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

one vision to many industries is the sales paradigm in

today’s market. In addition to our Web site and print

books, we use a variety of tools including direct mail

and special promotions that we design together.

Following her mantra to personalize her relationships,

Quitze believes that the personal touch helps win assignments.

Although you may have all the marketing materials

and the photographic style that a designer is hoping

for, it still comes down to the connection and the per-

sonality of the photographer. Many times, it will take

the photographer and the creative team talking over

the phone to seal the deal. The physical connection

helps them all to realize that their combined vision for

the assignment is what’s needed for the current cam-

paign. That’s what I help to facilitate.

“I love what I do,” Nelson says, explaining her reasons:

Working with creative agency talent, knowledgeable

art buyers, clients looking for a solution to sell their

product, the ever-changing advertising community, and

photographers I truly admire and respect—it’s a pretty

great career! Agents are no longer just salespeople; we

are producers, problem solvers, accountants, friends,

and the point of axis for the many people and the

process. We help the individuals to become a team and

produce the best results—everybody wins.

THE FINE ARTS PHOTO REP

Sometimes veteran agents find that their original path can

lead them in a totally different direction, one that enables them

to apply their talents and experience to a new group of visual pro-

fessionals. This is what Patti Silverstein is currently experiencing.

An agent who until recently handled only commercial pho-

tographers, Patti is located in the biggest ad market in the

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