Comments on: Photographers Looking For Agents – Q & A With Deborah Schwartz http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2009/06/04/photographers-looking-for-agents-q-a-with-deborah-schwartz/ Former Photography Director Rob Haggart Sat, 11 Feb 2012 22:01:49 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.3 By: Tom Meyer http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2009/06/04/photographers-looking-for-agents-q-a-with-deborah-schwartz/#comment-98992 Tom Meyer Fri, 27 Jan 2012 19:21:17 +0000 http://www.aphotoeditor.com/?p=3170#comment-98992 A good article and advice. A second opinion might be worthwhile? In addition the choice of professional representation might be directly connected to the subject material of the photographer? This is not an easy one to solve! Being based in Israel, I am looking for somebody with international connections. ...tom_meyer... >www.meyerimages.com< (the way I see the world) A good article and advice. A second opinion might be worthwhile?
In addition the choice of professional representation might be directly
connected to the subject material of the photographer? This is not an
easy one to solve!
Being based in Israel, I am looking for somebody with international connections.
…tom_meyer…
>www.meyerimages.com<
(the way I see the world)

]]> By: steven planck http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2009/06/04/photographers-looking-for-agents-q-a-with-deborah-schwartz/#comment-97731 steven planck Fri, 30 Dec 2011 17:22:13 +0000 http://www.aphotoeditor.com/?p=3170#comment-97731 What a fantastic Q&A. It's not often that I search the internet and find quality stuff. Thanks for your time and energy in putting this together. steven planck What a fantastic Q&A. It’s not often that I search the internet and find quality stuff. Thanks for your time and energy in putting this together.

steven planck

]]> By: Garett Gabriel http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2009/06/04/photographers-looking-for-agents-q-a-with-deborah-schwartz/#comment-93635 Garett Gabriel Fri, 02 Dec 2011 20:47:58 +0000 http://www.aphotoeditor.com/?p=3170#comment-93635 Thank you very much for the insite, good read! I am currently seeking an agent who would be interested in representing me. I do mostly wildlife and scenic photography but I enjoy photographing people, events and critical POI. Please email me if interested and/or direction, Thank you … Here is a small sample gallery .. Enjoy http://www.flickr.com/photos/garettgabriel/ email: gcmg01@yahoo.com Thank you very much for the insite, good read! I am currently seeking an agent who would be interested in representing me. I do mostly wildlife and scenic photography but I enjoy photographing people, events and critical POI. Please email me if interested and/or direction, Thank you … Here is a small sample gallery .. Enjoy http://www.flickr.com/photos/garettgabriel/

email: gcmg01@yahoo.com

]]> By: Christian http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2009/06/04/photographers-looking-for-agents-q-a-with-deborah-schwartz/#comment-82864 Christian Tue, 09 Aug 2011 21:58:56 +0000 http://www.aphotoeditor.com/?p=3170#comment-82864 I think years of having no niche hurt me, in the beginning; I did tons of networking but had no clear message about what I was bringing to the table – even an agent or salesperson likely would’ve done me no good back then. Now that I’ve gone through my share of soul-searching and found a niche that resonates with me artistically..I realize that I’m in the wrong place for it; so now, having an agent in a land of little to no opportunity wouldn't do much for me. People around here love my work but have no use for it, or don’t have the money to spare, so I may move where the conditions are not such. But even then, I will do my own legwork first to better survey the new territory before trying to get an agent. I agree that you still have to be professional and put in the work and know how to communicate with people, but I disagree with the notion that an agent taking a chunk of income is unilaterally not worth it. Not every photographer is going to be the best at creating opportunities for themselves; they may know themselves artistically and produce great work and be getting better by the day, but having someone in their corner that's well-connected and can get them in front of some great opportunities can go a long way towards getting more projects that are right for them that they may not otherwise get. I think years of having no niche hurt me, in the beginning; I did tons of networking but had no clear message about what I was bringing to the table – even an agent or salesperson likely would’ve done me no good back then.

