being able to get a reply to emails or phone calls after sending out high quality printed promos to agencies or directly to a client. I’ve even started to create personalized 30 second video follow-ups in an attempt to get my personality across. I simply want to figure out if they want to be kept on the mailing list or not.
Should I go back to the mass mailing approach or continue to send the printed promos?
I wouldn’t waste your time and money on sending high quality printed work unsolicited. People are usually too busy to respond and their initial review of unsolicited work is likely to be from a digital source. Their lack of response is normal. The only quick responses I receive are via LinkedIn. So give that a try.
I’m currently using the Photofolio app when showing my portfolio from an iPad, however, it doesn’t work with gifs. What portfolio app do you recommend?
I bring printed portfolios when I show a photographer’s work. A lot of photographers do use iPads because they also show video. I would suggest reaching out to some photographers directly for their recommendations. You can do that on the AskSternRep Facebook Group. It’s a nice way to get into discussions with other photographers, and I pop in every now and then.
What are your thoughts on testing for a client, at the client’s request. Should you ask for your costs to be covered?
Testing for a client is not an industry standard request. I’m reluctant to encourage you to test for a client because it will most likely mean you won’t have the proper budget to do it right, and the image quality might suffer. If the quality of your work is at risk then I would say it’s not worth it.
I’m in the middle of negotiating a contract for a job I really want. The contract gives me no right to use the images for self-promotion, and effectively states that I could be sued for doing so.
Should I take the money and work on building the relationship, or should I fight for my rights at the risk of losing the gig?
I would talk to your contact at the company, and gauge their flexibility. Explain why you would need to show this work in order to get more work.
Hopefully they’ll be receptive to your concerns + work with you on tners that are fair to all parties. At least try your best to get what is fair.
Our industry also benefits when we stand together on issues like this. I understand why you wouldn’t want to walk away from the job because of this, but asking for what you want, in a respectful way, shouldn’t lose you the job.
Should I watermark my images to prevent people from sharing my work on social media without giving proper credit?
In the commercial advertising business, watermarking your images makes you look like an amateur. Never do this. If you discover your images are being shared without credit or permission you should contact the individual or company directly.
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?
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.
I would like advice about laying out my portfolio. Do you have a preference on layouts? Would an art director have a different preference than a rep? One photo per page or multiple photos on each page?
Printed portfolios can allow the viewer a much needed break from screens. I prefer one image per page, as it allows the image to sink in without distraction and also projects confidence. Exceptions to this could be if you’re using a designer and they are creating a specific look with multiple images per page. But I usually lean towards less is more.
Do I need to consider where a brand/agency is located before pitching them? If they’re in another state I might not be able to meet in person and I’m concerned I could lose a job over it.
Communication tends to be done electronically, via online portfolio review, conference calls, video chats, etc, rarely in person. If you think the budget won’t allow for travel, you can always offer to work as a “local” once you get to the budgeting stage. Focus on the jobs you really want… that your body of work supports.
How do you figure out your style? I am working towards making my work cohesive and really struggling with this…
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.
