Reps

Q:

Do photographers need to be repped anymore?

A:

Photographers, directors, CGI, AI, etc, do not NEED to be repped the way they used to. Years ago, we were the primary means of reaching clients, whereas now clients have a direct path to you. The decision-making question now is: what will serve you the best to secure the most jobs, maximize potential fees, have overall support and marketing outreach on your own or with an agent partner? You can now weigh the odds and see where you stand in your situation.

Q:

What are the most important things to include in a bid?

A:

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

Every Photographer can have that REP MENTALITY mindset, no matter your situation. Your job is to continuously keep your REP (Mentality) excited by actively feeding your marketing supply chain.

What is your “agent mentality” improvement approach to losing a job? 

• What can you learn to do better

• What other skills do you need to add to your wheelhouse

• What are the strategic positives and negatives of how this went down 

• Were there options you wish you had tried

• Did you sell your technical skills properly, mirroring back what the client needed to hear 

• Where does this one fit in your statistical analysis in your overall directional trajectory

Q:

How do you get a rep to look at your email?

A:

Address it to the right person, keep it short, and link them to your website.

Q:

Do you ever find photographers or directors on Instagram?

A:

I have definitely found image makers I want to rep on Instagram as that is the place to find them. Instagram isn’t the only way to show images; it is the platform to come alive on a more one-on-one basis and ENGAGE with more of a personal approach.

Q:

What is the best way for a photographer seeking representation to get the attention of potential reps?

A:

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. 

Q:

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?

A:

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. 

What a rep needs from you is something to say. Tests, new work, content, a story, anything to give us something to share about you. 

Q:

Do you think a small, 2-person photography production company needs a rep to continue to be successful? 

A:

To have a rep or not have a rep is the question. Some image makers choose not to have a rep, so these are the questions I suggest asking yourself:

1. Are you fulfilling all the areas to be the best at your marketing?

2. Are you utilizing all the sales methods that are available to us?

3. Is your brand as high level as it can be?

4. What is your company vision for your future, and is that something you can achieve on your own?

5. Do you have a specific goal plan, knowing the directions you want to grow into?