The world of commercial photography is changing dramatically. With so much going on today—the dot-com market going bust, big changes in our economy, the issue of stock vs. assignment—how is a photographer to keep up? With The Photographer’s Survival Guide we present a path to a solution. This book is for all levels of photographers—from those who are just starting out to those who have been in the business for years and want to move to the next level.
This guide covers topics from everyday photography-business basics to those uncomfortable “What do I do?” moments—real-life situations that can arise in the industry. The chapters include information on who to market to, how to present work, how to assess the expectations of a client, invoicing, when to expect to be paid when you finish a project, and everything in between, including discussion of and guidance on those “What do I do?” moments.
The Photographer’s Survival Guide is also a resource that provides helpful information, including a glossary of usage terms and names of portfolio makers, website builders, printers, and database services. It even includes deadlines for important assignment award shows and photography contests.
Appendix B includes 21 forms and templates for documents that photographers can use in their planning and their work with clients (it also gives instructions for using them).
The bottom line: This book is the photographer’s guide to survival.
We were introduced through Keith Gentile at Agency Access, and it was instant chemistry from the first moment we spoke on the phone. We immediately came up with the idea to present a seminar together. Now, for several weeks each year, we travel around North America presenting our “Survival Guide for Today’s Market” seminar, for which we created a guide in book form that led to this book.
We have also been blessed to work as co-consultants and, with Brand Envy’s Nadine Stellavato Brown, to revamp the assignment division of National Geographic Images. Check it out at www.nationalgeographicassignment.com.
One thing we both say: “We are an egoless team, we finish each other’s sentences, and we are both in the business to help. It’s nice to have a partner and friend in the business.”
PHOTO: DONNA JERNIGAN
Suzanne Sease (with youngest child, Spencer)
When Suzanne was asked to be in the Photo District News portfolio makeover issue, which highlighted the work of only five consultants with a client, she felt that her decision to leave her position as senior art buyer at the Martin Agency had finally paid off.
At first, having spent 12 years working to establish the agency’s art buying department and working with the best photographers in the world, it was scary for her to leave. After working one on one with her clients at Martin—accounts like Saab, Mercedes-Benz, Vassarette Lingerie, Healthtex, Wrangler Jeans, Bank One, Residence Inn, Finlandia Vodka, Rémy Martin Cognac, and Seiko International—Suzanne had the opportunity to work with Kaplan-Thaler, an advertising agency in New York City, on such important accounts as Clairol Herbal Essence and AFLAC, and then the in-house, corporate side of Capital One.
All of these experiences helped her understand the current market, and today nothing makes her happier and more fulfilled than the success of her photography clients. Now a creative consultant, Suzanne works with photographers from around the world who want an inside perspective on advertising agencies. She enjoys getting involved in every aspect of a photographer’s business, from portfolios, promotional mailers, and websites to estimates and invoices. Her focus is on helping clients assemble more effective portfolios and marketing materials.
When a client lands an account he never thought he could, Suzanne is happy. When she picks a selection of images for an award show competition for a client, including the Communication Arts (CA) Photography Annual, and the client is accepted for the first time in his or her career, she is happy. When her clients remember why they got into the business in the first place—their love for the art of photography—she is happy.
Suzanne has been a panelist and speaker for such organizations as PhotoExpo, Advertising Photographers of America, American Society of Media Photographers, and Black Book. She has also contributed to several articles, including “Ask the Expert,” “Portfolio Makeover,” and “The Art of the Estimate,” in Photo District News. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Virginia Commonwealth University.
Suzanne can be reached via e-mail at suzanne.sease@verizon.net and by phone at 804-741-9070.
PHOTO: CHRIS CASLER
Amanda Sosa Stone
Amanda Sosa Stone has a degree in photography from the Southeast Center for Photographic Studies. With the understanding that she did not want to become a photographer, after graduating she moved to New York City to pursue a career in the industry. Amanda studied under Elyse Weissberg, a photographer’s representative and creative consultant who became an industry icon.
With the knowledge she gained from working with Elyse, Amanda went to work as an art buyer for the ad agency Foote, Cone & Belding in New York City. In 2002, she moved to Orlando to be closer to her family and to enjoy the weather and overall atmosphere of the area, and was able to continue working for FCB-NY (now Draft FCB) from her home there. This allowed her some extra time to do the things that she loves, including consultant work.
In January 2005, Amanda left FCB to pursue a full-time freelance consulting career. She now travels frequently, giving seminars and consulting with photographers nationwide. The founder of the online resource guide ShootinFlorida.com, she continually strives to raise the bar of excellence in our industry.
Amanda was the photo editor for Successful Self-Promotion for Photographers, a book by Elyse Weissberg, which was released in February 2004.
Amanda can be reached via e-mail at amanda@sosastone.com and by phone at 407-849-6660.