Anyone work with an agent?

[Pasto]

Hi, I'm not sure I'm posting to the right place but here goes anyway. I would be very happy to receive input from members who have or are currently working with an agent that is representing one or more of their photographic projects. I was offered such representation by an agent, and the more often I read the agreement the more nervous I get about this. Are there things I should look out for? Is it normal that the artist feels powerless in this process

 

[Down Under]

Please give us more specific details. Exactly what clauses in the contract made you "more nervous"?

I have worked with several agents and agencies in the past but in the early 2000s I decided to go solo and deal only with stock photo agencies - the good ones. While a positive move, even this was not without its pitfalls. Since 2009 I've dealt directly with clients, in my case, book publishers and occasionally museums with photo archives and collections.

My photography is distinct. I (and my few remaining clients) regard myself as a specialist in what I shoot and sell. Photo markets have changed a lot since 2000 - sadly in many areas they are nowadays almost nonexistent, My markets have declined by 60% since 2012 and while I continue to sell, I earn just enough to regard my photography as a sideline, not a full-time hobby or (I wish) a career.

I (and I'm sure others) would be happy to share information with you but you must give us more specific details.

 

[RalphLambrecht]

Please give us more specific details. Exactly what clauses in the contract made you "more nervous"?

I have worked with several agents and agencies in the past but in the early 2000s I decided to go solo and deal only with stock photo agencies - the good ones. While a positive move, even this was not without its pitfalls. Since 2009 I've dealt directly with clients, in my case, book publishers and occasionally museums with photo archives and collections.

My photography is distinct. I (and my few remaining clients) regard myself as a specialist in what I shoot and sell. Photo markets have changed a lot since 2000 - sadly in many areas they are nowadays almost nonexistent, My markets have declined by 60% since 2012 and while I continue to sell, I earn just enough to regard my photography as a sideline, not a full-time hobby or (I wish) a career.

I (and I'm sure others) would be happy to share information with you but you must give us more specific details.

that's why they call it 'starving' artist.

 

[Down Under]

that's why they call it 'starving' artist.

(or maybe more appropriately, )

Exactly! Every pro photographer I meet says the same thing - anyone contemplating a career in the field today is demonstrating the triumph of hope over fantasy.

A few do, most don't. The proliferation of online digicrap and too many cooks spoiling the broth have mostly done us in. So goes the 21st century reality...

Our OP is being very . Out shooting good work, maybe? Let us hope he is one of the winners.

I have on file several contracts (unsigned) I was offered by (self-termed) "reputable" agents. I will be interested to compare notes on what clauses he has been offered in his by his.

 

[jim10219]

If you're getting a bad feeling from this agent, walk away. An agent can do a lot for you, and can do a lot to harm you. Some want to help you, and some want to use you. All want to make money, either through you or from you.

I had an agent once who helped me back when I was selling paintings. She helped me get into some galleries I wouldn't have been able to on my own. Just having an agent makes you appear much more desirable, and they can help with a lot of the B.S. that comes with navigating the industry (social media and meeting the right people). It worked out because I trusted her. We didn't even have a contract because we had a strong enough level of mutual respect (we had known each other for about 10 years prior to our arrangement). I wouldn't recommend going that route, but it does illustrate the level of trust you need in each other.

If you're at the point in your career where you are ready for an agent, don't feel pressured to sign with the first one that comes along. If you're at that point where an agent makes business sense, you shouldn't have too much trouble finding one.

When I was younger I was in a couple of bands and was constantly getting approached by agents. We didn't sign with any of them because none of them could offer us anything we couldn't do ourselves, and they'd just take a sizable cut of our earnings. We were already getting into all of the nearby venues we wanted to play and we made more money by not sharing profits with useless agents and small record labels. Now if an agent came along with connections with bigger record labels or production companies, we might have signed (and we actually did have an agent approach is who worked for some bigger names in the country music scene, but since we were a psychedelic rock band, we figured he wouldn't be much help for us).

