The Gift of Focusing Your Vision
[by Selina Maitreya
Today, vision is the front end sell in the world of commercial photography. Clients look to assignment photographers to have a defined vision applied to a subject area and expect a complete body of work, that represents the photographers “specialty.”
Many photographers still resist the idea of focusing their talents, there is still lots of carping about how clients “are asking for a lot while wanting to pay less” and discussions continue about why photographers should still be able to be generalists.
I think clients have given photographers a huge gift when they put the focus on vision. Don’t miss this opportunity!
Years ago when I began as an agent, clients rarely if ever, hired a photographer for their vision. Relationships were huge. A photographer’s personality, ability to host a client and technical skills were key. Clients expected photographers to shoot photos to layouts. Rarely was there a creative concept meeting before a shoot.
In 1979, I repped one of the most talented creative photographers in Boston who was totally frustrated by the lack of requests for his creative input. As an agent, it was a hugely tough sell to get clients interested in hiring my guy based on the position that he was a creative collaborator not just a technical facilitator. Many times it seemed a hopeless task but I continued to put forth the mantra that my talent had talent and that clients got more for their buck when they hired a photographer who went beyond the call of duty creatively. Slowly, after a year we began to receive local, regional and national accounts, all based on my photographer’s vision.
Today, photographers in every area face huge competition. The sheer number of people calling themselves photographers, an abundance of well-seen stock photos, and absurdly low fees being accepted by many, has created a need for YOU to distinguish yourself amongst the masses.
While many things have changed between 1980 and now, one thing has not. YOUR VISION is still the tool that distinguishes you from any other photographer. But in order for it to do so, it needs to be developed, defined and refined.
How wonderful that your clients are asking you to develop your vision and show them the goods! Embrace the gift of being asked to show up as an artist and not just the technical facilitator. Accept the responsibility for what you need to do to develop your talent in order to meet this request, and then prepare to soar!
Selina Maitreya is a consultant to photographers worldwide. Signup for her new 3 day video “Why Photographers Fail”, and learn how you can succeed at: www.selinamaitreya.com
One Response to 'The Gift of Focusing Your Vision'
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In my opinion being a specialist is great and sounds ideal but this often discounts the road to arriving as a professional. It’s all very well to tell photographers they should specialize but often being a generalist pays those bills and mortgages while you are moving up the ranks.
Thoughts?
Jason