Now that I’ve gone through my share of soul-searching and found a niche that resonates with me artistically..I realize that I’m in the wrong place for it; so now, having an agent in a land of little to no opportunity wouldn’t do much for me. People around here love my work but have no use for it, or don’t have the money to spare, so I may move where the conditions are not such. But even then, I will do my own legwork first to better survey the new territory before trying to get an agent.

I agree that you still have to be professional and put in the work and know how to communicate with people, but I disagree with the notion that an agent taking a chunk of income is unilaterally not worth it. Not every photographer is going to be the best at creating opportunities for themselves; they may know themselves artistically and produce great work and be getting better by the day, but having someone in their corner that’s well-connected and can get them in front of some great opportunities can go a long way towards getting more projects that are right for them that they may not otherwise get.

]]> By: Christian http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2009/06/04/photographers-looking-for-agents-q-a-with-deborah-schwartz/#comment-82861 Christian Tue, 09 Aug 2011 21:12:56 +0000 http://www.aphotoeditor.com/?p=3170#comment-82861 Before reading this article, I was under the impression that the point of an agent was to get a photographer work (though I'm seeing the mantra that in some ways, you have to work even harder, which is understood). Yeah, giving away a percentage of your income might be less than ideal, but if one sees that it's the difference between them getting jobs and not getting them then how is it not worth it? The opportunity to simply be introduced to a potential client via a passionate, trustworthy referral is worth a lot. Me personally, I think years of having no niche hurt me - an agent or salesperson likely would've done me no good back then. Now that I've gone through my share of soul-searching and found a niche that resonates with me..I realize that I'm in the wrong place for it; again, having an agent in a land of little to no opportunity...not quite ideal. People around here love the work but have no use for it, or don't have the money to spare, so I shall move where the conditions are not such. But even then, I will do my own legwork first to better survey the new territory. Before reading this article, I was under the impression that the point of an agent was to get a photographer work (though I’m seeing the mantra that in some ways, you have to work even harder, which is understood). Yeah, giving away a percentage of your income might be less than ideal, but if one sees that it’s the difference between them getting jobs and not getting them then how is it not worth it? The opportunity to simply be introduced to a potential client via a passionate, trustworthy referral is worth a lot.

Me personally, I think years of having no niche hurt me – an agent or salesperson likely would’ve done me no good back then. Now that I’ve gone through my share of soul-searching and found a niche that resonates with me..I realize that I’m in the wrong place for it; again, having an agent in a land of little to no opportunity…not quite ideal. People around here love the work but have no use for it, or don’t have the money to spare, so I shall move where the conditions are not such. But even then, I will do my own legwork first to better survey the new territory.

]]> By: Christian http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2009/06/04/photographers-looking-for-agents-q-a-with-deborah-schwartz/#comment-82860 Christian Tue, 09 Aug 2011 21:00:15 +0000 http://www.aphotoeditor.com/?p=3170#comment-82860 "If you are too lazy to run a solid business why would you expect some “rep” to want to sell you?" Not every great photographer is going to be a great businessperson; I don't think it's always laziness so much as it is recognizing one's weaknesses..then getting the necessary people on their team to fill in those gaps. Whether that gap-filler is in the form of an agent, a marketing manager, a salesman, or what have you, finding that proper synergy can potentially lead to success - the same way getting fairly professional web design can be key to certain people taking a photographer seriously. Of course, having the money to hire those people is another can of catch22 worms, but assuming one has that seed money and fills their gaps wisely... “If you are too lazy to run a solid business why would you expect some “rep” to want to sell you?”

