updates are a must. Outside of your meetings create a bit of
space. Don’t constantly pepper your agent with calls. Choose
instead to list your questions and bring them to your weekly or
monthly meetings. If you need to talk about real-life, real-time
issues, call; otherwise sit back and simply trust.
Finally, expectations must be realistic. The bottom line is
that the rep needs to bring in work, and you need to support
that effort. Most relationships take between six months and
eighteen months before the flow of assignments begins.
Provide the rep with a strong portfolio and update it with
new images or illustrations monthly. Turn over all available
leads to your rep and meet all deadlines for any promotional
material. Accept all assignments from your rep and service
them to the best of your ability.
Too often, photographers seek representation because they
think a rep will take over all the business responsibilities and
they can just sit back and wait for the bucks to roll in. This is not
true. With a good rep, you will be working harder than ever,
and not just on the assignments the rep brings in but on your
talent as well. Be prepared to be an active partner in this unique
relationship and the rewards will be well worth the effort!CHAPTER13 / THEREALITIES OFREPRESENTATIONChapter 13.qxd 6/27/07 9:04 PM Page 83