Should I shoot portfolio work with the intention to appeal to certain kinds of clients?
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.
I’m having trouble finding my place in this industry, do you have any advice for photographers who are still trying to find their voice and their niche?
Paul Barshon: …and that will take a while to find. I found that when I started shooting, I shot loads of different subjects and tried different styles. Eventually I started focusing in one direction without even realizing it. There is always something that we most enjoy shooting and when we focus on this and try different techniques to find our specific style, this can eventually lead you to a career!
Your portfolio should not just be the jobs you have shot, it should be the jobs you want to shoot.
Producer, Will Taylor:
Don’t misguide your efforts. Don’t worry about “what art directors want to see”. There is no guarantee that you will get the job based on trying to show them what you think they want to see, you might as well create great work that you are passionate about. But PUSH your vision.
You have an even better chance of getting a job if you are able to inspire the people who have the power to hire you. Shoot things for your portfolio that an art director will never have the freedom from the client, agency (and lawyers!) to shoot.
Guest Post: Producer, Will Taylor
www.inkandoranges.com
I want to brand myself as a high profile portrait photographer. How and where can I market myself? Who would be my major potential client? How should I reach them?
As with all industries in the commercial world, the path to success is somewhat similar. Educate yourself about other high profile portrait photographers and analyze their clients and marketing methods. Research absolutely everywhere their work can be found and what tools they are utilizing. Agency Access? Yodelist? Lattis Social? At-Edge? Workbook? Who is your dream client? Do whatever you can to get in touch with them, be tenacious and persistent.
What is considered a standard “book” for somebody seeking representation… is it a website? A physical book? Something else?
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.
What is the key to having an amazing creative call? What will make you stand out above other photographers running for that job?
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!
How can I become represented? It’s always been a dream to stand out and have reps on my side.
Get your book as strong as you can, find your specialty and build a cohesive portfolio. Find the reps that work in your industry and approach them with a personal and quick email. The quality of your work will speak for itself and doors will open. Just get your work out there once it’s ready!
My question is: I’m good at music photography and artist portraiture. I’d really like to just build up a high end portfolio in this field… but some of my friends and colleagues have told me that I cannot make money this way. What should I do? Should I expand my body of work to lifestyle, fashion, etc? Or just do what I love?
Do what you are good at. When doors open that is a sign that you are supposed to be there. Follow it. Don’t listen to people, as everyone was not meant to be a music and portrait photographer, there is a niche for that.
