thank you

Thanks again to all the artists who sent in their photos and personal work. This coming week I'm going to be posting all about digital - if you have anything specific you're interested in discussing just drop me a line.
This past week's posts were a lot of fun, I hope to do it again soon.

Last minute Mem Day Photos (VI)

Kreg Holt sent in the photos above from his Memorial Day trip to New Hampshire. Kreg is a photographer from Brooklyn who has a flair for the editorial and the outdoors. Head over to kregholt.com to check out his portfolio.


Roger Hagadone sent this image that is just one of the portraits he shot of sailors over the weekend during fleet week in New York City. Roger says his studio is located just a few blocks from the ships on 42nd street and an assistant brought in the sailors as they passed by. He's got a great collection of quirky portraits on his site... check out his portfolio at rogerhagadone.com

Mem Day Photos V

This image has been sent from Ed McCulloch. He has lots of cool portraits on his site and shot this image above last Saturday. He's located in Utah but judging from posts on his blog he's all over the place. Check out Ed's work at edshoots.com and his blog. Ed is represented by Arlene Johnson & Associates in San Francisco.




**This is the last photo I received from this past holiday weekend. Thanks to all the artists who sent in their photos and personal work. This coming week I'm going to be posting all about digital - if you have anything specific you're interested in discussing just drop me a line. Thanks so much!**

Mem Day Photos IV

Photos sent in by Porter Gifford of Boston. He and his family went to the city cemetery for the Memorial Day services and remembrance ceremony. Porter is an editorial shooter with years of photo journalism under his belt (he also happens to be a former assistant of Walter Iooss ). He has some amazing photos in his "Stories" section. Check out his work at portergifford.com

Mem Day Photos III

Thomas Broening sent these my way from his Florida trip this past weekend. Shot with an 8x10 (which I personally adore and I am also hoping it didn't plummet into the water) he spent the weekend at the fresh springs in the Florida panhandle. Read about the trip and see more beautiful images (including the gator appetizer...) on his blog or check out his website at thomasbroening.com

More Weekend Photos

David Zaitz is a photographer in Los Angeles and sent in this image that was shot near Prairie City, Oregon. David says he likes roadside kitsch and roadtrips. You can see more quirky and humorous photos over at his site davidzaitz.com


*send in your photos from the Memorial Day weekend, deadline is this Friday*

Memorial Day Photos

This image hails from Adam Hester in Minneapolis while on a road trip in rural Minnesota this weekend and it is an addition to his recent frame project. You can see related images on his website adamhester.com.

Memorial Day Preparations

Sorry no Artist Friday post today but what I would like to do is wish all the US photographers, reps, associates, families, etc. a very Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

Take lots of great photos of the happenings around you, whether chaotic or quiet, landscape or lifestyle, and your Memorial Weekend activities.
Send them on over to me and I'll post photos next week with a short bio on the photographers (with copyright and linkage of course).

caitlin_tierney[AT]yahoo[DOT]com

E-promos... again

Leslie Burns-Dell'Acqua posted this past Monday about a video at PDN on the subject of email promos [here]

It's a brief video but you get to see what this particular editor feels reaches her.


interested in an opinion on your e-mail promo or need some feedback?
send it to: caitlin_tierney[AT]yahoo[DOT]com

"Career Couch"

If you're not pulling in jobs on a regular basis, maybe it's time to refocus and adjust.
I've been having a tough time with all the recession talk to pull in work. I've also heard the same from producers and photographers I know. Sometimes the summer can be slow but with the weather in the US (especially in New England) being nice and the daylight lasting longer we all hope to get more jobs.

So I took a step back this weekend and asked myself a few questions (after I read an article in the New York Times). The first was whether I had any beer or wine in the house?... kidding... kind of.

