Really? Me too!
About a year ago my mentor and I were enjoying a cup of coffee, having the "I wonder how you do that" conversation. We were completely and utterly clueless. My answer, whenever I draw a huge blank is: "Let's do some research!" But even the all-knowing Google didn't have any answers.
This was where the ladies of Female Photographers of Etsy team came in. (Can I say enough wonderful things about them??) Someone asked the very same question on a thread, and the ladies in the know freely shared their information!
So I must credit both Elle Moss and Caryndrexl with sharing the following information, which helped me get my work represented by two agencies!
- Develop a Portfolio -
Before you go out there banging on doors to get an agent, you need to be able to show the world that you have a body of work that is marketable. If you are just beginning, why not take a trip to your local bookseller and start browsing?
Bring a pen and a notebook and begin to write down descriptions of the images that you see on the book covers. Take note of styles, as well as poses and locales.
Then go out there and shoot, trying to incorporate those notes into your own personal style! - Discover the Agents -
This step can be done during your Portfolio-Building-Note-Taking trip, but I suggest making a separate bookstore trip for this one. If your bookstore sells yummy coffee drinks, then bonus!
Do a power walk around the Fiction section of your shop - if the shop is small just be careful of other patrons - and pick out a stack of books that have eye-catching images. Yup! Judge that book by its cover!
Usually the agency is listed on the back cover.
With hard-cover books you might find the info on the inside of the jacket at the back of the book.
When I was searching around for an agent I made a list of the agencies I found, and then began to create a tally to see which agencies seemed to dominate the market. - Make Contact -
Now that you have a solid portfolio of 30-50 images, it's time to shop out that hard work you've done! Take that list of agencies you made and start to Google them! Most agencies should have an info page on how to submit to them. Take note of their instructions - and make sure that your image quality fits their specifications!
Now, write up a cover letter and create a lo-res zip file of your images and begin sending out your inquiries! Make sure you research the person you are sending your portfolio to! None of this "To Whom it May Concern" nonsense - unless you really can't find the info! - Follow Up -
It might take about two weeks to hear back from your submissions, but worry not. A nice follow up email is all that is needed. If you don't get a slew of resounding "YES" emails back, don't despair! Some agencies are happy to tell you what they are looking for, which is a great opportunity for you to refine your portfolio.
After my first submission to Trevillion Images, I got a very nice rejection letter. The next seven months were spent researching and photographing. And it paid off! My second submission was accepted on the same day it was sent, as were about five images from my initial submission. - Sign a Contract (Well, read it first!) -
If you get an offer, congratulations! You have your foot in the door. Now it's time to read over that contract with all of the fine print. Make sure that you will retain the copyright to your images. If possible, make sure that your images will remain Rights Managed - which means you make money each time your image is used.
Read up on the difference between Rights Managed and Royalty Free stock here!
Best of luck and Happy Shooting!
♥,
Jen
0 comments:
Post a Comment