I too spent life in the Air Force as a Fighter Jet Mechanic. There were life events, 911 change my life, I moved away from aviation and into demoliton. The down turn of the economy and its affects on the construction industry moved me back to what I wanted to with my life in the first place and it has been through the support of my Wife that I am making my way with passion.

The point of my comments are that God wanted me to see your life and what he as done and what is doing in my life and I will continue with passion and persistance. I want to thnak You and Rob for this article.

What’s the obsession with Ray Meeks and what does it have to do with Andy’s career or more specifically this interview. If you want to know about Ray’s Career, call him! Why is it up to Rob or Andy to mention or give you the real story on him? I know who he assisted for, and I assisted for Ray, he’s a very creative photographer who thinks outside the box, but it sounds like you want Ray to shoot stuff for your book? Also if you want people to respect your opinion try putting your name on it, Anonymous!

best,
ithyle

Not just great words to work by but great words to live by Andy.

Loved the interview. Very insightful.

I guess I’ll work with you again, B.

jimmy b

Perhaps one of the reasons the pro-bono clients seem un-organized is that they do not have budgets. In light of this, they have to ask photographers for services, favors, etc. I have had clients ask me if there is a way I can get them retouching on a pro-bono project for a reduced rate, which is not normally something we negotiate. If the creative is great, there is nothing I wouldn’t do to get them what they need.

Thomas Chadwick- one of the photographers I represent, photographed a series of 4 ads for a pro-bono client 2 years ago and won a Cannes Lion. It was an amazing result. The same agency came to us with another pro-bono assignment in December and we jumped at the chance to shoot it.

Great images on your site, the Tanzania set is breathtaking.

Good art directors, art buyer and photo directors will find people.

I prefer the term “educated and experienced.” No offense, but there seem to be less and less of those around these days. My experience has been many, not all, ADs, ABs and PEs need “confirmation” from their peers before hiring an unknown photographer, especially if the photographer does not live or work in one of the major photography markets. Few (except anonymously over the internet) have an opinion of their own.

Great interview, great work by Andy Anderson, thank you.

Great insightful interview and commentary; congrats Andy and Rob.

My two cents
John F Martin
San Francisco

andy, I heard you have over 30 speed graphics. Is this true?

Thanks for the clarification, but in all honesty, it really needs to be in the core article, not buried down here. I know you know the difference, but take another look at your words.

“I also used to shoot a lot of pro bono work back in the day to get into the award books.”

“…and if that means doing a pro bono project so you can provide an amazing service for a client who can’t afford it but it lands you in the award books then Voila…”

Does the average reader take that any other way than “pay your dues, work for free”? My point is simply that while you know how to navigate these waters, the people eating up your words do not.

They will apply the lesson to their own environment, first to build their portfolios (completely free) and then to grow their brand (gutter credit) and then to “get in with” a key player and so forth. Are you really helping?

I find it interesting that you defend your position by playing the charity card, where is that in the interview? Wouldn’t that be a better message than “client who can’t afford you”?

While this may seem at odds, I couldn’t agree with you more. What I find to be an egregious oversight, is presuming your audience will understand how *not* to do this.

I couldn’t have said it better myself.

And you are spot on about not working for a company, but working for people within that company. It’s important to keep those relationships alive and fresh, as in the creative industry, people are always on the move.

If you are able to make a love connection then you are off to races and you are working on something you are both happy to be apart of.

Now you have made a CONNECTION, and I promise you are top of mind and the next time he or she has a project and they you are the right fit then you will be the person who be called and most likely it will be a paying project

In closing, in the years that I have been in the business, I have met and worked with very, very few questionable people. So get over that, most that I have had the pleasure to work with have been amazing. Remember most are artists and understand the process. They are art directors and have gone to art school, and the art buyers understand and know art and the process.

Get over they fact that anyone is screwing anyone. Its not a good place to be as a mindset. Be aware, but I believe most people are good.