If like me, you have always wanted to be a commercial photographer, then having a good agent is a really important part of this. However, there are far more photographers than there are agents, so how do you get one?
When I started out in photography I had no idea that photographers either had an agent, or an in-house marketing team and producer. I assumed that we just did everything ourselves. It quickly became apparent though that there was no way that I was going to be able to walk around every ad agency to show my book, set up events, send out e-shots, quote on jobs, create treatments, and produce shoots. So I started to look for a photography agent, as I heard they were the missing piece of my puzzle.
What happened next is probably similar to your own experience if you have tried. I started off emailing everyone, no response. I tried phoning, but I never got past the front desk. Then finally I tried sending physical media in, but I didn't ever hear anything back at all. This was pretty much the way things went until I found my first agent some years ago, but it was another 5 years until I managed to sign with a top agent.
In this video, I go over the exact portfolio I sent, what was said, how I found the right agent, and why I decided to sign with them. Much like buses, after having no luck for ages, I suddenly had 5 interested all at the same time, which was almost as tricky as finding the first one!
Hopefully what I have learned will help to guide you in the right direction.
Fantastic write up and video Scott. Your insight and candor is such a departure from most other professionals. You have really help build my confidence by sharing so much information with us all. Thank you and have a wonderful day.