Re: [Leica] 'this is how the photo business works....

[Ted Grant <tedgrant@shaw.ca>]

Kyle Cassidy wrote: " 'this is how the photo business works...."

Hi Kyle,
Great story of the wild wild world of shooting wild wild assignments. Well
some of them. ;-).

However me young son for what it's worth here's some suggestions for the
next one and many more that'll make it easier and more lucrative. And it's
the "more lucrative first, easier second, then great "artist / shooter"
image making next. :-)

One, find yourself a legitimate photo talented assistant / office manager /
people dealing person who just ain't afraid of anybody! Who can be cool,
ruthless when necessary and make people paying the bill wilt when she
smiles! Then they'll pay you more. ;-) All of this in one person! And no I'm
not giving up Sandy for love nor money! :-) :-)

The reason for this type of person is.. she does all the talking,
organizing, telephone calls and conversations with clients. WHY?

Because you.... "the arteeeest / photographer"  is extremely busy and don't
have time for minor details as your complete concentration is required
through the camera while making great images! And she sells that line
constantly.

The client only gets to talk with you ...."AFTER SHE SETS THE PARAMETERS"
of the conversation discussing the assignment. You do not discuss money,
costs, arrangements NADA! Why? Because you are the arteest not to be
disturbed with minor details of organization. That's what she does, all the
coordination and she's there to take the heat if there's any screw-ups and
she keeps you out of the deep do doo if you screw-up.

Which of course we know you wont. ;-)

Now in keeping it set like the above, you don't show any emotion when she
asks for a shooting fee 4 times more than you would normally ask. Don't
forget, when she's doing this talk stuff, you're off relaxing and preparing,
"the right mind set" to shoot something for more money than you've ever been
paid before. :-)

The kind of people you've described are all very image conscious and the
more aloof, quiet and stand offish you are about things, the cooler they
think you are.They deal with the "PhotoOrganizer" your trusted assistant of
everything. Then she relays any information to you in quiet tones while
you're sort of standing off from the madmen musicians, hangers on and
gophers.

That is until there's a moment when some art director gopher opens their
mouth and speaks to you directly! .......... then go ballistic!  The Photo
Coordinator rushes in and appears to calm you down while you under your
breath grumble, mumble and  look like you are considerably upset.

Then of course once you've calmed down, quickly and quietly apologize to one
and all and then go silent, walk away to another part of the set.

Remember, this is all play acting and image making, the more radical you
appear, certainly with these music crew types and followers, the more
they'll love you and make like they absolutely know you're "BIGTIME COOL!"
WHY?

Simply because most of them are into weirdo mode most of the time and
accustomed to being around the plastic brigade of show people. But without a
doubt, the most important key player is your gal who runs the show, but she
sure as hell must be a good actress type in playing the roll. And know her
stuff!

In point:  A behind the scenes story of how Karsh's image was built by his
first wife, Solange.

Solange did all the business contacts, arrangements, interviews, you name it
and whatever Karsh did it was because Solange said it was OK. It wouldn't
surprise me she set his breathing rate.

In the early '40's there was a meeting in Ottawa for Karsh to shoot some
Hollywood stars, so when the film industry PR people arrived to make sure
Karsh did it right they asked of  Solange was "Mr. Karsh" available?  And
before they knew what hit them she jumped up from her desk ripped into them
with, "It's KARSH not Mr. Karsh!  If you were asking for God would you ask
for Mr. God?"

Hollywood types were floored and Solange had them eating out of her hand
right off. It's called psychological warfare! And she won the battle before
it began. ;-) When they met Karsh they were very humbled men.

So Kyle find a gal with killer instincts who'll show no fear. Your fees will
go up, your assignments will increase and the artists will flock to your
door.  It's all in image making mon ami.
ted


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