So be careful. An agent is not a ticket to success. Don't let them sell you your own dreams back to you. They should be honest, hard working, and professional. Find out who else they represent and ask for specifics on what they can offer you and how they plan to do that. Ask them what they're expecting to get out of you. If they don't have solid answers or don't want to share them with you, walk away. If it's something you can do yourself, walk away. If it seems like a mutually beneficial relationship, give it some thought.

 

[Alan Edward Klein]

Please give us more specific details. Exactly what clauses in the contract made you "more nervous"?

I have worked with several agents and agencies in the past but in the early 2000s I decided to go solo and deal only with stock photo agencies - the good ones. While a positive move, even this was not without its pitfalls. Since 2009 I've dealt directly with clients, in my case, book publishers and occasionally museums with photo archives and collections.

My photography is distinct. I (and my few remaining clients) regard myself as a specialist in what I shoot and sell. Photo markets have changed a lot since 2000 - sadly in many areas they are nowadays almost nonexistent, My markets have declined by 60% since 2012 and while I continue to sell, I earn just enough to regard my photography as a sideline, not a full-time hobby or (I wish) a career.

I (and I'm sure others) would be happy to share information with you but you must give us more specific details.

Do you have a link to your web page? I'd like to see your work if that's possible. I'm not an agent.

 

[trendland]

Hi, I'm not sure I'm posting to the right place but here goes anyway. I would be very happy to receive input from members who have or are currently working with an agent that is representing one or more of their photographic projects. I was offered such representation by an agent, and the more often I read the agreement the more nervous I get about this. Are there things I should look out for? Is it normal that the artist feels powerless in this process

OK - Pasto you want an agent? And you don't want to feel nervious?
Here I have a link for you : www.katrin-hoberg.de
She has excellent reputation and she is known for "faire-business"! What is a good combination allways.

Of course an agency will see money - that is normal! But if you want the same it is a win/win situation for both! She is Allways looking for new talents - so come to Europe.

Aha - I see you want to stay in Canada/Montreal.....talk to her! Some years ago a NY based photograper worked with her - he sometimes traveled to Germany for new clients!
But he also had support from her in Brooklyn/NY were he was originally based!
He died accidently - 2014 if I remember correct - some years ago - very sad about!
If your reputation as a photographer isn't enough for here to represent you (that may happen - no worry about) she can explain you what is to do!
And she can tell you what is a " normal " contract in that business with agencys!
AND of course you are right to be nervious because there are many agents out there who
serve "not a good job for photographers" - but this is also normal....think about!

with regards

 

[trendland]

hmmm .....Photrio don't serve the link????
OK we will force to serve it : https://kathrin-hohberg.de

with regards

 

[AgX]

Of course an agency will see money - that is normal! But if you want the same it is a win/win situation for both! She is Allways looking for new talents - so come to Europe.

That very agency seemingly takes the money from the user of the photos, not the photographer.

 

[trendland]

That very agency seemingly takes the money from the user of the photos, not the photographer.

One can say so !
Example : You as a photograper will state : My earnings for 8 hours of work for this job have to be
between 800 - 1200€ it depents to further circumstances and client has to pay for!
Then you have to find a client who is willing to pay and not to state : I (the client) have 3 photograpers who will do the same job between 450 - 620,-€......!
Bad luck for the client I would answer!
But (if your reputation is good enough [what is not identical with : you are better - in some cases]
The right agency will bring you in contact with clients who normally pay much much more (2200 - 4500,- [and above....]
Better to say (in often cases) the agency will bring the right clients in contact with their best photographers!
And if here the more money you will earn is in parts to the agency is quite normal and quite OK!
Of course one can say so : It is payed from the clients (the money the agency get for its
"support"!
Well what is not OK (for me) - what is unfaire business?
The case that you as a photographer have build up reputation AND contact by yourself (without any help) but then your client want to work with an agency! There is coming a trainee from the agency (without any knowlege) and is telling you as a photographer how to work!
And you are told wrong (from wrong background) - at least the agency get payed from the client and you get suddenly paied via an agency!
Soo you are " feeding" unprofessional trainees from who you are told wrong!!!?
But that is more the ",modern " way with special agencys (advertisement a.s.o.)

