Photographers

no@spam.com (Leesa Strawn) — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 21:32:14 MDT

My view: Photographers
They are an agencies friend, without them there would be no agency. Although all too often they think they do not now or will never need an agency to support them or thier ideas. I have dealt with literally thousands of photographers over the last ten years, I have been told (by photographers) your not a ligitimate agency. And I have found this to come from photographers who, (1) Do not know me or anything about me. (2) Are only trying to promote themselves as model managers etc.(3) They are an amatuer photographer, and finally (4) Have absolutely no idea what an agency does for you. And a so called "model" will believe a photographer over an agent. An agent who spends thousands of dollars on and website, becoming incorporated, hiring an attorney, an accountant, not to mention investing hundreds of dollars in a model because you believe they will make it in the industry and hope you will recoop your investment. Even though my agency has held major events with 50 to 60 models at one time and at large casino's, we have been ambassodors in large national events, I am still not ligitimate, in a photographers eyes.

Some agencies charge you a large some of money for "test shots". Some tell you you must provide your portfolio before they will even think of scheduling an appointment with you. Some agencies may even tell you to get your comp cards and bring them to the agency. (which may cost hundreds of dollars) Some agencies make you pay everything and they only represent you. And still get thier commission.
Every agency is different. We started an amatuer model campaign this year, with a twist, there is talent that has absolutely no money to pursue thier dream. We spoke with our attorney and had a new contract drawn up to include a professional portfolio from TFCD work, for a period of one year, which was sufficient enough time for the amatuer model to become professional.
All the while, when photo's from shoots came rolling in, we marketed those photo's. Which was funded by the agency. It has been a very rewarding but stressful year. Because some appreciate what your doing to help them fufill thier thier dream, some do not. I am not witing an article to promote my agency, I am hoping photographers will understand, you dont have to like me to work for me or with me. And the old addage comes to mind " If you cant say something good about someone, say nothing at all" Lets just try to work together on this.
I have had to ask photographers, please dont shoot our models without asking us, this is because as an amatuer model, the agency is keeping track of thier photo shoots and the type of shoots. We forbid nudity, however some photographers ask the model anyway. I am helping people live thier dream, We have a very small cost ( under 15.00) to be on our website. That we pay a web company to maintain our website and keep it fresh. The agency provides them within a year, a ten thousand dollar professional portfolio, I print out hundreds of photo's a year per model to send to clients, I include models in all major events, fashion shows, brand ambassadors, trade shows etc. The first year, I make zero dollars off of a model. If that classifies as a scam or not ligitimate, then there is something seriously wrong with someones thinking process! Of course I do make money from already professioanl models. I wanted to give something back. I wanted to fufill dreams. So, to all the photographers out there, I love what you do, I have never said a bad word about a photographer, if I could do what you do, I wouldn't need you, lets make the world a better place and snap some beautiful people!

What does an AGENCY do for you?

no@spam.com (Leesa Strawn) — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 17:36:16 MDT

Over the last 10 years, I have seen several modeling agencies come and go but I held steady and firm in my belief that there is such a thing as real people modeling agencies. However, Some girls do not understand what an agency does for them, they call me anytime asking when are you going to so this or that, yes they call me, the owner, instead of a booker or manager assigned to them. My models in the southern states have never had an agency stay around long enough to know what an agency does for you. They just dont get, they need me, I do not need them. An agency signs you, only after they are sure they can get you work. After signing, we go to work to help you get a nice portfolio, as this is needed on job assignments. Then we promote you through, trade shows, special events, promotions, car shows, conventions, fashion shows etc. Some models think, they will have work right away, but in many cases we can only send you out once you have learned etiquette, charm and grace. All of these things can be aquired. A girl can not take a few pictures with a photographer and say "I am a model!" There is a lot more to it.

We can not force a client to hire you.

I invest a lot of money in models, even before receiving any work for them. 8X10's and postage alone will cost an agent from 2000.00 to 4000.00 a year per model. We hope that we will recover our money when they go on paid assignments.

Desire will get you very far, attitude will not. You must have humility and be willing to take suggestion and direction.

You must respect what your agency is doing for you.

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Photographers

What does an AGENCY do for you?