Recommendations

The Personal Touch by Terrie Williams is one of the books that helped me find my way of connecting to people in a genuine way when I started SternRep.

Use a schedule to get it done. 

Book yourself for the day and time to check it off your list. 

If you don’t get it done, reassign it until you finish the task.  

One thing we learned early on is that time management is so important. . You really have to figure out a schedule, a time and a place to get it done

If you want an answer to several questions I usually ask just one first, and then wait for an answer before asking the next one.

Don’t call people if you’re not good on the phone.

Q:

What is the standard day rate for a photographer?

A:

The standard day rate, creative fee, or per shot assignment fee for a photographer depends on the industry they are in. I hear editorial is $500 per day unless it’s a magazine cover. Commercial advertising can run the gamut usually starting at $3,500, up to $6,500 or even around $15k for big jobs.

Also, factor location scouting, prep days, travel days and overseeing post production rates into that rate. And then remember to factor in all the costs of each industry.

Unfortunately there is no clear answer here but there are some great resources to reference. Those are noted below. 

Resources available for pricing help: visit @aphotoeditor online for pricing and bidding help, they feature sample estimates

@wonderfulmachine is also great and can step in and help with estimates. 

You can also always reach out to a photo agent with questions and we are often happy to hop on a job with you and negotiate your rates. Send industry related questions to [email protected].

Sales tool number uno: sometimes keeping my mouth shut and listening

Be up front and honest with people you work with. Even when it may be an uncomfortable conversation. 

If you can offer feedback or broach challenging topics in a clear, simple, and non-aggressive way, people will often be far more receptive. 

Not taking things personally and not fretting about being honest with people. Asking for what you need in a very clean way. That’s one of the keys I have been learning from Andrea!

Guest Post: Olivia Katz, SternRep Director of Operations

Q:

What does it take to stay hot as a photographer in this constantly changing industry?

A:

As a photographer, you have to constantly evolve, push yourself, and take chances if you want to succeed. It really is true that you have to be willing to leave your comfort zone if you want to get anywhere. Media and technology change so quickly that it can be tough to keep up. But when you learn to embrace changes and become adaptable, a lot of things start to happen. 

Guest Post: John Duarte, Photographer

Don’t put your name or copyright on your images. It looks cheap and distracting.

Between jobs, take ADVANTAGE of the spare time by getting all your prep done. Be READY. Don’t postpone and wait until the last frantic minute. Get your bid forms ready, find your digital tech, get to know your retouchers, location scout, find your makeup artist, producer, etc