Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1997/05/22
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Ben Holmes wrote: <<<Alright here's the LUG mother of all questions: if this doesn't get my butt flamed, nothing will!>>>>>> Hey Ben, Not at all! And if someone flames one Leica user asking other Leica users for help, I'm sure the three shooters you asked help from will be the first three back in your defense. OK first bit if advice, "GET OUT OF PHOTOGRAPHY!" <VBG> :) that is unless you're prepared to work your butt off and take all kinds of stupid comments from visually challenged blind editors and art directors. Not all of them, just most! :) Your biggest task is not only being a good photographer, but being ""dependable"" You don't have to be the "Greatest photographer in the World" ((besides that's me! :) guys that is with a very big tongue in cheek! I'm just joking, kidding, you know haw haw!) :) You very simply have to be dependable and come back with good usable material __every time__ and mixed in there a few "diamonds" that will be the big ones to get you more assignments. You must put your work, as a portfolio in front of as many people as you physically can, the more the better and everyone you show it to, you immediately return a thank you letter for their time within 24 hours! They forget faces and names very quickly!! And you must follow-up with a call! But don't ask what they have for you, but go back to them with ideas you have for stories, I'm referring to editorial assignments and not say advertising. Donal can answer that better than I, Look at it this way, You are on the street, hear and see things that the editor sitting in the office can only hear about through you calling him with the idea. Therefore the more ideas you feed, the better are your chances for paid assignments. Besides you are constantly getting your name and face in front of him all the time and if you are consistent, then when that editor needs a photographer and because you have been the last one he has seen, you are the immediate one he thinks of. Never cry "not busy" -- "no work!" You always are going like hell even if you haven't done a shoot in a month, if nobody else is using you why should this editor take a chance on you. Most important! dress and sound like you are somebody, not cocky, (just self assurred) do not go in looking like you were just shot out of a cannon sideways with a keg of nails! It might have been alright for the "animal news photographer" on the TV show, but it just doesn't wash in real life. What being dressed well gets you is one great big word """RESPECT!"" If you look like somebody you will generally get treated like somebody. If you look like you are supposed to be there, you have a better chance of having cooperation for and during the assignment or introduction. You'll notice that I haven't said a word about taking pictures or Leica cameras and that to some degree is secondary to getting in the door and presenting your portfolio and human self. I always found that I had a much more successful response when I personally presented my work, rather than shipping or having a rep drag it around. Sometimes a rep is necessary and other photographers have had great success at the agent/rep thing than I have. The toughest thing is selling yourself, I hate it with a passion and each time I have to show some "happy snaps" it takes a bunch out of me and I'm beat afterwards. Maybe you will be one of the fortunate guys who can sell well, me I'd rather be just quietly snapping away. I hope this gives you something for a start and I'm sure Donal and Harrison will have similar assistance. Of course this all hinges on that we have been talking Leica camera use here! :) Oh yeah and the next assignment you get, you have to pay each of us 25% agent fees! :) A a 4 way spit isn't so bad when you have tutors like us. :) Good luck. ted Victoria, Canada http://www.islandnet.com/~tedgrant