I am an avid photo enthusiast who enjoys photography, but I have never been paid to take a photograph.

However, I have hired and re-hired photographers for the last 8 years.  I work as a marketing executive on the Las Vegas Strip at a resort & casino.

I (and my team) hire photographers for a variety of different needs.

• A new signature dish at a restaurant needs a publicity shot – no problem, I know someone great at food shots.
• A hotel room has been remodeled and the website needs an updated shot – I know a great architectural shooter.
• Sold out crowd of 12,000 and a Grammy winning band is rocking the house, going to need some shots for the Facebook page – I know someone.
• A brand campaign needs big production shots – no problem, my agency will hire them!

As both an enthusiast and a person who hires the pros, I would like to tell you some things that get you hired and re-hired as a professional.  Most of these would fall into the “that’s common sense, seems too easy” category, and if you thought that as well, you’re already a step ahead of the pack.

Most photographers I have hired are consummate professionals, all the way.  However, there have been a few who I can sit back and laugh at now as I think about some of the interactions I’ve had. I’ll never forget the time a pro showed up for a food shoot (someone we hire a lot) as he looked at me with puppy dog eyes and said, “Do you, eh, have a spare CF card anywhere? I forgot mine.”

Seriously?

Do a little research before the day of your shot; Google is your friend.

True story, and this is someone we do a lot of work with and still hire a lot.  Why?  Because I like him and he has gotten to know my team.

Or the time a new animal was placed into one of our attractions; a Komodo Dragon, and the dragon was featured in a brand campaign shot.  During one of the pre-production calls the photographer asked, “So, can you just put him on a leash and bring him to the location?” I wanted to say, “No problem, we play fetch with him all day so we’ll just give him a Scooby snack, slip the leash on, and bring him on over.”

One bite from him and you could die! The deadliest lizard in the world and you just asked if we could leash him up like a Golden Retriever?  Seriously?

Do a little research before the day of your shot; Google is your friend.

That said, here are some tips on how to get hired and more importantly in my opinion re-hired as a pro.

Getting Hired

Tip 1 – Submit your estimate on time and review it before you hit the send button.

You have been asked for an estimate to do a shoot. Ask when the estimate is needed and don’t be afraid to ask what the budget is.  I may have hired you for $1,500 the last time, but the budget this time is higher or lower so you’ll want to know that going into it.  Be prompt about getting your estimate back to the client.

Don’t send an estimate Friday for a job that wrapped on the preceding Thursday, too late at that point.  Check all the line items, check the math, and check it again.  Did you provide what was asked for?  Be sure, and then hit send.

Tip 2 – Be on time.  In fact, be early.

Congrats, you got the gig.  It is the day of the shoot.  In my line of work, a lot of shoots happen in the wee hours of the morning when it tends to be less busy.  I know you don’t normally wake up at 3am and neither do I, but when you get a gig that starts at 3 am, be there early and be happy.  Don’t be grumpy because it is 3 am and you are not in bed dreaming of that 400mm lens you always wanted.  Be early, be happy, and be as accommodating as you can for 3am.

Tip 3 – Get the client the images.

When the shoot is done, get me my images!  I can appreciate the amount of time in post processing (whether you do it yourself or have a retoucher) that is required to make an image perfect.  When your client asks you when they can have their images, be honest about how long it will take you to get them the images.  Be reasonable too.  If you were just hired to get some images of revelers at St. Patrick’s Day Event, December is not an acceptable answer.

You got the job the first time.  The hardest part is behind you.  Now what … ?

Getting Re-Hired

You have been hired, we loved your images, and the late night of shooting to get them is behind us. Now what?  Why do I re-hire some photographers and not others?  I tend to hire people who are easy to be around and don’t have a bad-itude (a made up word a co-worker uses frequently).

Tip 1 – Get to know the people hiring you.

This would seem too easy, the low hanging fruit if you will, but get to know the people who hire you.  Do they have pictures of kids on their desk?  Ask them about their kids.  Do they have an office full of football autograph memorabilia?  Ask them about football.  If you are not social, get business partner who is and bring them with you.

Our agency hired a photographer for a shoot where we built up our image library.  We worked through the long nights and he was always so polite and nice to be around.  When the shoot was done, the next week he sent a nice, thoughtful gift to every member of my team.  Not something he got at the airport gift store, but something he knew we would like because he spent the time talking with us during the shoot and lighting set up to learn who we are.  Think that went a long way?  You bet it did, and the images were wonderful.

It was not necessary though, as he had us at ‘polite and nice to be around’.

Tip 2 – Say Thank You.

I wish we could go back in time and freeze the economy to 2006 levels when the money was flowing in and flowing out; but that is not happening any time soon.

