Obtaining representation

[lynne_findlay]

-- How does a photographer go about finding/attracting a

photographers representative to promote his/her work?

 

-- What do I need to have in my portfolio in order to gain

representation? What about shows/exhibits participation, press

clippings, etc.

 

-- What is typical commission structure, length of contract? Can one

break the agreement if the rep isn't delivering as promised?

 

-- If one has an agreement with a representative, can the

photographer do his/her own supplemental promotion without having to

pay the representative a fee?

 

-- what can the rep. do for someone that he/she can't do by one's

self, just by placing calls and knocking on doors? Do most reps

***really*** have that extensive a network of contacts and

prospective buyers?

 

-- Other pitfalls/advantages?

 

Thanks in advance for your feedback and comments

[garry edwards]

Here in the UK there are a few reps, I believe that they tend to be interested only in high flyers.

 

My own experience is that nearly all business is repeat and recommendations (about 90% in my case) and that personal contact is essential. Frankly I don't see the point in paying someone to stand between myself and potential clients, however good they may be, reps are not me and new clients make decisions based on their judgement of me first, my work second and my prices a poor third (I hope)!

[joshwand]

Read Tom Zimberoff's book excerpts, found at the bottom right corner of this page:

 

http://www.photoworkshop.com/registered/pages/photobyte.html

 

Look at chapter 8 - marketing for a discussion of reps and what they do.