Not every great photographer is going to be a great businessperson; I don’t think it’s always laziness so much as it is recognizing one’s weaknesses..then getting the necessary people on their team to fill in those gaps. Whether that gap-filler is in the form of an agent, a marketing manager, a salesman, or what have you, finding that proper synergy can potentially lead to success – the same way getting fairly professional web design can be key to certain people taking a photographer seriously. Of course, having the money to hire those people is another can of catch22 worms, but assuming one has that seed money and fills their gaps wisely…

]]> By: Chuck Dade http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2009/06/04/photographers-looking-for-agents-q-a-with-deborah-schwartz/#comment-70282 Chuck Dade Mon, 15 Nov 2010 13:37:52 +0000 http://www.aphotoeditor.com/?p=3170#comment-70282 How does one know what to charge for photos? Someone wants to use some of my photos in a book on the history of the Unitarian Church of New Bedford. I took photos during the 300th year anniversary. I don't want to ruffle too many feathers but and I don't mind donating for church use but if the author is going to charge for the book I think that I, probably should get a residual on the photos per book sold. So I'm trying to get some idea how to approach this and what book publishers normally pay and how. Any suggestions? How does one know what to charge for photos?

Someone wants to use some of my photos in a book on the history of the Unitarian Church of New Bedford. I took photos during the 300th year anniversary.

I don’t want to ruffle too many feathers but and I don’t mind donating for church use but
if the author is going to charge for the book I think that I, probably should get a residual on the photos per book sold.

So I’m trying to get some idea how to approach this and what book publishers normally pay and how.

Any suggestions?

]]> By: JohnMiami http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2009/06/04/photographers-looking-for-agents-q-a-with-deborah-schwartz/#comment-69581 JohnMiami Sun, 24 Oct 2010 01:23:30 +0000 http://www.aphotoeditor.com/?p=3170#comment-69581 This was a good read. The plus side of the digital phenomenon, and technology, is that it's 1000 times easier to promote and sell yourself. You should not need a rep unless you can't handle the business side of it (like just happened to me on a job I got from my gym!). If you get too much work to handle, any good attorney, that understands licensing and art / intellectual property, would make a great representative / agent if you need help. I've been doing this for 10 years, and have always heard that agents don't want you unless you already have work. Most people think agents get you work, and I don't think they really do. So keep your money and sell yourself!! Also, an agent has a roster, which means you're competing with (11, in this case) other photographers instantaneously, even if the client wanted you :) This was a good read. The plus side of the digital phenomenon, and technology, is that it’s 1000 times easier to promote and sell yourself. You should not need a rep unless you can’t handle the business side of it (like just happened to me on a job I got from my gym!). If you get too much work to handle, any good attorney, that understands licensing and art / intellectual property, would make a great representative / agent if you need help. I’ve been doing this for 10 years, and have always heard that agents don’t want you unless you already have work. Most people think agents get you work, and I don’t think they really do. So keep your money and sell yourself!! Also, an agent has a roster, which means you’re competing with (11, in this case) other photographers instantaneously, even if the client wanted you :)

]]> By: Douglas Anderson http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2009/06/04/photographers-looking-for-agents-q-a-with-deborah-schwartz/#comment-69478 Douglas Anderson Wed, 20 Oct 2010 17:52:47 +0000 http://www.aphotoeditor.com/?p=3170#comment-69478 Great post. Pretty much sums it up. Great post. Pretty much sums it up.

]]> By: Heather Rager http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2009/06/04/photographers-looking-for-agents-q-a-with-deborah-schwartz/#comment-68804 Heather Rager Sun, 03 Oct 2010 12:52:46 +0000 http://www.aphotoeditor.com/?p=3170#comment-68804 I just came across this article. I feel very silly now because I recently contacted DS Reps with all the above mentioned questions. I appreciate her candid honest answers in this piece. I've been a portrait photographer for years and have come to find it less than fulfilling. I'm ready to start branching out but was not sure how to even get started. Ms. Schwartz no need to reply to my email you answered all my questions right here. Thank you for the insightful interview. I just came across this article. I feel very silly now because I recently contacted DS Reps with all the above mentioned questions. I appreciate her candid honest answers in this piece. I’ve been a portrait photographer for years and have come to find it less than fulfilling. I’m ready to start branching out but was not sure how to even get started. Ms. Schwartz no need to reply to my email you answered all my questions right here.

