How to Succeed in Commercial Photography : Insights From a Leading Consultant

of the mavericks who are pioneering new approaches to

representation.

BROKERING SUCCESSFUL

RELATIONSHIPS

“I want my talent to win.” Those words define the business

approach of Dallas-based agent Quitze Nelson, of Q.ink. “I rep-

resent photographers who live their passion. These are photo-

graphers that have found their voice. They are committed to

succeeding, and they thrive on the process of collaboration,”

she says.

Unlike traditional representatives, Nelson views both the

talent and those who hire them as her clients. “The bottom line

is that it is my job to bring two creative teams together so that

they can produce the best results possible. When you work with

people (photographers and clients) who love what they do and

who want to produce amazing imagery, collaboration is a natu-

ral course of events.”

Because producing great work is an inherent part of the

goal, Nelson pursues new business selectively.

I look at current campaigns, noting how someone art

directed a shot, sensing how that person might think—I

like to work with people who think outside of the box and

push their work to the next level. I have a list of designers

and art directors that we admire. While other agents only

go after campaigns, I look to connect with buyers who

exhibit great creativity. It’s not the campaigns we target—

but the people producing the marvelous work.

Quitze has chosen this path as it suits her values and it

serves the talent she represents. She enjoys the process of col-

laborating with people, not just managing accounts. Her pho-

tographers are seasoned and deeply rooted in the creative

process of working with clients.

The photographers represented by Q.ink are all at the

top of their game: Paul Aresu has been shooting for over

thirty years, providing clients with large production

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