Videos

 On a creative call make sure to wait after you speak, hearing the creatives’ response. 

The purpose is not only to get your questions answered or get your message across, but also to connect. It’s not a show, it’s a conversation. 

You speak and then they may have a response, so allow for that as the connection may be more important than what you are saying. 

On these creative calls, as I listen to all the photographers, I always think about what I can learn and what they can learn from the discussion. I actually wrote some notes on this and want to read them because I don’t want to forget anything. Don’t rush and talk so much that they can’t respond to each point. Every point you make is important, and it’s equally important to hear how they respond.

Who knows what they might say? Hopefully, they like what you’re saying, but their responses can help you understand more and guide your perspective on the project. Hearing their responses is exactly what you need, so make sure to slow down and not rush as you talk. Allow space for them to answer.

What are your inspirational idiosyncrasies?

I mean when/how does your best work happen?

You are an artist and to succeed you must incorporate what makes you tick and call that your “business.”

I’ve been thinking a lot about this because I notice it in photographers, though it’s probably true for everyone. My focus is on photographers, and while everyone has their own style of making things happen, there are sometimes challenges that get in the way.

I want to tell everyone to listen to what’s blocking you and figure out what will help you thrive. What will make you flow and accomplish what you need to in your business? Do you need to delegate tasks, play music loudly, open the door and go outside, or meditate? Identify what you need and respect that you need it to feel more alive, stand out, and achieve your goals. Do the things that will help you succeed in your business.

The change in our marketing these days is massive. In the past we had a clear route with less options. 

The #1 mandatory way in now is to stay fresh and join the Instagram party. 

This is no longer an option.

I’ve noticed lately that Instagram feed posts aren’t getting as many likes or views as they used to. We know it’s because of Instagram Stories, which have become more prominent. However, as a rep, if I’m researching a client, photographer, or anyone, and I see that they haven’t posted on their feed in a few weeks, I lose a bit of respect and don’t take them as seriously. It gives the impression that they’re not as engaged or haven’t made time for it. So, I still think it’s really important to post regularly on your feed.

In any business interaction, remember to follow up immediately so you are believed and taken seriously.

When I meet someone for the first time on the phone or in any other setting, I want to know that they will follow up quickly and express that the meeting was important to them and that it went well. Everything they said should be followed up on promptly—ideally, right away. This quick follow-up makes the interaction feel real. Even if we have a great meeting, we might wonder if it was as good as it seemed or if we should hire this person. How they follow up acts like a test. So, do it as soon as you can.

 Curate your relationships. 

Of course this is true for our personal lives, but also for our careers. 

Know where people are from and what they enjoy. 

Relate to people as our connections are the best public relations. 

Even if you have a rep, do this for yourself as your relationships are a part of your brand.

Right now, marketing is incredibly important to our business. It involves putting ourselves out there, bonding with others, and taking note of what’s important to them—their backgrounds and relatable topics. This approach helps us connect quickly and meaningfully. I’ve seen that today’s marketing is increasingly about personal connections, even including things like taking people to lunch. Then, when we bid on a job and start working with them, it feels more human. Marketing today is more about human connection than ever before.

 I once heard the very wise rep Rhoni Epstein of Photo Therapists say, “Build your brand on a T shape. Build a strong style and then expand once it is sturdy.”

Follow her advice.

www.phototherapists.com

I hear a lot about expansion from photographers who want to explore new areas. It’s natural to want variety and not do the same thing over and over. However, it’s important to stay strong with your core style—what you’re known for. I remember the concept of the ‘T-shape’: build a strong foundation with your primary style first, then you can expand. You need to have that core style balanced and structured before branching out. So, focus on solidifying your main style and then consider expanding from there.

 The Creative Call is one of those rare ‘make or break’ moments that will help you get or lose the job. When you hear a pause after the creative explains what they are looking for, jump in with a response of a visual description of how you will get what they are looking for.

I have a specific piece of advice for you, based on what I’ve noticed on creative calls. There’s often a pause when the art director is explaining the shot list and the concept. It’s crucial to wait for that pause and use it as your opportunity to reiterate your visual plan. Instead of just saying ‘That’s great’ or ‘Yeah, sure,’ use that pause to restate what they’ve outlined and explain how you will technically execute it. This helps clarify how you’re going to bring their vision to life.

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 I learned when I started as a rep—it was in Seattle, thanks to Doug Landreth—was the importance of scheduling. I was an in-house rep, and Doug introduced me to Maria Piscopo, a consultant whose expertise is in scheduling. That really hit me hard; I realized that I needed a solid schedule to manage my tasks. Without one, I struggled to get things done. Time management became crucial for me, and it’s something I still rely on heavily.

Speaking of consultants, they can be incredibly helpful. There are a lot of them out there, and if you ever need advice or recommendations, feel free to ask—I’ll point you in the right direction.

On a workday with time to do what you want, go with the tasks that you are in the mood for. 

I write in the mornings because that is when words flow for me. 

Follow your mood and go with it to get the best results.

Instagram! Get your work out there in the world. More and more often producers are being tasked with finding undiscovered talent. You’ll see that some of the biggest brands are shooting campaigns with photographers that were discovered via Instagram, many of whom have never shot an ad campaign. 

Guest Post: Executive Producer, Rebecca O’Neill

This tells me so much about our market right now. It’s fresh and raw. We have to stay young thinking. Don’t think like an experienced photographer, think young, new thoughts and new ways. That’s what clients want right now. They want what’s hot, what’s new, what’s next. You don’t have to have a big client list to get jobs. That’s a great opportunity. Once again it’s Instagram.