I reach out to clients with my ideas to create their content, but they often interpret this as non-paid free work. How do I offer my concepts as a business offer instead of a free-be?
Two ways to handle this:
Holidays are coming soon, and I’m not feeling that cheerful attitude as business has been so up and down for me. It is hard for me not to worry about it and relax by taking a break. I’m a photographer for the long haul, but I’m not sure how to stop and enjoy this rat race. Any advice?
I’d predict that any photographer at any level will have these same thoughts based on the competitive nature of our business. We are usually triple bidding; trends come and go, not providing that reassuring safety as most of us are entrepreneurs without a stable incoming paycheck. Know what we are in for and run with it. You are in this, so we can’t fight the norms and swim against the stream. Question back to you- how can you fill the creative fuel tank?
Should I always submit a Treatment with my bid?
Yes! It’s the way of our world now, where it used to only be for commercial directors. Even if they don’t ask for one, I highly recommend always creating a treatment if you want to get the job. You can always hire treatment creators listed on our Pros for Hire on www.asksternrep.com
Can you explain more “a la carte” reps and what are some valuable a la carte options which should be avoided?
A LA CARTE reps, which I call Temp Repping has become a norm in our industry, where you could get an agent, consultant, or producer to jump in and represent you when bidding on a job. Being repped on a bid can help get you the job by advising strategy, reassuring the client with their clout, and getting you more money. Bidding on a job can be a lot on your own, so hopefully, you find the right person/company who represents the positives of who you are instead of bringing in a negative experience.
How should we handle job date “holds” when we prefer to get the higher-paying or more interesting offer when holding those dates for someone else?
I am careful how I respond to job date holds. Instead of quickly saying “yes,” I’ll say, “As of right now, they are available on those dates.” Once a 2nd hold is ready to officially book you for the project, you can CHALLENGE the 1st hold to get hired on another job. It is a sensitive topic that needs clear communication before choosing one client over another.
A rep recently reached out to me for a meeting. Any advice on how to approach it? Things I should look for? What should I ask or not share?
The more rep meetings you can take, the better, as it will give you a feel for how different we all are personally and financially. My golden rule is that whoever the rep is with you is most likely who they are with clients. You need to like this rep as they represent who you are; they are your voice and brand. Do your research -do their clients match your portfolio and social media, and how will you fit in with the branding of their roster? Questions to ask – do they charge/how much, how would they go about marketing you, which clients do they see you working with, etc?
Should I thank a client for a job with a gift?
Most clients do not expect a thank-you gift as the work itself is what they are looking for. Some corporations do not allow gifts as it can be unethical from a legal standpoint. Ask clients if you can send them something and get their instructions. In my rep opinion, the best business gift has a warm personal slant that keeps you in front of them, with a friendly reminder keeping you on their mind.
I’ve been chatting with photographers about the issue of tagging/adding crew info in the IG comments of a job image. Some don’t want to give credit because they don’t want others to hire their crew, and others think it’s only fair to give everyone credit where credit is due. Is there an industry standard for this?
I may not give the most honorable or “right” answer to this, but as a rep, my opinion is based on what will help you. For example, if a client wants to be tagged, it will help you to tag them. If your crew will appreciate it and want to work with you more, or they have a large following, and you’d benefit from it potentially being reposted, it can be a win/win. You should feel good about your decision, whether to feel good-hearted or not tagging to get a clean design; your call.
A local city magazine used images from another client’s project without permission and even made one image on their cover. The client alerted me and apologized profusely. They know third-party rights are not in their contract. What’s the best way to have an after-the-fact payment conversation? And should I ask the magazine or my client?
My way of handling any unpaid usage or third-party sale without our approval is to have a conversation informing them that this will need to be paid for immediately. Usually, clients are afraid of prosecution and will eagerly respond to settle this immediately. I will discuss the fair price and often set an additional “penalty” fee for using images without licensing rights. Both clients are involved in sharing high-resolution images without your permission.
I want my portfolio to feel more like me, but it keeps looking like the companies who hire me. I know this is holding me back, but I don’t know how to change this constant process of jobs feeding my portfolio.
Photographers, step one leads to step two. Even those who begin with a clear personalized style path will someday have to balance it to keep the long-term goal in line. The more routine we become, the less artistically inspired it gets. If photographers aren’t testing, the shorter our careers can become. Sorry, cold, hard fact.
