Monday Q+A

Q:

I want my portfolio to feel more like me, but it keeps looking like the companies who hire me. I know this is holding me back, but I don’t know how to change this constant process of jobs feeding my portfolio.

A:

Photographers, step one leads to step two. Even those who begin with a clear personalized style path will someday have to balance it to keep the long-term goal in line. The more routine we become, the less artistically inspired it gets. If photographers aren’t testing, the shorter our careers can become. Sorry, cold, hard fact. 

Q:

I photographed musicians now asking for permission to use the images without credit in perpetuity on their social media when the job I was paid for was for “promotional material.” I expected the images to be used across socials when they’re playing shows, etc., but I’m now feeling spooked by their large usage request. Do you think they’re just covering themselves by asking for general social media usage?

A:

WARNING TO ALL PHOTOGRAPHERS

When setting your licensing usage rights terms, DO NOT leave anything open to interpretation. Spell out all usage terms by saying too much vs. too little. Never rely on clients to understand your assumptions. IMMEDIATELY see the AMA USAGE GLOSSARY and stick to it! Do not risk losing your fair income and lower usage pricing for all photographers

https://artistmanagementassociation.org/usage-glossary

Q:

There are so many new clients I want to work with, but I’m not sure how to initiate contact with them. Do you have any tips on getting in with new potential clients?

A:

Our industry offers a mixed bag of ways to connect with clients, from SEO to Instagram engagement and everything in the middle. My question back to you is, what are you good at? Can you take a client to lunch or enjoy an in-person (maybe Zoom) meeting? Sell yourself by completing the steps that sell you the best. Have new images – put them out in an email promo – cross-pollinate!

Q:

Do Portfolio Reviews bring in work, or is it another scheme to skim money off struggling artists to market themselves?

A:

Portfolio reviews are one of the best ways to get your work in front of potential clients, but you must do the prep work to meet with the right clients for your brand. You are wasting your time (and money) if you don’t research your target market.

Q:

How many images should I be showing on my website portfolio?

A:

My advice with portfolios is not to show too many images if they make you look like 2 or 3 different photographers. Have a strong and cohesive streamline, and fro that, you can show as many as you have on a scroll-down website because the viewers can stop scrolling if they’d like.

Q:

I am setting aside my marketing budget for the rest of this year, but I don’t exactly know what to spend it on. Our marketing options seem to change, or doing one thing isn’t enough to really bring in the attention I want to be getting. Help!

A:

You are right. Our industry continuously adapts over time, and we must stay ahead of the curve. My method is to try everything like I’m throwing pasta against the wall to see if it’s cooked. What sticks is what I follow and invest in. The more we can isolate what works by analyzing where success comes from, the better our budget management will serve us.

Q:

I’m a freelance photographer who recently took an in-house photo producer job because my area’s industry has been slow, and I need a steady income to get back on my feet. Did I just set my photo career back by taking a temporary in-house producer job? In the future, will clients hire me as a freelance photographer again after they may see me as a producer?

A:

The plain and simple answer across the board is dependent on your branding, which is dependent on two sticking points:

• Will you be branding yourself correctly for clients to consider you when looking for a photographer?
• Will your photo portfolio be strong enough to impress clients?

Q:

How exactly do I find a Rep? I’ve had several of them reach out to me over the years but didn’t hear anything back after replying to them. I want to take my career to the next level and I feel like I need some kind of representation to do that. Is there anything you could recommend I do or is there someone you recommend I reach out to?

A:

My general assessment of your described situation is that you are close, but your images or presentation need refinement to get you to that next level. Get feedback from clients and trusted consultants on how to perfect your portfolios (website + IG). If reps are in touch with you, you are near ready to be repped.

Q:

I have a question regarding media kits. I’m a photographer who wants to make pictures rather than focus on getting followers (or being an influencer). The last brand I worked for shared the images and got so many likes, but when I post the same thing, crickets. What should I put in a media kit to turn this around and spin other benefits like hiring a creative team who can think bigger?

A:

Most will not like my answer, but it is all about back-and-forth ENGAGEMENT. Client connection is the name of the game for creative freelancers. It’s what every rep is doing, and most photographers don’t invest the time researching, contacting, and engaging in communication targeting potential clients. Whether you hire someone to do this for you or do it yourself – the answer is simple, but it takes time and focus.

Q:

I am a commercial animal photographer in the early years of my commercial photography biz. I signed with a rep last year, and it has been nothing but crickets. I understand it takes time when signing with a Rep, but I would have expected at least 1 or 2 bids after a year. Are my expectations too high? Or should we see more movement?

A:

Questions strategizing who is the right rep for you:

• Are you on a rep platform exposing you to the correct clients suitable to your brand?
• Is your portfolio up to par?
• Are you giving your rep the marketing materials they (we) need to “sell” you?
• Is your rep a person you like and trust? Will your clients feel the same?
• Is your rep helping you reach your highest creative levels?
• Is your brand enhanced with your rep’s roster and branding?