Monday Q+A

Q:

What would you say are the pros and cons of being represented?

A:

The pros and cons of being represented are really just about having the right rep for you. Say you are repped by someone your clients don’t know or respect and you also stop doing your own marketing, those would be cons. 

One pro of having the right rep is that they can get your work seen by the right clients. They also help you shape your marketing/direction/style and negotiate your bids. All of this really depends on what your market is. I have found that it is harder to rep a photographer who shoots just about everything vs a photographer who is known for one look.

Q:

What makes a good portfolio?

A:

Guest Post, Mara Serdans: A good portfolio is well-edited, focuses on your specialty, and clearly showcases your point-of-view. The images should be current and not look dated. 

Guest Post: Creative Consultant, Mara Serdans

www.MaraSerdans.com

Q:

How would you advise a photographer to reach out to new clients to ask for a face-to-face meeting to introduce oneself?

A:

The best way to ask for an in person meeting is to treat your client as you would want to be treated. A phone call would annoy me so I don’t do many of them. If you can meet the person at an event that could help, but otherwise the simple answer is: email them with your website as that is what they really need to see first. 

Q:

What are some examples of a bad estimate?

A:

Guest Post, Mara Serdans: Misunderstanding the project deliverables or details. Low-balling the estimate or forgetting to include specific expenses. This helps no one because it’s very difficult to ask the client for more money once a job is awarded. 

Guest Post: Creative Consultant, Mara Serdans

www.MaraSerdans.com

Q:

(Comm Arts): What advice would you give to a designer who wants to work in advertising but doesn’t know where to start?

A:

(Will Chau): Find a mentor. Be tenacious and humble, and find someone whose work you admire. Ask for advice and learn from her or him, even if it’s a short e-mail or a five-minute conversation. People in this business are incredibly busy but are generous and giving, too. Seek them out and pick their brains. You never know where it can lead.

Guest Post: Will Chau, creator of http://www.AustinCreativeDepartment.com

Quote Excerpt from Comm Arts Interview: http://www.commarts.com/columns/1-1-3

Q:

If I think I would be a good fit for a certain client what would be the best way to approach them? Should I be approaching them directly? Or their agency? And if I am to contact the agency how can I best reach the right person at that agency? So many companies have different agencies for different products or platforms…

A:

Yes, approach the client directly and also get in touch with their agency. Go for it in as many ways as you can think of. Get creative, innovative, discover ways to get their attention to your work. To find the right person, ask around. I highly recommend LinkedIn as people tend to respond to it. Go get ‘em!

Q:

Can a photographer be represented by more than one rep, in different locations?

A:

Yes, some photographers have east coast/west coast/midwest reps. I don’t agree with this for myself because I’ve worked hard to get to know clients everywhere. 

With the internet I am able to be in NY, Chicago, Portland and Europe as easily as I’m in Los Angeles. 

Just today I have been on calls with people in New York, Kansas City and Los Angeles. I emailed with the UK, Germany and a variety of clients across the US… The only reason to have different reps is if they cover different types of clients.

Q:

What are you looking for in a new photographer?

A:

Guest Post, Jorge Perez: I want a photographer who has a business sense. There are a lot of artists out there who create beautiful art, but if they do not have a mind for business they will not make it. 

I am looking for a partner in crime when it comes to their business. 

You have to be your own agent first, get yourself work. It’s a red flag to me if someone has been shooting for 25 years and has never had a rep. 

Guest Post: Jorge Perez, JP Reps

Q:

What’s the best way for a photographer seeking representation to reach you?

A:

Guest Post, Jorge Perez: I prefer emails. But with that said, you need to be innovative.

You have to “cut through the clutter” . We get a million emails a day. If it’s a new photographer seeking representation – make the email short, personalize it, put the one best image that represents your work. 

Keep it short and quick. Even direct message me on Instagram. Think outside the box. 

Guest Post: Jorge Perez, JP Reps

Q:

Should I shoot portfolio work with the intention to appeal to certain kinds of clients?

A:

Paul Barshon: If you love the subject matter, then why not!? For example if you love shooting hyper-realism, there are a lot of commercial clients who primarily use this kind of photography. So why not focus on shooting portfolio work that focuses on hyper realism? Again, though, shoot what you love. That will garner the attention you are after.