Thank you for the insightful interview.

]]> By: trovare un rappresentante « autoscatto http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2009/06/04/photographers-looking-for-agents-q-a-with-deborah-schwartz/#comment-67696 trovare un rappresentante « autoscatto Mon, 06 Sep 2010 15:59:48 +0000 http://www.aphotoeditor.com/?p=3170#comment-67696 [...] articolo da leggere per capire qualche cosa di più sul business della fotografia oggi. da: a photo editor. leggete anche i commenti… [...] [...] articolo da leggere per capire qualche cosa di più sul business della fotografia oggi. da: a photo editor. leggete anche i commenti… [...]

]]> By: Mark http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2009/06/04/photographers-looking-for-agents-q-a-with-deborah-schwartz/#comment-65508 Mark Thu, 08 Jul 2010 09:15:04 +0000 http://www.aphotoeditor.com/?p=3170#comment-65508 Very good interview. I, like most other naieve photographers, have put together a site, have a body of work, and now expect the 'reps' to come running all wanting to sell me and my work. However I guess, as this interview shows, it's just not like that. It makes sense that you should already be working, and have contacts with clients etc, and, well, that's what I'm not going to do. Thanks for the interview, and for showing me the error of my ways :) Mark Very good interview.
I, like most other naieve photographers, have put together a site, have a body of work, and now expect the ‘reps’ to come running all wanting to sell me and my work. However I guess, as this interview shows, it’s just not like that.
It makes sense that you should already be working, and have contacts with clients etc, and, well, that’s what I’m not going to do.

Thanks for the interview, and for showing me the error of my ways :)

Mark

]]> By: Jerry A http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2009/06/04/photographers-looking-for-agents-q-a-with-deborah-schwartz/#comment-64883 Jerry A Sat, 26 Jun 2010 20:31:56 +0000 http://www.aphotoeditor.com/?p=3170#comment-64883 If anyone's an expert and in the game, it's a lifestyle punter in Pasadena. If anyone’s an expert and in the game, it’s a lifestyle punter in Pasadena.

]]> By: Greg Aler http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2009/06/04/photographers-looking-for-agents-q-a-with-deborah-schwartz/#comment-62770 Greg Aler Tue, 18 May 2010 19:43:57 +0000 http://www.aphotoeditor.com/?p=3170#comment-62770 Thanks for the insight. Very informative!!! Thanks for the insight. Very informative!!!

]]> By: Michael H http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2009/06/04/photographers-looking-for-agents-q-a-with-deborah-schwartz/#comment-59935 Michael H Mon, 15 Mar 2010 19:14:25 +0000 http://www.aphotoeditor.com/?p=3170#comment-59935 @cwh, Wow, you guy's are really childish to have such a lengthy back and forth here in public. It was slightly entertaining though. Cheers @cwh, Wow, you guy’s are really childish to have such a lengthy back and forth here in public. It was slightly entertaining though.
Cheers

]]> By: neil http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2009/06/04/photographers-looking-for-agents-q-a-with-deborah-schwartz/#comment-56024 neil Tue, 22 Dec 2009 06:18:45 +0000 http://www.aphotoeditor.com/?p=3170#comment-56024 it"s seems to me , that this photo rep forgot how it"s fells to be there when you started, and she just looking for working photographers that can bring her more money from their commision, but some time you need to give a chance to a young photographer that may not be that busy yet , but good vision , that"s when happend to me this year , and my agency , made a great commision of over 250, ooo $,so rething about everthing you jyst said , i just thing that some reps getting lazy with the years , and they to lazy to face it... it”s seems to me , that this photo rep forgot how it”s fells to be there when you started, and she just looking for working photographers that can bring her more money from their commision, but some time you need to give a chance to a young photographer that may not be that busy yet , but good vision , that”s when happend to me this year , and my agency , made a great commision of over 250, ooo $,so rething about everthing you jyst said , i just thing that some reps getting lazy with the years , and they to lazy to face it…

