If I was to hire a photographer, whether they were a second shooter or an assistant, I would need to see a cohesive body of work. Their style and know they have the ability to create an dynamic image. I would need to see that they can perform under pressure, work quickly and efficiently, and be creative. I would need to hear positive things about them, their work ethics, and abilities as a photographer. I would need to hear that they are personable and easy to work with. Basically, I would need to hear a reference/client say, yes, I would hire them again. Finding the right photographer, who lets say, has a big reputation and is highly recommended. There is obviously more feelings of security in hiring someone that comes well recommended. Where as someone lesser known that you may find questionable, might give you a less secure feeling, thus making you want to pass that person up. After all, one false move and your job could be on the line.

A.W. – what works for you doesn’t necessarily translate across all sectors of the market. I just had a meeting with a new client who said to me “There are a zillion banner ads out there and no one even sees them anymore. I need photos that will make someone think ‘hey I need to know more about this!’” For this client, custom images that tell the exact story he wants told is the way to go.

Bottom line folks – whether you’re on the client side or the photographer side, it’s all about finding the right match for your needs and there’s no one size fits all answer for any of us.

When I ned to “fill a box” with an image, I never risk hiring a new photographer. Most of the time, I find great images online for almost no cost. There’s no risk, and I can see what I’m getting up front. The department head and in-house client approves it and we go ahead and buy it. I bought 5 images for a project this morning for less than $40.

You photographers are kidding yourselves if you think we’re going to pay a thousand dollars or more to have you shoot something for us when we can get often great photos for almost nothing. On the rare occasion that we actually need to hire a photographer for an assignment, I can always find someone local to shoot for a few hundred dollars. We don’t pay for rights or usage. When you guys try charging us for that, I’m done talking to you.

It’s a real turn off to have a photographer come in on his or her high horse demanding more money every time we want to use their photos. I don’t have time for that.

Seems to me this is the same answer for any professioanal service: Do I know the photographer? If I don’t know them, do I know anything about their reputation? If I know them I probably know what to expect. If I know their reputation, I at least have some idea about what to expect based on the experience of others.

What does this mean to us? Spend time buidling good relationships and a positive reputation. Not much else matters from our clients point of view. And as I write this I wince when I think about the things I have done in the past that might have hurt my reputation and damaged my relationships.