Remember … there are a lot of people who do what you do and they could be hired just as easily as you.  So when you get a job, show your appreciation by simply saying, “Thank you” – 2 words that when used together, and sincerely, go a long, very long way.

Tip 3 – Keep in touch.

It is easy for me to look at a shooters newest stuff, because I am into photography.  I know my team likes to look at the newest portfolio additions too and I don’t think they are unique in that way.  A lot of your clients want to see your newest work, so make time to stop by and review it with them.  While you are there, ask them about the kids in the photo frames and how their favorite team is doing on the grid iron.

You never know if that visit may lead to the next gig!

Randy Boynton – @pedaldown

All photos © Tom Hoops Photography

Happy accidents seem to be happening to me a lot lately.

While cruising Twitter with absolutely no goal in mind, I ran across a mention of Tom Hoops website. After viewing maybe 2 or 3 of his shots from his Heads series, I immediately tracked him down to participate in a Photo Profile.

I’m still totally astounded at how well he manages to bring a unique approach to his subjects – all the while doing it with such superb depth and control.

See for yourself, and be sure to share your thoughts in the comments!

How did you get started?

Funnily enough I wanted to do some painting. I thought by picking up a camera I might capture some interesting people that I could then go on and paint. So initially a very good friend of mine offered his camera for a week or so.

I went out everyday and shot just about anything, most of my shots were street shots, people living in the slums and crowded streets of Bangkok. From then on I was hooked, popped out and bought a camera and I’ve not stopped since.

What is your core business?

The core is probably my portrait work and commercial shoots for fashion, music, etc.  I also sell a fair amount of prints through my website, exhibitions and through lensmodern in the UK. Having only just recently signed with Getty Assignment I am expecting my commercial workload to increase. I’ve also shot some journalistic work too for magazines but only when requested to do so.

How do you attract new customers?

Well my main marketing tool has to be my website, I keep the site up to date with new work photographically and use the blog to let people know about anything interesting. I aim to expand the blog this year to try and make it more interesting for those that make the effort to read it.

I also try and send out some emails when possible to introduce my work.

How do you promote yourself?

Emails, twitter, blogs, magazines, television and the internet. I try and put my name out there wherever possible. I’m due to sign with an agent shortly and that should open up things for me too. I’m not a member of any professional organizations as yet.

I think a good photo will do more promotion than a well crafted written email, so unless I’m outlining a story my emails are short and to the point. Editors, agents and image buyers are bombarded daily with images. It’s all about making some impact.

Editors, agents and image buyers are bombarded daily with images. It’s all about making some impact.

All photos © Tom Hoops Photography

What is the single-most challenging component of your business?

Doing interviews, I jest, but i do find them rather difficult. It’s a funny feeling knowing that some people are interested in what you have to say. I have done a fair amount of interviews now, both in the press and television. In some ways the written ones are more difficult as you have time to ponder what you are trying to say. I’m sure it gets easier the more you do though.

I shouldn’t complain though, I actually think I’m extremely lucky to be in a position where people think I’m worth talking to. The challenge for most of us is to get noticed, get our work in the minds of editors,buyers and clients. Interviews and showcases really help.

How are you leveraging technology?

I’m more interested in the compositional, creative and subject side of photography, I do all my own post processing and digital retouch if needed. Parts of it can be a chore but in general I really quite enjoy it.  I was working with all this software before I took up photography so I’m relatively lucky in that I don’t have to learn a whole new system for working on images. It’s a vital part of photography these days. I feel that some people get so caught up in the techy side of photography that they lose sight of the art and the creativity.

How would you describe your work?

Strong ,compelling, a wee bit dark.

It’s been described by others as beautiful,moving and inspiring. I just try and keep it simple. If it’s personal I shoot the sort of work I would be happy to have on the wall, If it’s for a client then I shoot to the brief and try to add a little bit of me. I am constantly trying to improve; do something a little better than last time – it’s always a learning process.

My work will evolve so this time next year you should probably ask me again.

I feel that some people get so caught up in the techy side of photography that they lose sight of the art and the creativity.

All photos © Tom Hoops Photography

Where do you plan to be in the next 5 years?

Wow it’s difficult to say. Ideally I wouldn’t be rooted anywhere. Everywhere has it’s benefits, New York, London, LA, Asia. I love to travel. In terms of the sort of projects I’ll be working on … I hope more of the same but with higher profile clients – and a few more exhibitions along the way.

Parting Comments?

Well a big juicy thanks to everyone here for asking me to do this. I hope I have not been too boring. I’m more fun if you meet me..:)…promise!

If anyone has any further questions I’ll be more than happy to answer, just drop me an email.

Insert your shameless plug here:

My site: www.tomhoops.com

I am constantly trying to improve; do something a little better than last time – it’s always a learning process.

All photos © Tom Hoops Photography

It’s actually very easy so here’s a quick tutorial to help send you on your way to custom Twitter beautification:

{hint: at the bottom of this post is a link to download our twitter background template for Photoshop}

The dimensions for the custom background that we use equals 1898 pixels wide x 1593 pixels high at 72dpi. Your dimensions can vary but we have found this works for us nicely.

The remaining dimensions to be mindful of are the left hand sidebar width and the very small top margin where you can lay in some graphics as well.

• left hand sidebar: 200 pixels wide
• top margin: 8 pixels high

Once you have your design the way you want it, simple save this as a JPEG somewhere on your system.

{hint: I have had problems using GIF’s on Twitter for backgrounds, hence the JPEG format.}

To implement your work is a snap.

Login to your Twitter account and select Settings:

Once in the Settings panel, it’s only a few clicks to load your work:

1. select Design
2. select Change background image
3. Browse for your JPEG saved out of Photoshop (or your favorite image editor)
4. select save changes when finished

Thats it! Your custom Twitter background should update automatically – if not, press Refresh in your browser.

That does it for this round, happy Twittering!

|Brandon Oelling
x=photography+consulting – technology. leadership. commitment.

All photos © 2008 Melissa Rodwell Photography LLC

How did you get started in Photography?

I initially wanted to become a fashion designer. I had been collecting Vogue since I was 12 years old and had just fallen completely in love with fashion. After seeing a photography exhibit of Helmut Newton’s work in a Paris gallery at 17, I came home, begged my dad to let me use his Canon AE 1 and the rest, as they say, is history. I went to Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California to master the technical side of photography. I graduated in 1987 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Photography. I started shooting commercially while I was still in school.

What is your core business?

My core business is fashion, music and personality photography. I do shoot the occasional architecture and interior jobs because I love doing it. But I don’t promote that side of my work. I get those gigs through friends and word of mouth.

How do you attract new customers? Direct Market? Referral? Blog? Association membership(s)?

For one, I send out promos and do email marketing campaigns at times. I keep my portfolio constantly updated for drop offs and last minute appointments. I get a lot of gigs through word of mouth and contacts. I do not belong to any associations, however I did belong to APA at one time, but only for their great resource of attorney help and forms like licensing and invoices. My website usually is my main promotional tool now. I direct potential clients to it and I keep my site updated all the time.

How important is it to have a website?

Honestly, in today’s market, I don’t know how a photographer that wants to make a living from photography can live without one. It’s a must!

What is the single-most challenging component of your business?

That answer has changed a lot over the years. In the beginning, the challenge was to establish my name. Then it was to collect tear sheets for my book so I could get bigger jobs so I had to travel a lot. Then the challenge was how to have a relationship AND a career. Then it was how to find a base so I could focus more on my work.

Now it’s about time management.

I am married… again, and also have a blog that needs attention. So it’s learning how to be a good partner in a relationship, write for my blog and write people back who are subscribing and supporting my blog. All the while, shooting gigs, doing the post work from my shoots, editing the pictures, getting the images to the clients, looking for more work, testing for my book with new ideas I want to try out and also doing things for myself outside of photography that ultimately nourish my creative side and aid in expanding my Self. It’s not easy, trust that!

” I keep my portfolio constantly updated for drop offs and last minute appointments. “

All photos © 2008 Melissa Rodwell Photography LLC

How are you leveraging technology in your business?

By hiding from it?? Oh wow, it’s heavy. Coming from such a hardcore background with film, I was a little miffed I had to learn a whole new medium with digital. I sort of balked at it for a long time. I’m slowly grasping the knowledge. And to be honest, I outsource my workload.

For instance, I hire people to retouch my images. I do my image processing in my home office, but the retouching I leave to the pros. I do a little bit myself, but only for fun. I will read up on new equipment and new technologies all the time. I actually milk my assistants on my shoots for the latest info! I know that sounds crazy, but I ask other photographers for their advice and input.

How would you describe your work?

Sexy. Emotive. Strong. Well lit. My strongest ability as a photographer is my ability to capture the moment and to pull something out of the model that is provocative. I also believe my lighting is a strong suit of mine. It took years to master these abilities, no doubt!

How does an aspiring photographer gain expertise in fashion photography?

I get asked this a lot and my answer is always the same: Shoot! Shoot all the time. And then pick up your camera and shoot some more! Shoot until your hands are aching. The only way a photographer gets better is by training their eye and you train your eye by shooting a lot of images!

I also want to emphasize the importance of understanding fashion. You must understand clothing design and fabrics. Fashion photography is the business of photographing a product: the garments. You must understand the product you are working with in order to be a success at it. You need to understand how silk drapes on a body and what kind of light is best to use when shooting it. Or velvet. Or taffeta.