]]> By: trovare un rappresentante « Autoscatto http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2009/06/04/photographers-looking-for-agents-q-a-with-deborah-schwartz/#comment-51036 trovare un rappresentante « Autoscatto Wed, 02 Sep 2009 18:45:38 +0000 http://www.aphotoeditor.com/?p=3170#comment-51036 [...] articolo da leggere per capire qualche cosa di più sul business della fotografia oggi. da: a photo editor. leggete anche i commenti… sono interessanti lascia un commento « Stay [...] [...] articolo da leggere per capire qualche cosa di più sul business della fotografia oggi. da: a photo editor. leggete anche i commenti… sono interessanti lascia un commento « Stay [...]

]]> By: Travis Sackett http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2009/06/04/photographers-looking-for-agents-q-a-with-deborah-schwartz/#comment-49061 Travis Sackett Wed, 29 Jul 2009 08:03:32 +0000 http://www.aphotoeditor.com/?p=3170#comment-49061 I learned so much from this, thank you very much! I learned so much from this, thank you very much!

]]> By: cwh http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2009/06/04/photographers-looking-for-agents-q-a-with-deborah-schwartz/#comment-44911 cwh Fri, 12 Jun 2009 17:40:10 +0000 http://www.aphotoeditor.com/?p=3170#comment-44911 @craig, yippee-ki-yay....... @craig,
yippee-ki-yay…….

]]> By: craig http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2009/06/04/photographers-looking-for-agents-q-a-with-deborah-schwartz/#comment-44910 craig Fri, 12 Jun 2009 17:32:34 +0000 http://www.aphotoeditor.com/?p=3170#comment-44910 @cwh, I suppose it might be a difference in philosophy. I see no point in mincing words or beating around the bush. Time wasting - and I don't have much time. If you disagree, take it or leave it and get a second opinion. Perhaps its why I get along well with clients in nyc. Less BSing, just lets get to where we want to go. Funny how some people love it, others hate it. Oh well. :) @cwh,

I suppose it might be a difference in philosophy. I see no point in mincing words or beating around the bush. Time wasting – and I don’t have much time. If you disagree, take it or leave it and get a second opinion.

Perhaps its why I get along well with clients in nyc. Less BSing, just lets get to where we want to go.

Funny how some people love it, others hate it. Oh well. :)

]]> By: Mary http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2009/06/04/photographers-looking-for-agents-q-a-with-deborah-schwartz/#comment-44909 Mary Fri, 12 Jun 2009 16:00:34 +0000 http://www.aphotoeditor.com/?p=3170#comment-44909 AMEN. And, THANK YOU, Deborah. AMEN. And, THANK YOU, Deborah.

]]> By: Brandon D. http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2009/06/04/photographers-looking-for-agents-q-a-with-deborah-schwartz/#comment-44898 Brandon D. Fri, 12 Jun 2009 05:16:51 +0000 http://www.aphotoeditor.com/?p=3170#comment-44898 Not that I'm interested in a rep, this is undoubtedly one of the best interviews about photography business (in general) I've ever read. Thanks, guys! Not that I’m interested in a rep, this is undoubtedly one of the best interviews about photography business (in general) I’ve ever read. Thanks, guys!

