What is the best way for a photographer seeking representation to get the attention of potential reps?
I’ve been asked this question in many ways over the years, but the simple answer is: a rep will look at your work and decide whether they believe they can find you work. Emailing a rep directly and sharing your website is still the most effective way to get a rep’s attention.
We just had an odd situation, and I would love to consult with you and see what an actual cost would have looked like, knowing what I know now. It was for a big international brand for a big ad campaign, and we felt completely taken advantage of. We want to learn from this, but I’d love to consult with you! Is this something you might help me out with?
Terrible situations happen with clients across the board, and I always have the same answer: have a rep and/or a producer on your team when bidding on any new type of project. Not all image makers have the experience to know how to protect themselves from a client. An extra set of experienced eyes before the trouble begins can be worth the cost.
For photographers who are assistants, something to note is how this ongoing job-to-job life can potentially take you off your own creative path. Our industry is one where the support staff can depend on intense job-to-job work with little time to focus on the original purpose of developing their own career. Remember why you are doing this; keep sight of valuable time and why you are doing what you are doing.
How do photographers handle filming video on shoots?
I’m just so used to just focusing on shooting photography on a set. Just stills, no video. My assistant usually shoots BTS videos on shoots, but that’s it. Are we supposed to hire someone to shoot video separately, and charge for it?
As the agent, I’m going to answer this from the perspective of getting you the most bang for your buck. Many shoots do need you to be the overall DIRECTOR.
1. Be ready, technically speaking, to fulfill most potential job scenarios that come your way.
2. Choose the method (hire a DP, be the DP yourself, or focus on being the still photographer on motion sets) that delivers the highest quality of results in your specialized market.
3. Don’t let the fear of the unknown hold back your professional growth. Make sure to capitalize on pushing yourself to bring out the highest quality skill set you can muster!
Adjust with the times! Changes are among us in the Commercial Advertising markets, and we need to ride the wave through our style- shifting constantly and leaning forward with advancing ways. Join the movement!
Is this a NEW year? Map out your Holy Grail list of ideal career goals from ideas that will lead you where you want to go! Why listen to anything else?
Time off means giving good-faith ideas/mindsets right back to yourself and your creative endeavors!
Take time during the holiday season to reflect on your career and creative aspirations. We should be giving, not just to others, but also to oneself by nurturing one’s creative instincts and ambitions. Embrace the holiday spirit and allow it to inspire a renewed sense of confidence, trust, and faith in their professional journeys. By taking moments to reconnect with your creativity and aspirations, you can harness this downtime to foster ideas and ignite your passion for your career.
I was wondering if you have any recommendations for sites that discuss the specifics of progressing your photography business?
In my opinion, there is no better website than aPhotoEditor. It contains all the insider information you will need to progress your business.
The question we are all dealing with is, WHAT’S GOING ON RIGHT NOW? Everything is changing, leaving us to question the status of our careers.
1. Accept that it is changing; thus, we must adapt.
2. Images are even more “Lofi” – imperfect production quality matching the social media realness.
3. What are you good at, and what can you bring to this situation?
4. Clients are getting more for their money and paying less.
5. Your role may need to fulfill other categories, and you can charge for those – like stylist, creative, storyboarding, pre-production, post-production, etc.
6. Keep yourself as fresh with testing as possible- be as NOW as ever!
What is your process after you’ve on-boarded a new photographer? After discussing where the photographer wants to go and where their work would be a great fit, what is your strategy in regards to marketing? What is a rep’s game plan?
“Marketing Outreach” is a big topic; I could write a few pages! The overall strategy depends on what stage they are at in their career. Here is a started checklist:
