A Guide To Representation For Directors & Photographers
As a rep and production company, we’ve had a chance to speak and work with a variety of artists, agencies, brands and creatives, all who have helped us shape our business and what we look for in new talent. Many photographers and directors dream about representation, thinking bigger paychecks, clients and bidding support are all the key to their success. While it’s true that a production company and artist rep can open doors, there’s a lot more to consider. We’ve distilled a few things to think about before deciding if representation is right for you.
Reps gravitate toward talent that already have a solid client list. It’s a catch-22. You need a strong body of work and existing clients to get represented, but you’re looking for representation to grow your client base. Consistent marketing is a big part of getting the work that can help lead to representation. We often take a deep dive into understanding what talent is doing to get their name out there and maintain client relationships. If you can’t market yourself or stay on good terms with your existing clients, you can’t expect someone else to do it for you.
Most directors and photographers with representation usually have at least 5 years of full time professional experience. They’ve built a body of work that’s consistent in specific genres and or style. With hundreds of thousands of dollars on the line, reps need to be confident and trust that the talent they pitch can consistently deliver. One bad shoot can ruin a relationship that took years to build.
It’s a marriage not a date. What we mean by that is reps and production companies are in it for the long haul. It’s a relationship that requires investment from both parties and is based on trust. It’s important to remember that it can take anywhere from several months to a year to get any traction from a rep’s client list before you start seeing work come in.
Take a close look at the portfolios of those already represented. Is your work on par in terms of quality? Do they already have talent that is similar in style or subject matter? If yes, you might not be a good fit. You don’t want to be competing with other people on their roster for the same work so look for “holes” you can plug on a reps roster.
Are you easy to work with? Reps and clients don’t want to work with big egos who are a lot to manage. This includes flexibility around project requirements, budgets and deliverables.
In the end, agency representation can be a powerful tool for artistic and career growth, but it’s not a magic bullet. As a production company and rep, we’ve seen firsthand how valuable a solid, working partnership can be—but it requires effort, consistency, and professionalism from both sides. It’s about finding the right fit and aligning with a rep that believes in your vision, complements your style, and sees the gaps you can fill in their roster. Before seeking representation, take a hard look at where you are in your career, how you market yourself, and whether you’re ready for a long-term commitment. Success comes from hard work, building trust, and a mutual investment in each other’s growth. Only then can a rep truly help you take your craft to the next level.
If you are interested in submitting your work for consideration, you can apply here.