Over the last few weeks I’ve been hearing from photographers (and agents) around the world who’ve had a fresh burst of big global jobs in the door. It’s as if the floodgates have opened.
Most the jobs are via photo reps.
Big brands and ad agencies requiring large complex productions want to know you have a team of people who can run the job for you, and who know their stuff. On 6 figure jobs they’re rarely willing to take a risk on a lone ranger. And whilst that can be a solid producer or production team, it’s often a rep who takes on the chief negotiation and communicator role.
When I went to Arles Photo fest a couple of years ago the creative director of DDB Paris told me he goes every year to discover interesting, exciting new photographers he can consider for advertising work. But once he finds a new artist, he then checks to make sure they have an agent to support them.
There is no way he will risk hiring someone artistic without a rep.
So how do you get an agent? More to the point, how do you find one who is the right fit for what you do and where you want to go? Are you even ready for representation?
I’ll be honest. Agents are like hen’s teeth. At least the good ones. And if you already have a rep (or have had one) you’ll know that it takes work – it’s a partnership.