How can I re-energize myself?
I felt like I was losing some of my original momentum and motivation so I wanted to get outside my own head. I wanted to organize and clean up my work space first and foremost. I'm a pretty organized person, art buyers usually have to be and detail oriented as well. So for me the best way to start was there. The next step was to see what needed improvement - what might someone see in my resume, my presence or the way I meet with them? So I'm in the process of making a list of pros and cons including feedback and advice I've received.

How can I ensure that I am standing out to potential clients/employers?
I try and customize each letter to the potential client that I email out. Making sure that any client experience I list in the email matches with the genre of their clients so they know I have knowledge of that field and the potential client needs. I try to describe my experience and personality to match with some of the needs and atmosphere of the agency or client (Don't fib just to make sure there's a match, if there isn't one be true to yourself and your talents.)

How can I network more?
I'm a big proponent for networking (as you can see from previous posts). I don't expect people in my network to automatically give me a job or to help me out but I do try to stay on their radar and when they need advice on something I always do my best to help. I try to ask people I know what they love about their job and how they found that position. Everyone has a different experience and valuable advice. Another Massachusetts art buyer gathers art buyers and photographers in the area for a cocktail party one night a year to mix and mingle. I'm considering borrowing her idea for a summer gathering.

I've had numerous meetings but no offers from those meetings... why not??
It's ok because I'm still getting meetings and they are productive. I'm also trying to switch things up when I speak to people. Instead of me doing a lot of the talking about past experiences I try to bring to the table what I see in portfolios reviews - a dialogue. Questioning the "interviewer" about what they are looking for or if they feel my skills match is also effective. I like having a discussion rather than feeling like I'm talking at them.

Are my expectations and goals unrealistic?
I don't believe so because I love, really love what I do. I also feel the more people I speak to the more of a chance I have to pull in some jobs. I like to set goals for myself whether it's short term or long term because then I feel like I'm accomplishing things. When I'm productive I feel a sense of pride. I have pride in what I do and in myself and I think this is incredibly important in moving forward for anyone.

ASMP

The American Society of Media Photographers has published their Spring 2008 bulletin [here]. There is an article about social networking (a huge part of any professional's career), email promos, Orphan Works, and more.

ASMP is an asset to anyone not just photographers. They have information available that is relevant to others in the industry and it is a valuable resource.

Building Your Network

So since I was laid off from a full time position I've been freelancing and trying to pick up other jobs or opportunities of interest (for example babysitting... but more related to my career, being a guest at the photography school to review graduates' portfolios). My mom and dad (my best cheerleaders other than my husband) sent an article they found in the Providence Journal entitled Building the network: Partners rely on others for work they can't do themselves. see the article here

The article starts out "No man is an island" written by 17th-century poet John Donne. In the business of freelancing or having your own small business, most of us know it's about building your network in addition to building your business.

There are usually some professional organizations that provide support and information. There are local organizations such as ASMP, AdClub, even small business development centers. In addition to these there can be networking events that other small business owners will host. I've known photographers in the Boston area to host a gallery opening at their studio and invite art buyers, creatives, reps, photo editors, other photographers and a slew of other people (stylists, producers, etc). It's a great opportunity to pull the industry together in your area.

There are now social media websites that help you network digitally such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and Yahoo Groups.

Build a strong network and usually jobs will come to you through this group. In addition to potential jobs you also have the opportunity to bounce ideas or questions off of these like-minded individuals.

Artist Friday - Milla

She's not a photographer, she's not an illustrator, she's an 18-month old child. Before she was even born Milla suffered a stroke. She is slower to develop than other children. She doesn't crawl, mainly because her entire right side has been affected and she hasn't gotten her right arm to move. She walks with help and has just started standing on her own. The reason I'm writing about her today is because she likes art. She scribbles with crayons right now instead of creating forms or objects but we all start out doing that.

I've been helping out her mom (a family friend) and watching Milla for a few days a week now. On Wednesday I brought some photography promos with me. I laid them on the floor near her and she scooted over to them (since she doesn't crawl, she sits and pulls herself across the floor with her good arm and leg) and stared. After she had observed them for a little bit she slapped one and squealed (an Andy Anderson promo). She picked through the others, shuffling them around, and pushing them on the floor but never taking her eyes off them.

