Why Photographers Have Agents | Stoke-Ness
I’m distracted.
Yesterday a truck delivered two brand spanking new Sherco dirt bikes to my house for an upcoming project. I’m stuck here typing away on my computer staring longingly outside. My job may be different then it was before, but I’m still always wishing I was outside. I hope you get a few more days outside before the weather turns to fall where you live.
In this month’s issue, I share an “essential” piece of gear, the best backcountry campsite in Glacier and why all your favorite photographers have Agents.
Be stoked,
Isaac
Who I'm loving on Instagram
Harry Mark
Surf and Moto have always gone together in the most photogenic fashion. Harry takes these photos to the highest level.
If you know the moto company Deus Ex Machina then you will have seen his work. It’s a perfect blend of nostalgic and new that will have you lusting after a moto surf trip even if you’ve never done either.
Give him a follow Here
Photo/Video Technique
Why Photographers and Filmmakers Have Agents and What They Do.
Recently, I’ve had some conversations with friends about why I have an Agency represent me in negotiations with brands. I realized that there is some confusion about what an Agent does and what they don’t. It’s one of the areas of the creative profession that few talk about.
In an effort to pull back the curtain, I made a list of what an Agent does and what they don’t. Hopefully it will give you some insight for your own career when you need an agent.
What they will do:
An Agent gives you more time to create. If you have become swamped with emails, calls and the back and forth that is part of being a freelancer, an Agent will help lessen the office burden. They will handle the bulk of the back and forth and only pull you into it when they have questions.
A good Agency is run by experts. Unless you came from an advertising agency or were an executive of marketing for a large company, you probably don’t know all the terms, what a company needs from you and how to double check a contract so that you don’t get screwed. An agency does more deals in a week than I do in a year. They have seen a project go sideways in everyway possible and know what to look for to make sure your’s doesn’t. They will use experience to make sure your proposal is offering what the client actually wants. This all saves time and gives you a higher chance of a successful deal.
They will take a percentage of the work you bring in. This can range from 10-30% depending. Typically, this means that the size of the jobs needs to be around $2k or more to make it worth their time. My agency routinely brings the price of jobs higher than I could get on my own, covering the cost of their commission.
They will pitch a project to their network of other agencies that they have worked with. If you come up with an idea they think will sell, they will send it to brand agencies. An Agent’s network is something that would take years to create and is invaluable.
Teach you the language and process of getting a project funded. This is the #1 reason to hire an agent. Learning how the industry works and how to approach potential clients is a game changer. If you want to work seriously in the creative world, then you will need to learn this.
What they won’t do:
They won’t bring you more work. Nope. No matter what they say, they aren’t going to bring you more work. You have to do that bit on your own. You bring the demand, they help you get the most out of that demand. No money will be left on the table, but first you have to get folks offering money with your amazing work.
They won’t work with you if you are not already doing this professionally, full time. Some agencies might sign you, but they won’t put any effort forward if you aren’t creating and pushing you career forward. You have to be far enough along in your career to have some serious momentum.
They won’t project manage your work. They handle the contract negotiations and the hand holding that comes just before and after the ink is dry. They will also invoice the client. Checking in on your deadlines or letting the client know you will be late is up to you. Getting the work done no matter the challenges is also up to you.
I hope this helps you understand what an Agent does and why you might need one as your career progresses. Feel free to shoot me questions about this if you want more info.
New Places
Upper Two Medicine Lake, Glacier National Park Montana
I often get asked from folks coming to Montana where they should camp. In most cases I give specific regions instead of exact locations. I don’t want people to miss out on the process of discovering a location for themselves, I think it’s half the fun.
But this place is perfect for people who want to feel the real Glacier Park, not just what they can drive to.
Most of the time, getting a backcountry camping permit is a real pain in the a#*. Most likely your desired spot will be filled. Not Upper Two med though. It gets only a few applications. If it’s not the permit that stops you from backcountry camping, it will be the logistics of getting to the spot. Again, not this spot. You can pay $5 to ride the tour boat across middle Two Medicine Lake and then its a short 2 mile hike to camp. Even if you really don’t like hiking you will enjoy this almost flat hike.
The best part of back country camping is the quiet and remoteness you will feel waking up 6 miles from the nearest car. You get the best of both worlds with this campsite; far enough away to feel what Glacier is really like, close enough to be able to get there on a whim.
Of all the ways to experience Glacier National Park backcountry, this is the most bang for your buck.
Gear
1979 Yamaha XT500 Enduro
This is most definitely not a piece of camera gear. In some ways it’s even more important. It can give you a subject to shoot, transportation to where you want to take photos, and a great big smile every time you ride it.
I picked the one up for $1,100, so it’s cheaper than most cameras. I found this one listed in Orange County, California for $1,800.
Watch my video HERE to see if you think it’s worth the investment.
Music I'm Diggin'
Firefall by Bjear
Just the song for the nostalgic days of September. Listen at work or in your car and drift off in your best memories from this summer.
It starts mellow and builds into a song you will want to play again as soon as it finishes.
10/10 would recommend
Give it a spin on Spotify here.
Videos, Movies, and TV
AMAZON FIRES - What you need to know
My internet friend Tom released this video that dispels some of the misinformation out there about the Amazon Fires. If you are tired of hearing about them but feel like you don’t really know what’s going on then this video is for you.
Tom lays it out in an easy to follow and unbiased fashion that won’t leave you full of dread or rage. Go give it a watch.
10/10 would recommend.
Reads
Story by Robert McKee
This months book is one I haven’t yet read, but I am salivating to start.
Here’s why: If you create art for others to enjoy and engage with, then most likely you are telling a story. Story is the base of most creative work I see and why I find myself drawn to photos, a video or a book. It is essential that we learn what makes a good story and how to see the difference between a good and bad one.
This book has been recommended to me by a few different friends and I’ve heard it talked about on podcasts and YouTube. If you want to get the best from your creative work, I recommend reading books like this one.
Buy it Here
or Listen to it for free using a library and the Libby app
Be stoked and have a great month,
Isaac
