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Monday Q+A

Small Budgets

Q:

How do you work with a client with little to no budget? Do you work with them at all?

A:

Budget is always the issue. Every level of photographer deals with this and it always comes back to the overall marketing plan. Where are you in your career? Will this image be helpful to you? Will it solidify a future relationship or be a good image for your portfolio? The bottom line question is: will this “lack of budget” still allow for a quality image? If the answer to that question is no, I’d suggest turning down the job.

Getting Bigger Jobs


Q:

My client list isn’t huge and consists of mostly small startup companies. I’ve been on the shortlist for bigger jobs lately, but haven’t been getting awarded. The response I’ve been getting a lot is, “you have great work and we would love to work with you, but we’re going with someone who has more experience.” How do I get more experience and reputable clients under my belt when no one will give me a chance?

A:

This type of response is most often what every bidder gets that isn’t getting the job. It could mean they liked someone else’s work more, or the other photographer had the specific look they were going for. It could be that the other photographer had the specific look they were going for, was better on the creative call, or had a better treatment. It could also be their past experience with the winner, or that the winner has a rep. Mostly, I’d recommend working harder and get your book even better with more stylists involved.

Promo Mailers


Q:

Do people still send postcards out? Are they a good way of marketing?

A:

Yes, we still send out promo mailers, as it’s important to use every possible opportunity you can think of to stay in front of clients. Not every type of marketing will work for everyone, so I like to try every method that is within our budget.

Social Media vs Blogs


Q:

In this day and age of social media, is a blog even relevant anymore? Should you use social media to drive traffic to your blog?

A:

Other reps may disagree with me, but I don’t see the purpose of a blog anymore.

Changing Budgets


Q:

With the current shifts and changes in the photography industry, are you also seeing a change in the budgets? Are they staying the same, increasing, or decreasing?

A:

People want more for their money these days. They expect more content for the same price. So, when it comes down to it, the budgets are smaller.

The Importance of Content


Q:

When you talk about the rising importance of “content,” are you referring to the necessity of photographers to post more and better content, the necessity of clients to produce more content and hence hire photographers more often, or both?

A:

When I refer to the importance of content, I am talking about both: photographers need to create more content, as do clients. And hey, reps too. We all need to constantly be creating and posting content in today’s business world.

Portfolio Viewings


Q:

I often hear portfolio viewings are so crucial, yet I’ve never seen any locally or within driving distance. Should I consider traveling to a larger area such as NYC to have this done?

A:

Yes, a one on one or group showing with your portfolio is extremely valuable. I’d highly recommend these for a photographer at any level of their career. Bring them some chocolate!

Treatments That Get the Job


Q:

Can you recall a treatment that went above and beyond the prerequisites and landed the photographer the job?

A:

I do remember a particular treatment ‘success story.’ My product photographer was up for a Google job, and he tested some comp images to show how he would bring the products to life. Perhaps that showed his enthusiasm or perhaps they saw the lighting they needed. They loved it and he got the job!

Instagram as a Portfolio


Q:

Do you think Instagram promotion is a good way to reach ad agencies and Art Directors? Do you or your photographers use it for promotion? The world is changing, so we have to change with it!

A:

Yes, definitely use Instagram as it is the new portfolio. Hashtags get photographers seen and can lead to bidding on a job. We definitely use it and you’re right – the world is changing in a big way and we need to flow with it.

How and When Do You Get a Rep?


Q:

How and when do you get a rep? I’ve heard it’s when you have enough clients, but I think I mostly want one to help me get more clients and the type I want.

A:

You get a rep when you are ready. Is your work marketable? If so, reps will find you. If you need a rep’s help to make yourself marketable, it is a rarity that they will pick you up since it will mean they are working for free. Usually at that stage a consultant is best.