This whole interaction made me think how much art affects each one of us. We observe art around us each day whether it is in the form of illustration, painting and photography or through music and books. Art is therapy for everyone.

New York Photo Festival

Foto8 is the online reporting area for the 2008 New York Photo Festival going on May 14-18. Read up on the exhibitions, check out some of the videos and definitely read Andrew Hetherington's (aka Jackanory) coverage pieces as the guest blogger (the posts are clever, hyper and all around fun to read... if you can't be there, he gives you the front seat view to all goings-on).

NYPH vernissage ©Leo Hsu 2008

PDN's Photo Annual

The PDN Photo Annual 2008 Awards have been announced. There's an extensive slew of imagery to peruse through and awards for various categories. Check out the gallery at PDN online.

I cannot wait to go out and get this issue. It makes me love what I do even more.

Artist Friday - Amy DeVoogd

This Friday's artist is a talented illustrator out of Chicago who blends technology and painting in her work. A contemporary style with bold colors and shapes.

She describes her creative process as follows

After I've come up with an idea (or an image has been requested by a client) my illustration begins with a photograph. If I can't get the image naturally, say by happening upon a scenario in the street or on the bus or wherever, I'll stage the shot with friends. I end up photographing myself a lot. After the photos are taken I usually have to rearrange things in Photoshop and will frequently redraw parts. When I get the composition the way that I want it, I either bring it into Illustrator and draw it digitally, or I print it out and paint it. The paintings are made with acrylics on paper. I cut detailed stencils with an xacto knife in frisket and use foam paint rollers to get a screen print look. The paintings are basically one-off prints, with a bit of texture here and there, sometimes an area that's painted in with a brush, and plenty of happy mis-registration accidents!

Reminiscent of screen printing it takes on a beautiful quality and leaves the viewer to interpret the subject in their own way. Her illustrations of people are usually faceless shapes or have minute detail which lends to the simplicity and power of the overall shapes in the illustration. It's fun and clever and can translate to any client. (she's also a dream to work with)

Check out Amy's work at devoogd.com
©Amy DeVoogd, used with permission
all artwork is copyrighted and intellectual property and cannot be used without artist's permission.

What's the Word?...

Fox Creative is now representing Jennifer Tzar.

Constanza Camargo is a senior commercial agent over at VAUGHAN HANNIGAN

Jason Eagan, formerly of Felix Management, is a photographer's agent and vice president at JGK

Hill Holiday in New York is looking to hire a junior art buyer.


Got any news to share? send it along to me for the Thursday posts.
caitlin_tierney[AT]yahoo[DOT]com

Competitions and photo awards

Photographer's Forum Magazine and Canon are sponsoring the 28th Annual Spring Photo Contest for amateur photographers. Deadline is May 12, 2008

Communication Arts is calling for entries for their 49th annual juried competitions for design and advertising. Deadline is June 2, 2008.

The Pilsner Urquell International Photography Awards 2008. Deadline is June 15, 2008. Past winners in different categories include David Bowman, Fulvio Bonavia, Jim Fiscus, and more.

International Color Awards Presents 3rd Annual Photography Master Cup. 21 categories. Final deadline June 20, 2008.

National Wildlife Magazine's 37th Annual Photography Awards. Pro, Amateur and Youth categories. Deadline July 1, 2008.


I think the photo blog world should come up with an award show!

Invoices

Just as the photography and the production of a job is important so is the follow up. Specifically meaning invoices.
Invoices can be annoying and a daunting task. As far as agencies go, I have found that a project will usually get a 50% advance (sometimes 75%). As an art buyer closing the job is super important and time consuming. I love when photographers/reps send a detailed and comprehensive invoice. Line item by line item with the receipts to back it up. You always have to have the proper receipts attached otherwise the accounts payable people will not always pay them. The backup information is key to the bottom line. Art buyers and accounts payable will go through them (usually) with a fine tooth comb to make sure everything matches up perfectly. I have found both sides benefit... I once had a grocery receipt attached as misc. expenses (had that removed) and I have also found that the rep company miscalculated a cost and had to have additional money added into the bottom line.