I see a lot of photographers take more time making the model’s look great but the clothes are wrinkled or poorly lit. In that case it isn’t a fashion photograph. It’s a model photograph and that won’t get you gigs. Unless, of course, you want to do paid tests for agencies. Which isn’t a bad way to start to build your book, but your work is going to have to show you know how to shoot the garments otherwise you won’t land fashion gigs.

How does a photographer stay in tune with industry trends and fabrics / materials; how to set proper lighting, etc. ?

Testing with lighting is the best way to try out new trends. Trends can be found by picking up the current issue of any fashion magazine on the newsstand. I read Vogue, instead of looking at the editorials. That way I keep in touch with who’s designing for who and what they’re designing.

” Shoot! Shoot all the time. And then pick up your camera and shoot some more! Shoot until your hands are aching. ”

All photos © 2008 Melissa Rodwell Photography LLC

Where is the company headed in the next 5 years?

I will continue to shoot fashion and music gigs until I can’t shoot anymore, I know that for sure. I’d love to see my blog grow. I am utterly blown away at how many people are responding positively and I am loving the community spirit that is growing within it. I also am prepping/shooting/thinking of ideas for another photography exhibit that hits very close to home. It’s fairly controversial so I am going about it with baby steps.

So far, I’ve shot 4 images for the show.  I would like to have about 20 when I’m completed with it. I also would love to publish a book from my Boys Collection and from this future show. I just signed with a killer agent! So hopefully that will be a long, successful relationship as well. I know I will be based in Los Angeles from here on out. I’ve traveled way too much and have lived all over the world and even though I have a love/hate relationship with this city I have FINALLY accepted that LA is my HOME and its’ where my heart is!

Parting comments?

I just want to thank you guys for giving me this opportunity to speak about myself and my work. Fashion photography has afforded me a great life! I have traveled to amazing places and have met incredible people along the way. I am truly grateful for the passion I have for it and the gift I was given to see.

The one thing I will add is that your passion for anything in life is tantamount to your success. If you’re not passionate about photography, or fashion photography per se, it’s better to find what does drive you and go after that. Fashion photography is a competitive industry and if you aren’t 100% in love with it, somebody right behind you is. And they are happy to take those gigs right out from under you!

Insert your shameless plug here:

If you get a chance, check out my blog: www.fashionphotographyblog.com

For my commercial work, check out: www.melissarodwell.com

For my exhibition work, check out: www.melissarodwell.net

” … your passion for anything in life is tantamount to your success. “

All photos © 2008 Melissa Rodwell Photography LLC

Back in April of this year I created a Twitter account – but it didn’t come easily!

I had sat on the sidelines for a long time wondering what kind of real substance could come out of a service that only allows 140 characters per post. I even perused the Twitter FAQ more than few times still unsure what the heck it was – it’s just not an obvious sell for many who initially join in, or are considering.

Well … it’s only been 7 months or so and I must admit I am more than sold on Twitter’s ability to provide some key uses for me as a photographer and Lightroom geek:

1. market my work and blog
2. keep current on Lightroom tips and techniques
3. poll other Twitter users for advice
4. get great business news
5. gain insights on new hardware and software
6. learn how to build and maintain my blog

It’s strange to believe that all of this is possible with Twitter … but it most certainly is – and it doesn’t require a lot of additional effort which I think is the big misconception preventing many others from joining in on the conversation.

As a business owner myself, I don’t have time to waste on yet ANOTHER social platform … yet Twitter has been the easiest to integrate into my information flow and with less cognitive friction than most tools I use to make it through my day.

Aside from signing up for a Twitter account, which is the first step in all of this, here are some of the tools and tips I have used over the last 7 months to tame Twitter and make it a valuable photographer-centric content delivery system.

Twitter Best Practices

There are lots of resources out there that will help you become adept at using Twitter. I tend to focus on just a few because I am constrained by time.

TwiTip

Darren Rowse is the mastermind behind all things blogging and Twitter related so I tend to use his TwiTip site quite a bit as well as Pro Blogger.

You can also follow Darren on Twitter.

Online Resources for Getting Started

Here is a good list of articles and tools to get you going on the path to Twitter-dom.

• Twitterfeed - publish your blog directly to your feed
• TwiTip – if you only want to read one site, read this one
• The Misunderstood Uses of Twitter and Facebook: Are You a Friend, Follower or a Fool?
• 4 Constant Twitter Mistakes You Should Avoid
• 8 Ways that Twitter Can Grow Your Freelance Business
• TheLightroomLab – a must-follow for a solid Lightroom-centric Twitter feed

That does it for this round … get onboard, and when you do … look us up on Twitter under: xequals

|Brandon Oelling
x=photography+consulting – technology. leadership. commitment.