Monday Q+A

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

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.

Q:

Aside from paying lots of money for companies like Agency Access, which often don’t include smaller up and coming brands, how do you get contact info and addresses of smaller/local companies?

A:

If you can’t find them on Agency Access or Yodelist I would then most likely use LinkedIn, Agency Spy, or Adweek to see what kind of contact info I can find.

Q:

What if a photographer seeking a representative isn’t an American citizen? Could it be a problem if you are not a native English speaker?

A:

A rep is just like a client, and what we care for mostly is a strong portfolio/website/Instagram.

Q:

When sending out promos consisting of documentary or environmental portraiture, how important is it to have subjects in the photos that are well-known celebrities or artists? Or does that even matter at all?

A:

Send out promos where your work matches the type of imagery your clients are looking for. That’s what will help you get noticed. 

You only need to show famous folks if you are going for the celebrity or entertainment industry. Stay true to your look/style and make that powerful theme which will stand out.