Have a detailed and easy to read format and system for your invoice. The more concise your invoice, the easier it is for the art buyer to go through and phone in with any questions and the faster it gets to the accounts payable people.

Tips I have learned:

Lost your receipt: put everything on a credit card. If you lose the receipt you can send the credit card statement with the missing receipt highlighted.

Send back all non-returnable props, wardrobe, etc., no matter how crazy the item. The clients have paid for it and they'll want it back or to at least have the option of keeping it or donating for a tax write-off.

Get overages signed off on while on set with the art buyer/producer and client. I have never experienced a client not paying what is owed but they hate being surprised with overages after the fact. I will always write out what the overage is and have the account manager and client sign off before it is incurred. But it is super important to discuss the overage before it's incurred.

Charge for mileage if you're driving around from location to location. Especially with gas prices the way they are you should be charging for mileage (I think the current rate is .485 per mile).

Always state when the payment is due (i.e. 30 days from invoice date is usually pretty standard) and if past due the percentage of interest that will be charged that way there are no surprises. I always try to process the invoices as quickly as possible and submit them but agencies and clients have their own billing cycles which may not match these dates. I have also found that once it leaves my hands I'm not aware of the status until the photographer/rep calls or emails and lets me know they haven't received payment (usually it's 45 days past at that point). Always keep up with your dates and payment, it never hurts to send a follow up or checking on payment status email to the art buyer/producer

Make the invoicing as smooth as possible (just like the shoot and the beautiful photos you produced) and you'll have repeat business.

Image Misuse

I'm still amazed that some people think it's totally fine to use any imagery they want without the proper releases. Another example of a big legal issue (similar to Woody Allen vs. American Apparel) has arisen. This time it's Lindsey Lohan and the American Beverage Institute. The ad above ran in USA Today this past Friday... with her mug shot. And the American Beverage Institute somehow is amazed that her lawyers are filing suit. I looked at this and my first thought was.. duh!

Again it is the issue with an editorial image running in a commercial manner. I am not a lawyer by any means, but my basic understanding is that no matter what, if an image is used in a commercial manner or advertising for a specific product or promotion of a message it needs to have the proper clearances, i.e. talent releases, property releases, photographer approval, etc. Just because it is a google image or an editorial image does not mean that it is available for public use.

Not only does this advertisement have an odd message but the American Beverage Institute claims that they are well within their right to use the image. “People magazine, Smoking Gun and a lot of people have republished this mug shot,” said Longwell. “It was publicly accessible. We’re not using it for any kind of commercial gain. So we’re well within our rights to use it.” (see the full article on msnbc.com here).

While the actual photo may be in public domain because it is a mug shot, she certainly is not especially since her image is so well known.

Artist Friday - Lars Topelmann

Lars Topelmann is a photographer in Portland, Oregon and has a serious sense of humor. His portraits are fun, quirky and sometimes downright odd but there is a playfulness to these characters which he captures. Lars has worked on advertising campaigns for the Bahamas, 10 Cane Rum, Converse, NIke, REI, Pacifico and Visa to name a few. His photographs really represent the true nature of the creative idea and in my opinion they bring the ad to the next level to tell the full story. Just looking through his portfolio you can see he loves what he does and has fun doing it. My favorite part of his photography really is the subject matter he captures and how I smile at the photos, I truly enjoy his work and talent.


Check out Lars' work at larstopelmann.com
Lars is represented by virtu, who have offices in Chicago, San Francisco, and New York.
©Lars Topelmann, used with permission
all artwork is copyrighted and intellectual property and cannot be used without artist's permission.