]]> By: Ludlowphotographer http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2009/06/04/photographers-looking-for-agents-q-a-with-deborah-schwartz/#comment-44890 Ludlowphotographer Thu, 11 Jun 2009 22:19:47 +0000 http://www.aphotoeditor.com/?p=3170#comment-44890 years ago I did a mailer and got some really good response and a few jobs, one of the people who responded was Marge Casey and she left me a message. I called her the next day and she told me how she liked my promo piece and then proceeded to ask me who my clients were, I listed off the two magazines and one design firm I has worked with at the time and she then told me that she didn't think that she would good representation and abruptly ended the phone call. I still look back at that phone call and wish she had taken the time to see me, she liked the promo enough to call, she didn't know that i didn't have a killer test book and assisted for ten years and knew the business well. She lost the perfect opportunity to develop a new talent which someone else decided to do about three months later. This has always left a bad taste in my mouth... years ago I did a mailer and got some really good response and a few jobs, one of the people who responded was Marge Casey and she left me a message. I called her the next day and she told me how she liked my promo piece and then proceeded to ask me who my clients were, I listed off the two magazines and one design firm I has worked with at the time and she then told me that she didn’t think that she would good representation and abruptly ended the phone call.
I still look back at that phone call and wish she had taken the time to see me, she liked the promo enough to call, she didn’t know that i didn’t have a killer test book and assisted for ten years and knew the business well. She lost the perfect opportunity to develop a new talent which someone else decided to do about three months later.
This has always left a bad taste in my mouth…

]]> By: Wallyg http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2009/06/04/photographers-looking-for-agents-q-a-with-deborah-schwartz/#comment-44875 Wallyg Thu, 11 Jun 2009 17:38:29 +0000 http://www.aphotoeditor.com/?p=3170#comment-44875 @Norman Maslov, First, I do not wish to work as a full time photographer. This is just a one of those being in the right place at the right time type of happenings. I have several photos plus VCR footage of a very unique, one of a kind phenomenon. With extensive researching of the internet, photos of this nature cannot be found on the internet nor has this exciting discovery ever been seen or heard of by experts in their field. This includes experts at the Smithsonian Institute amongst others. It would be nice to be compensated for many months of work to get these photos. There are at least three magazines in the field of birds that I feel would be more than happy to publish these photos and a short article. So, how do I find an agent that will protect me in dealing with them. @Norman Maslov,
First, I do not wish to work as a full time photographer. This is just a one of those being in the right place at the right time type of happenings.

I have several photos plus VCR footage of a very unique, one of a kind phenomenon.
With extensive researching of the internet, photos of this nature cannot be found on the internet nor has this exciting discovery ever been seen or heard of by experts in their field. This includes experts at the Smithsonian Institute amongst others.

It would be nice to be compensated for many months of work to get these photos.
There are at least three magazines in the field of birds that I feel would be more than happy to publish these photos and a short article.

So, how do I find an agent that will protect me in dealing with them.

]]> By: cwh http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2009/06/04/photographers-looking-for-agents-q-a-with-deborah-schwartz/#comment-44870 cwh Thu, 11 Jun 2009 16:11:05 +0000 http://www.aphotoeditor.com/?p=3170#comment-44870 @craig, You do yourself no favours sir. Just a barrage of strongly held opinions with the volume set to max. I might explian to you how some place a value on sensitivity ....but that might distract you from sitting back and admiring 'dem apples' you are so fond of. :) @craig, You do yourself no favours sir.

Just a barrage of strongly held opinions with the volume set to max.

I might explian to you how some place a value on sensitivity ….but that might distract you from sitting back and admiring ‘dem apples’ you are so fond of.

:)

]]> By: craig http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2009/06/04/photographers-looking-for-agents-q-a-with-deborah-schwartz/#comment-44868 craig Thu, 11 Jun 2009 15:30:26 +0000 http://www.aphotoeditor.com/?p=3170#comment-44868 @cwh, You sound very sensitive. Do you handle criticism well? Or do you always want it to be put in gentle terms? @cwh,

You sound very sensitive. Do you handle criticism well? Or do you always want it to be put in gentle terms?