The final (basis) decision is therfore in regard of the following question :
I am advancing a photographers agent with my work or is a photographers agent advancing me?
The perfect middleway is that both (to same parts) get in advance!
But that will allways imply that you are "partners" from same reputation! (same excellence in profession)

with regards

 

[trendland]

Ähmm I have to add (forgotten) before others here will state : The job is Allways not in that described form/way :
Today E V E R Y T H I G is possible...!

with regards

 

[AgX]

I did not say anything about unfair business.
But you repeatedly had it about the photographer paying the agent (too). But the agency you linked to has it only about a contract betweem them and the user of photographs. And not about such contract with the photographer. Which makes one believe that there will be none. And no respective payment by the photographer.

 

[trendland]

Can't realy follow now Agx? Of course there are many business models of agencys!
But to photographers we are talking about a photo agent who represents you?
If he is in addition responcible for concrete jobs : He phoned the photographer and is telling :
You are the lucky one because "perhaps" a client want you to shot the next H&M Campaign if you you are interessted? The agent will be lucky himself if the deal is perfect!

with regards

 

[trendland]

Ähm other agencys marketed photos (stock a.s.o) but seriously can you earn money with such work?
Not if you can look into the future AND "future has just happened" : 2$ a photo???

with regards

 

[AgX]

The agent you refer to "repesents" the photographer, but makes a contract with the user of the photographs who they consider to work for, by finding the right photographer for him.

Maybe you better have chosen another sample.

 

[trendland]

I did not say anything about unfair business.
But you repeatedly had it about the photographer paying the agent (too). But the agency you linked to has it only about a contract betweem them and the user of photographs. And not about such contract with the photographer. Which makes one believe that there will be none. And no respective payment by the photographer.

Sorry - unterstand (meanwhile) your concern is in regard of the contact!

Yes but to me "every paiment" wich is not to 100% on your own bank acount (or on the acount of you and your wife[better not the last example) for the job you did by yourself from your profession a payment from YOU to the agency!

Think about! And don't care about contracts! It is just from paper!

with regards

 

[AgX]

I am german; I want it in writing....

(old saying)

 

[trendland]

The agent you refer to "repesents" the photographer, but makes a contract with the user of the photographs who they consider to work for, by finding the right photographer for him.

Maybe you better have chosen another sample.

Why ? It is THE agent in Germany also in parts of the US (beside others) you allways have to
orient yourself how it is normal - from such examples !
Because the world is full of unserious players! Better not to look in details from there contracts!

30% to (the wife of )the agent/ 35% to the girlfriend of the agent / 10% to the sportscar of the agents girlfriend / 40% got the agent himself the rest is to the photographer ...!

Be Aware of E V E R Y T H I N G is possible today

With regards

 

[trendland]

Do you have a link to your web page? I'd like to see your work if that's possible. I'm not an agent.

Alan is that realy true (you are no agent)!
From looking at your avatar it may be not correct I feel !

with greetings

PS : All what you just have a need of is : A big cigar Alan! Come on - come into business!!

 

[trendland]

(or maybe more appropriately, )

Exactly! Every pro photographer I meet says the same thing - anyone contemplating a career in the field today is demonstrating the triumph of hope over fantasy.

A few do, most don't. The proliferation of online digicrap and too many cooks spoiling the broth have mostly done us in. So goes the 21st century reality...

Our OP is being very . Out shooting good work, maybe? Let us hope he is one of the winners.

I have on file several contracts (unsigned) I was offered by (self-termed) "reputable" agents. I will be interested to compare notes on what clauses he has been offered in his by his.

Pros. who tell all the same thinks are responcible for themselfes but have forgotten!
Last issue I discused with a pros. was payment? I will never discus this again !

with regards

PS : Remember : Walls are not created to be "against " you! Walls are not there to prevent your
carrier! Walls should just help you to find out : How much do you realy W A N T it!

