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 see your work and make a decision about whether or not they can find you work. Emailing a rep directly and showing your website is still the most effective way to get a rep’s attention.
I need advice on naming my business. Is it an important part of marketing? I’d prefer to use my one name and add the word Media, Photography, or Creative after it, but my name is common and there are some sub-par photographers with my name out there right now. Thoughts?
Your name needs to sum you up quickly and succinctly. Media, Creative and Photography all have different business-related meanings so I would suggest you stick to your name, with the word “Photography” and make sure the website name is available too. I wouldn’t worry too much about the other photographers.
Should you create two instagram profiles? One for portraits and the other for products? Or combine both into one profile?
If you have two separate businesses and websites this would make sense. But assuming you don’t, the best way to sell yourself is to have one strong cohesive style that is evident in everything you shoot. Two separate profiles will lower the quality of your work and create the appearance of two separate brands.
If you have started a blog or are posting work somewhere just don’t let too much time go by without updating it. That doesn’t look professional.
Another important aspect of our business that I’ve mentioned often is the need to keep up with the times. Don’t let too much time pass without updating your work—it should always look fresh. When you’re considered for a job, clients want to know that they’re bringing someone who is current, motivated, and involved, and who will do a good job.
If your blog is outdated and not regularly updated, it reflects poorly on you. Similarly, if your Instagram hasn’t been updated in a while, it might signal that you’re not actively engaged, which could make clients hesitant to hire you. Be mindful of how you present yourself. The goal of starting a blog or using social media is to market yourself effectively, so use these tools to showcase the kind of photographer and professional you are.
What is the best way to showcase work on your website – showing all images from individual shoots in separate galleries, or just showing one of the best images from each shoot?
I actually like a combination of the two – show one image from each shoot with the ability to clock on the image to see more of the gallery.
Where do buyers go to find photographers? Google? Online directories? If so, other than social media, where do you suggest photographers advertise?
This may be the hardest question to answer in our industry right now. I’d say all of the above. Try everything and see what works. My most sincere answer is that buyers often look at reps’ websites…so get a rep if you can. I also have heard feedback that art producers like Wonderful Machine, but then again, shop around, and also ask those who are already using those sites if they have been getting more work from them.
Do you have any photography business websites that you’d recommend following?
There are a lot of great websites, but if I had to pick one, I’d recommend aphotoeditor, as it covers a wide range of important business related issues for us.
Always have an overview with a grid of your smaller images on your website. Always. No one has time to click on every section to see your online portfolio.
There’s so many things that are right and wrong about websites and one thing we know for sure, they have to be fast. That overview must be there because people don’t have time to click on all the different topics. They just want to quickly see who you are and if you’re right for the job. The overview also makes you look more professional. If someone has to click, and click and click on your website, they’re not going to do it. People will want to scroll the overview
Should a photographer edit and cull their Instagram page to make it look like a professional portfolio? If my Insta has some commercial work, behind-the-scenes shots, but also smartphone shots of my puppy, is that a huge turn-off?
Instagram needs to be your 2nd portfolio. Just as your website has your ABOUT section, which brings a bit of personal info to it – same goes for Instagram. I’d suggest for instagram; 80% portfolio and 20% personal.
ALTHOUGH, the personal should really still be images that are interesting to your clients. THey love seeing locations you are working in and learning/knowing any interesting info about you. They want to know who you are and what your hobbies are. They don’t really need to know what your pets look like.
What makes a photographer’s site hard to navigate?
Sites can be hard to navigate for a few reasons. Sometimes the actual menu options are hard to find because the sit template tries to get too artsy. Or sometimes you can only view images one at a time (no thumbnail view option).
We’re often trying to image search or curate a page of the photographer’s imagery, so being able to move through the site quickly is important.
I do appreciate seeing their creative touch beyond just their imagery – so a cool landing page, or some nice touch to the formatting is good. But generally, it should still be easy to navigate.
Guest Post: Art Producer, Lindsay Mason
