Monday Q+A

Q:

How do I align my style/voice/aesthetic with clients? Or even figure out which market I best fit in?

A:

Paul Barshon: Stick with your style and the clients will come to you for your look. Trying to chase a style that’s in vogue at the moment always leaves you a step behind. It’s nice to look at other photographers to see what is new and look at new techniques, but your style is what will get you work. Stick with the subjects that you enjoy shooting – this will lead you to a place where the market will find you.

Q:

Does a rep match a photographer to a project? I.e., does a rep evaluate whether a certain project is actually RIGHT for that photographer; their aesthetic, their vision, their desired projects?

A:

No. Reps don’t have that much power. We are the negotiation voices for our photographers so we are asked to bid someone that they choose. I am sometimes asked to send them a photographer who would be good for their project, but they ultimately decide who they want to bid and then hire.

Q:

(via APA National) What are three things to keep in mind for client presentations, creative meetings, keeping people engaged?

A:

Art Streiber: The primary thing to remember when you’re speaking or presenting is that you are a storyteller. First and foremost, you have to have an engaging narrative, a through-line, a beginning, a middle and an end. Secondarily, keep it light and fun. Make ‘em laugh! Next? Know your audience. Don’t get bogged down in tech talk with people that don’t know what an F-stop is…save your shutter speed jokes for the big photo nerds. And DO YOUR HOMEWORK. Know what you’re talking about. Otherwise, why should anyone listen?

Q:

What are reps looking for?

A:

Reps are looking for a photographer who will fit into their company and the clients they work with. 

We also look for people who will reinforce the branding of our companies and the photographers we already rep. Personally, I look to rep people I believe in, who I will enjoy collaborating with and that I can share in their vision.

Q:

Do you think it’s important for a photographer to spend time assisting professional photographers before launching their own career? And if so, what kind of photographer should someone assist?

A:

This really depends on the photographer and what they need to learn. Some photographers never assist and end up wildly successful. But assisting can be extremely informative and build your confidence. If a photographer needs to learn what an editorial or commercial advertising job is like then they can assist any type of photographer in that market. If they need to learn more about the technicalities of shooting cars or people, then they should assist a photographer that does that kind of work. Figure out what you need to learn and assist in that. Or jump right in! There is no straight answer here…

Q:

What are some things to keep in mind when designing a website, as a photographer?

A:

Your website should look professionally designed and be easy to navigate. The site should immediately entice your visitor. This of who your audience is and use a web template like https://www.photofolio.com/ to speak their language.

Q:

What is considered a standard “book” for somebody seeking representation… is it a website? A physical book? Something else?

A:

The standard book question does not have one absolute answer but it is good to have a website, an active Instagram presence, and a printed book. An iPad can be your portfolio although right now printed books are the hot item.

Q:

What kind of percentage do reps typically take?

A:

25% of the photographer’s day rate or creative fee

Q:

What is the key to having an amazing creative call? What will make you stand out above other photographers running for that job?

A:

Great question because that Creative Call is the second reason you will get a job, the first being your portfolio. There is this really smart technique in psychotherapy where couples respond to each other by reflecting back what they hear. It makes the other person feel heard.

A creative call is like that. 

The creative had this imaginative idea and they want to know which photographer can make it real and bring it to life. They want to know that you grasp their vision and that you understand it. They also want to hear what you will be like to work with. Do you sound like someone who will bring a lot to this “party”? Use technical terms which incorporate the mood of what they want to shoot so you sound like you really know what you’re doing!

Q:

What is the secret to being successful as a creative?

A:

It is to be open to listening instead of being so busy with everything you already know.