An artist’s photography career grows and progresses in every direction, but there comes a point in life when they will consider seeking a photography rep and agency. The reason why creators look for a representation from a photography agency is to boost their profession and gain industry contacts.
Photographers with a certain amount of experience are generally accepted by photography agencies, although there are few exceptions. In either case, knowing how to contact an agency and what the process comprises behind it is beneficial. But first, let’s understand photo agencies.
What is a Photo Agency?
A photography agency is a business that manages all elements of the careers of its creative talents. While working with a photography agency, can assist you in obtaining new business, establishing industry relationships, and negotiating financial deals and projects.
Ways to Contact them or get represented by an Editorial Photo Agency
The photography agents are well-connected with big clients in the industry. This means they are aware of upcoming big projects of photographers, mostly those who are shooting for big commercials or publications. Suppose, you work on large projects, then stay confident that agencies will approach you or contact you about your current talent representation.
In other cases, you might start reaching out to agencies that are already familiar with your work on your own. Photographers who have shot significant magazine covers, been commissioned by major brands, and received media recognition from the industry are eligible for this type of introduction.
If you’re looking for a photography agent, to expand your profession, you’ll need to take the initiative to reach out and connect. The way you used to share your work has surely evolved. Nowadays, working photographers present their professional books to agents by bringing in real prints. You can take the help of the internet and establish an online contact.
Doing your research before approaching a photography agency is the best way to start. Make sure you’ve looked over the agency’s current work before sending any form of message. You’ll need to cross-reference a few crucial points, including:
- Is the agency representing the artists within my specific niche?
- Does the agency have more than one photographer who has the same style like me?
- Who are their clients?
- Do they have international or just focused on one city?
- Research their latest work.
- Are this photographer’s aesthetic has significant style from my creation?
To contact a photography agency, you may need to email or directly call them or do both. Suppose you have given your number to an agent, you may receive an email or maybe be told that they are not accepting the new talent.
The telephone is a dying mode of communication. However, you should make use of it. Everyone who contacts a photography agent will send an email as well. Why do you think that is? Because it is the most straightforward way with the least amount of risk and inconvenience.
While having a conversation with the agent, initially talk about your style, which formats of photography do you prefer, what sort of projects have you worked on and who are your current clients are? You want to be confident in your abilities and qualifications but also personate and easy to talk to.
Suppose, you are contacting an agency that is located where you live, offering to stop by the office to show your work in person. If you are reaching out to an agency situated in another part of the country or city, then send your portfolio online via email.
You’ll be able to tell whether the agent is interested in continuing the conversation before the call ends. Always write a follow-up thank you email for the agent’s time, regardless of the outcome of your chat is. It is also helpful for your overall success in the profession.
Presenting Your Portfolio In-Person
If your phone call went well, then you may have to set up a time for you to come by the office and show your work in person. Here are a few suggestions for you to present the work.
- A digital copy of your portfolio can be seen on either on phone or tablet. The agency can easily look at your previous work and scroll through the rest. The photos can be a large library of your best shots and even contains multiple variations from the same shot. Make sure the images that you have uploaded are high quality and easily visible on the screen.
- A printed portfolio may seem like a traditional method, but it works well. In the printed portfolio add ten of your favorite pictures. You need to showcase the diversity in shots such as portraits, angles, variety of poses or locations, etc. All the images can consistently fit together that can express your aesthetic and style.
Bring both digital and printed photographs to your portfolio review; this not only demonstrates professionalism but also offers the agency a sense of how your images will seem once printed.
Showing your portfolio to the agency, be prepared to answer any questions related to the images, such as what your direction for the shoot or intention behind capturing a specific photograph.
After your encounter, you should leave a business card with your contact information. Even though the agent will have your personal contact information and website, a physical business card with one of your photographs printed on it acts as a simple reminder.
Just because you have exchanged the message with the photography agent, there is some possibility that they will turn down your representation and it is quite normal. In some circumstances, an agent liked your work but does not have any room for any artists to represent them. Or they think you’re talented, but you’re not a good fit for the agency because of the tone and style differences.
The process of finding a photography agency is not an easy task, you may go through highs and lows. It may take you several months or years to find the right agency that seems fit for you.
Rather than seeing this as a sign and abandoning or leaving photography forever, keep trying to create new work. Update your portfolio, take on other projects, and keep grinding as you have for years.
In Conclusion
A photography agency can assist you to get new work and boost your revenue. Being a representative in photography agents and reps means you can improve professionally and creatively. I hope the aforementioned steps will be helpful for you to find an agency that can represent you.
Happy Searching!