PPS : No thing - to each highest price is also right! Sometimes it is better to change priority!
(Mafia Killers are realy high payed - but to murder each day makes no fun)

 

[jtk]

Many/most top commercial photographers (and illustrators, and writers) have agents. They identify good agents by asking their professional photo/illustrator peers who their agents are and what their experiences have been.

 

[trendland]

Many/most top commercial photographers (and illustrators, and writers) have agents. They identify good agents by asking their professional photo/illustrator peers who their agents are and what their experiences have been.

It is the same play since years - I can't say from experience but within the 40th 50th 60th it was
obviously not different! Was it different ever?
If you want to get a special job someone is loooking for :
- you will not been asked : where do you come from, have you completed film school ?
But you will been asked : What did you made last and who did you do it for!

With some names in mind - everything is fine! With some other names everything is "closed"!

with regards

 

[trendland]

That princip is working till the day when your own name is mentioned - and everything is closed then!!

with regards

 

[removed account4]

Hi, I'm not sure I'm posting to the right place but here goes anyway. I would be very happy to receive input from members who have or are currently working with an agent that is representing one or more of their photographic projects. I was offered such representation by an agent, and the more often I read the agreement the more nervous I get about this. Are there things I should look out for? Is it normal that the artist feels powerless in this process

pasto

a good agent is worth their weight in gold. they have connections, they know what their clients want and need and
they typically have a handful of commercial artists they work with to make things work. like an art gallery they take a commission
but keep in mind that commission is the time and energy you would have spent schlepping your work around to find clients.

what is it in your contract that makes you feel nervous ? is the hopeful agent asking for a percentage of usage fees on top of the typical commission?
( so he or she gets paid royalties when the work is republished or published with a different client even if the agent had nothing to do with the "hook up" )

If you're getting a bad feeling from this agent, walk away. An agent can do a lot for you, and can do a lot to harm you. Some want to help you, and some want to use you. All want to make money, either through you or from you.

I had an agent once who helped me back when I was selling paintings. She helped me get into some galleries I wouldn't have been able to on my own. Just having an agent makes you appear much more desirable, and they can help with a lot of the B.S. that comes with navigating the industry (social media and meeting the right people). It worked out because I trusted her. We didn't even have a contract because we had a strong enough level of mutual respect (we had known each other for about 10 years prior to our arrangement). I wouldn't recommend going that route, but it does illustrate the level of trust you need in each other.

If you're at the point in your career where you are ready for an agent, don't feel pressured to sign with the first one that comes along. If you're at that point where an agent makes business sense, you shouldn't have too much trouble finding one.

When I was younger I was in a couple of bands and was constantly getting approached by agents. We didn't sign with any of them because none of them could offer us anything we couldn't do ourselves, and they'd just take a sizable cut of our earnings. We were already getting into all of the nearby venues we wanted to play and we made more money by not sharing profits with useless agents and small record labels. Now if an agent came along with connections with bigger record labels or production companies, we might have signed (and we actually did have an agent approach is who worked for some bigger names in the country music scene, but since we were a psychedelic rock band, we figured he wouldn't be much help for us).

So be careful. An agent is not a ticket to success. Don't let them sell you your own dreams back to you. They should be honest, hard working, and professional. Find out who else they represent and ask for specifics on what they can offer you and how they plan to do that. Ask them what they're expecting to get out of you. If they don't have solid answers or don't want to share them with you, walk away. If it's something you can do yourself, walk away. If it seems like a mutually beneficial relationship, give it some thought.

excellent advice!

good luck !
john

 

[Ian Grant]

Many/most top commercial photographers (and illustrators, and writers) have agents. They identify good agents by asking their professional photo/illustrator peers who their agents are and what their experiences have been.

Not always true, many work with agencies who work for the clients rather than the photographer or illustrator who they actually commission. I've been on both sides commissioned by an agency and used agencies for design etc.

An agent will be needed for a busy well known artist/photographer who's work is in high demand so prices can be hiked, or they know you're good and can always rely on you. I have a friend who's contracted to Getty Images as a pap photographer in London (UK).

Ian