Context and Relevance
Written on June 24, 2008
We get a fair amount of emails at work. I also get a good number from this blog.
A large number of these emails are from people looking to introduce themselves, say hello, maybe I’ll look at their website, maybe I’m interested in their personal projects, and the list goes on.
Most of these emails are definitely interesting and get a grateful response.
The rest of the emails lack context, relevance and moreover come across as just plain rude.
I mentioned this quickly once before, but perhaps because summer is well on its way, the emails are coming a bit more frequently.
Photographers, interns, students, job seekers, stylists, whoevers and whatevers…please, please do these few things:
1. Do some research.
2. DO SOME RESEARCH.
3. There’s this website out there called Google…DO SOME RESEARCH.
When you’ve done your research, and if it still makes sense to, write an interesting and relevant note explaining why you are writing and perhaps more importantly why it’s OF INTEREST TO THE PERSON YOU ARE WRITING.
I have received emails with a single URL to a website that isn’t even the photographer’s own, emails with so many URL’s I don’t click on a single one, emails saying something like “I am a photographer and seeking representation” and that’s ALL it says, and emails that are just plain dumb and IRRELEVANT.
Most of the time you will get one chance to email the particular person you are emailing so please try not to waste it.
AVS,
as a repped photog, one peice of advice I can give is to find a niche before you send out something. I’ve never sent out a silly letter or random e-mail blast but I did contact,now my reps, Wonderful Machine because I felt my work was unique and they had no photogs based in B-more. Although i shoot in NY and Phiily, I’m based here.
THAT was my hook. And it worked.
thanks for the awesome blog.
JMG
Lately it has become more apparent that the newer breed look for an agent to hold their hand, wipe their mouth and letting them know how great they are. They are willing to give someone 10% on their dollar to do everything that a studio manager should. These people are looking for an agent to SAVE THEM. Currently none of these so called photographer’s are busy ( and it is busy season here in NYC), and the one’s that are, they are too busy to have consecutive meetings and the run around. + who would want to give anyone 10% when 1/2 the fiscal year is over. ” talk to me in 6 months!” - one of the busiest photographer’s I know recently told me.
Thanks for the insight. This blog is really helpful.
Now how do you go from under paid Studio Rat - to underpaid agent assistant/ agent?
and yes, people…. GOOGLE!!!
I agree with Chris. I kinda stumbled on my rep though and do not need someone to hold my hand. I’m very busy as well. That being said, if you’re NOT a name a rep is another way to get your foot in the door. Mine has been written up in PDN and had a winner in the New York Photo show.
They ARE NOT a studio manager. i think that a lot of photogs ARE looking for somekinda rep to do all the work. But that’s STUPID. you must continue to get your stuff out there and do the legwork yourself.