]]> By: Brett Matthews http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2009/06/04/photographers-looking-for-agents-q-a-with-deborah-schwartz/#comment-44861 Brett Matthews Thu, 11 Jun 2009 08:31:26 +0000 http://www.aphotoeditor.com/?p=3170#comment-44861 @craig, I'm a big believer in the 99/1 rule in the creative fields — for every sheep herder there are at least a hundred sheep. @craig,

I’m a big believer in the 99/1 rule in the creative fields — for every sheep herder there are at least a hundred sheep.

]]> By: Greg Ceo http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2009/06/04/photographers-looking-for-agents-q-a-with-deborah-schwartz/#comment-44828 Greg Ceo Wed, 10 Jun 2009 20:08:42 +0000 http://www.aphotoeditor.com/?p=3170#comment-44828 @Graham, As long as you are getting the kind of work you would like to get on your own, then you don't need a rep. If not, and your work is fantastic and what the market place is hungry for, go get a rep. A rep may be able to find you better, more high paying work, even if they take a percentage. @Graham,
As long as you are getting the kind of work you would like to get on your own, then you don’t need a rep. If not, and your work is fantastic and what the market place is hungry for, go get a rep. A rep may be able to find you better, more high paying work, even if they take a percentage.

]]> By: Greg Ceo http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2009/06/04/photographers-looking-for-agents-q-a-with-deborah-schwartz/#comment-44827 Greg Ceo Wed, 10 Jun 2009 20:04:03 +0000 http://www.aphotoeditor.com/?p=3170#comment-44827 @Carlo Hindian, I get about 1 to 5 young photographers wanting to assist me a week (I'm sure more well known Photographers get 5 or 10 times as many.) I wish I could say that I wrote each and every one of them a nice e mail, but to be very honest, I get distracted and don't have time to write back or forget to write back. (I'm an artist after all, so it is very easy to get distracted.) This is just what happens. So If Deborah doesn't have time to write everyone back, perhaps this is just the reality of a day at work. If there are times when she has to choose between a conference call with one of her photographers, agency folks and the client for the job OR responding to a photographer that wants to join her group, who do you suppose wins that contest? I suppose I should make up a template response for assistants looking for work, but would that be better than forgetting to write some of them back? Even when I do write assistants or call them, wouldn't you know it, about 50% of the time I don't even get a nice note back saying, "Thanks." @Carlo Hindian,
I get about 1 to 5 young photographers wanting to assist me a week (I’m sure more well known Photographers get 5 or 10 times as many.) I wish I could say that I wrote each and every one of them a nice e mail, but to be very honest, I get distracted and don’t have time to write back or forget to write back. (I’m an artist after all, so it is very easy to get distracted.) This is just what happens. So If Deborah doesn’t have time to write everyone back, perhaps this is just the reality of a day at work. If there are times when she has to choose between a conference call with one of her photographers, agency folks and the client for the job OR responding to a photographer that wants to join her group, who do you suppose wins that contest? I suppose I should make up a template response for assistants looking for work, but would that be better than forgetting to write some of them back? Even when I do write assistants or call them, wouldn’t you know it, about 50% of the time I don’t even get a nice note back saying, “Thanks.”

]]> By: cwh http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2009/06/04/photographers-looking-for-agents-q-a-with-deborah-schwartz/#comment-44816 cwh Wed, 10 Jun 2009 15:46:17 +0000 http://www.aphotoeditor.com/?p=3170#comment-44816 @craig, ....Nonsense?, ....sucks?, .....sucks? My only thought was that I don't see there ever being a need for rudeness. Thanks for illustrating the point though. I'm sure reps don't like being blanked by art buyers and agencies any more than photographers like it from reps. @craig,
….Nonsense?, ….sucks?, …..sucks?

My only thought was that I don’t see there ever being a need for rudeness. Thanks for illustrating the point though.

I’m sure reps don’t like being blanked by art buyers and agencies any more than photographers like it from reps.

]]>