Monday Q+A

Q:

Do you have any photography business websites that you’d recommend following?

A:

There are a lot of great websites, but if I had to pick one, I’d recommend aphotoeditor, as it covers a wide range of important business related issues for us.

Q:

What kind of usage are you including as part of the creative fee? Is there any kind of standard usage fee?

A:

I don’t know of a standard usage as it always depends on the duration, the location, and the type of usage. The only standard would be “Unlimited usage for an Unlimited duration,” which is more common these days. The one thing I can say as a rep is our favorite work is “reuse” so avoid that “Unlimited” as much as possible.

Q:

How often do you get an advance? All I hear, over and over again is, “it takes 30 days to get in the system and process payment,” etc, etc.

A:

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.

Q:

I love photographing kids, architecture, urban environments, and candid images… Is it a requirement to focus on a specific niche as a photographer?

A:

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.

Q:

When cold emailing clients you’d like to work with, is it a good or bad idea to include an image or attachment of your work in the email? What are some things to avoid when cold emailing?

A:

Good or bad is not totally relevant in our world of marketing because to market your branding may be very different from what other photographers do. Try everything and see what sticks. Some companies block emails with images, most people do not open attachments for their safety, and others prefer just a link to click it. Try it all!

Q:

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.

A:

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.

Q:

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?

A:

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.

Q:

If agencies are “following” you, what, if anything, would you recommend doing?

A:

If agencies are following you on Instagram – be proactive and engage them. Follow that hot lead and make the most of it by engaging them on social media, contact them on LinkedIn, and get them on your promo list. Use them ‘following’ you as a way to get your foot in the door!!

Q:

How do I know if I am too low on a bid?

A:

If the client responds to your bid by asking if you have enough for certain line items like “location scout” etc, then you can assume you are too low. At that point I’d be direct and explain how you were assuming the budget was low, but you may have been mistaken. This can be turned into a positive to show your excitement for the project. Has anyone had an experience like this you’d like to share?

Q:

Should a photographer edit and cull their Instagram page to make it look like a professional portfolio? If my Insta has some commercial work, behind-the-scenes shots, but also smartphone shots of my puppy, is that a huge turn-off?

A:

Instagram needs to be your 2nd portfolio. Just as your website has your ABOUT section, which brings a bit of personal info to it – same goes for Instagram. I’d suggest for instagram; 80% portfolio and 20% personal. 

ALTHOUGH, the personal should really still be images that are interesting to your clients. THey love seeing locations you are working in and learning/knowing any interesting info about you. They want to know who you are and what your hobbies are. They don’t really need to know what your pets look like.