Don’t let your comfort zones limit your decisions. You are an artist, and that job definition includes a requirement for experimentation. We are in a business based on broadening out through trial and error, not controlled by what you already know.
Artist = Uncomfortable
HOW TO GET THE JOB:
Be the director the client will hire you to be, from start to finish.
Have your plan in mind and confidently share it as, “This is the way to go,” to achieve their goals.
There is no need to buffer it with safe comments like, “My opinion is…” when you want to be hired as the creative lead carrying out your creative vision.
One of the best professional lessons I learned was to keep negatively emotionally charged reactions in check.
Frustration is a normal part of our business, but unleashing that onto people we work with is not cool and not professional. Don’t risk it even if it feels rational at the moment.
What are the most important things to include in a bid?
Some MUST ADDS to every bid:
1. Specifics of what the bid is based on (image count, variations, amount, and schedule of days, the deliverables, etc.)
2. Usage licensing terms and copyright rights
3. Gear charges even when you own your equipment
4. Timelines and deadlines to clear up how many hours per day are included (pre-overtime), and when and how they will receive the final images
5. Anything you are expecting them to cover or supply
6. Advance invoice amount and date requirements
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?
