Monday Q+A

Q:

Do you find yourself having to turn jobs away because budgets are too small or do you make it work? If your photographers are in a slow period does that affect your decision?

A:

I do find that requests with smaller budgets happen sometimes. The decision whether or not to take the job in part depends on whether the budget is going to negatively affect the quality of their work. If a budget doesn’t support getting a great image then I don’t recommend that they do the job. 

The ideal situation for a lower budget job is if it’s going to be great for their portfolio, then it’s essentially a paid test and is worth it. And yes, a slower period does affect our decision and inspires us more to take the job.

Q:

How soon after sending promos is it ok to follow up?

A:

Follow up with the recipients immediately or within a few days. We are all inundated with images so we forget quickly. Our business is based on short term memory.

Q:

How do you find new photographers? Specific websites?

A:

Guest Post, Mara Serdans: I get lots of emails and promos from photographers. Otherwise, I find new photographers on Instagram, at portfolio reviews, blogs, magazines and at gallery shows. I peruse directories like At-Edge, Workbook, and Found Folios. I love checking out PDN’s Annual listing of New and Emerging Photographers. I’ll even go back to the previous years’ listings to remind myself of the talent. 

Guest Post: Creative Consultant, Mara Serdans

www.MaraSerdans.com

Q:

Andrea, what do you look for in a photographer?

A:

I look for a talented photographer and one that I feel I can help to bring out their very best. 20 years in this business has shown me that it is this dynamic that leads to jobs. This is what it means for me to represent a photographer. I represent them. They come up with who they are and I manage and shape the marketing strategy. 

I’m their voice to the larger world, so they have to be someone I feel proud to speak for. They must have solid talent or we won’t get very far. They also have to confidently know their creative talents because I will take that and run with it. Who they are and the quality of their portfolio shapes the direction and I just take that further.

Q:

What does it take to stay hot as a photographer in this constantly changing industry?

A:

As a photographer, you have to constantly evolve, push yourself, and take chances if you want to succeed. It really is true that you have to be willing to leave your comfort zone if you want to get anywhere. Media and technology change so quickly that it can be tough to keep up. But when you learn to embrace changes and become adaptable, a lot of things start to happen. 

Guest Post: John Duarte, Photographer

Q:

How does the process of getting a photographer a job happen at an agency?

A:

Guest Post, Mara Serdans: It’s a multi-step process. After I speak with the creatives about their needs, I’ll provide them with a list of recommended photographers. Sometimes the creatives already have a photographer in mind. Oftentimes a few creatives need to approve the short list and it’s common to triple-bid larger projects. When the bidding begins, I schedule calls with the photographer and creative(s) to discuss the project and deliverables. After the calls I follow up with the creatives to find out if they are leaning towards a specific photographer. Once I receive, review and finalize the bids, we award a photographer the job and production begins. 

Guest Post: Creative Consultant, Mara Serdans

www.MaraSerdans.com

Q:

Are you finding that clients have begun requesting “buy out/unlimited usage,” for photos but they have a set budget that may not be realistic for unlimited rights?

A:

In general, my answer is absolutely yes, all the time.

And when I hear this, it sounds to me like they are trying to get extra usage for free. 

The answer is to charge more. 

I have learned not to parse out usage but to definitely factor it into the day rate. I’d let them know that for that usage the day rate is going to go up…potentially double. 

AND- I’d use this in your negotiations, and if they say “this is too high,” you can say, “we can discuss the usage.”

Q:

(Agency Access): Do you still need a print book?

A:

(Agency Access): The answer is YES,

When a client is seriously considering you for a job, they want to see your book. When your rep goes to visit a client, they need a book. When you go to portfolio reviews, you need a book. Some folks have moved on to iPads which is a good move if you do video. Clients still love to see your images in print and there are never technical difficulties with a print book. Make at least one big, beautiful, no plastic sleeve, full bleed, to die for book. It won’t disappoint. 

Guest Post: Agency Access

The Photographer’s Survival Guide to Marketing

Q:

What would you say is the biggest pitfall you see photographers making in terms of marketing?

A:

Guest Post, Josh Rossi: One of the biggest pitfalls photographers make is not treating photography as a product that solves problems. A lot of photographers think companies hire them just to take pretty pictures. In reality the company is hiring them to solve a problem. If you can figure out what problems companies have and figure out a way to solve them then you can create a more compelling pitch, and that is what will get you hired. 

Guest Post: Josh Rossi

http://www.fulltimephotographer.com

Q:

What type of books do you recommend to photographers coming up in their careers that are both presentable and feasible?

A:

This is a very relevant question for this time in our business because websites and social media are the new portfolios.

Currently, it is very rare that someone would ask you to come in and show your book, unless you go out of your way and make that happen. It’s something extra you can do. If you are going to show a “book” a printed book is the best way to go.