Be Specific

[by Todd Joyce]

When you are setting up a shot and you show a client an image, ask them specifically what you need to know to continue?   Composition, lighting, angle, wardrobe, etc.   If you work like I do, I tackle certain things as I go.   Don’t let the client get caught up on something that isn’t in question yet.

Todd Joyce is a recent Past President of ASMP and specializes in conceptual people photography for advertising. See Todd’s work at joycephotography.com and contact him at todd@joycephotography.com

Recommendations for Assistants

[by Todd Joyce]

Help things go smoothly and look at the big picture.  Oh, and make me look good.

As a photographer who hires assistants, I’m looking for someone to help me, not hinder me.  You’re part of the image my client sees as me.   You represent me and I’m looking for someone who sees that.  Recognize your role in the process with each photographer, because everyone has different expectations.  I empower my assistants to be more than a helper.  I look to them to see things and to be part of the final image in ways that they take pride because they made a difference.

A few simple tips; Ask what dress is appropriate the day before the shoot, If you see anything of concern, communicate to the photographer (not the client),  always have a basic tool kit, look for opportunities to help,  be patient, anticipate what comes next and be ready.  Don’t make your problems the photographer’s problems.  Make their problems, yours.  One more tip – when in doubt, ask.

There are ways to make yourself more valuable, like learning various capture and editing softwares, and knowing various brands of lighting, computers and cameras.   Anything you do to make my life easier and the final product better, makes you a more valuable member of my creative team.

Todd Joyce is a recent Past President of ASMP and specializes in conceptual people photography for advertising. See Todd’s work at joycephotography.com and contact him at todd@joycephotography.com

Working with a Whiner

[by Todd Joyce]

“If you want to hear a photographer complain, just give him a job.”  That was a running joke among Art Directors for quite some time.   In this economy, I hear it less because photographers are a lot more grateful to have work.   Watch what you complain about and how you communicate with clients.   Clients want someone to take care of their problems, not make more for them.

Todd Joyce is a recent Past President of ASMP and specializes in conceptual people photography for advertising. See Todd’s work at joycephotography.com and contact him at todd@joycephotography.com

Getting and Using Referrals

[by Todd Joyce]

“Nice day we’re having”  “How about those cubs”  yeah, it’s hard to start the conversation, but I still make calls to new ADs etc to get to know them.   I like to mention a person who referred me to get things started.   “Hi (AD), (Other person at agency) mentioned I should call you to get to know you…”  Of course you need to get that referral, which may be tough.   The problem is that you likely aren’t asking.

When I talk with any AD or designer, I ask them who else I might talk to either at their agency or another agency.   Ask, you might be surprised at what they’ll tell you.   “Sure, you should talk to Jenna in our design dept.”   The next step is to call Jenna and tell her that (previous AD) suggested you call her.   It’s a good way to get a conversation started.

The dreaded voice mail.   Try a few times and if you can’t get hold of who you’re calling, leave a message.   Make it upbeat and mention the reason for the call.  Introduction, portfolio appointment, maybe lunch.  Don’t leave more than one message.   Several messages gets you that “stalker” status at the agency and nobody there will ever answer your calls.  Be careful that with caller ID, many calls and hang ups at the launch of voice mail may get you “stalker” status too.  If you don’t get hold of them, don’t leave another message for a few more weeks.

There’s info that suggests that a buyer needs contact 7 times before they recognize you.   A voice mail may get them one of those seven.   Hey, It’s a contact.  Don’t be afraid to use it.  And don’t abuse it either.  One more thing.  Don’t give up.   Nobody said this was easy.

Todd Joyce is a recent Past President of ASMP and specializes in conceptual people photography for advertising. See Todd’s work at joycephotography.com and contact him at todd@joycephotography.com

Perception of Nickels and Dimes

[by Todd Joyce]

I hate my cell phone bill.  They nickel and dime me to death.   The bill is about $40 more than the plan I purchased.   They add all kinds of things to the bill and I don’t like it.   If I had my way, I would have wanted them to give me a price that my phone will cost per month and that’s it.   All taxes, fees and charges in one sum.   The problem is that they told me one thing and then billed for more.    They knew what those costs would be.   Why couldn’t they have told me?

I charge a digital capture fee, output, retouching, ftp delivery and for burning DVDs.   I have to charge for all those things, otherwise, I’d go broke.  My client doesn’t care how much each line item is though.  I’ve asked them.   They want to know what it will take to do what they need and to get it how they want it.  I have to itemize some things, but I’m careful to not itemize every little thing.   I don’t want them to feel like I do when I get my cell phone bill.

Todd Joyce is a recent Past President of ASMP and specializes in conceptual people photography for advertising. See Todd’s work at joycephotography.com and contact him at todd@joycephotography.com

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