I don’t often re-blog the work of others, but this is so spot-on and informative that I felt I had to share it. It’s an open letter from a photographer’s rep to art buyers everywhere. It’s so spot-on perfect that it also works really well as an open letter from a photographer to his or her clients. It’s a good read for anyone who assigns photography. My photographer brethren will, I hope, agree.
For the full piece in all its glory, go here to Heather Elder’s blog. For the brief little synopsis that is so right I can’t believe it, please keep reading.
Dear photography clients…
1) When I ask you for the budget, please know that I am only trying to get an idea of how to approach the project.
2) If I ask you who else I am bidding against, it is ok if you don’t want to share that information. But if it doesn’t really matter to you, then I could really use the information.
3) If you ever have feedback for me about the book, the site, the call, the estimate, any of it… I would really be appreciative.
4) If I am just a third bid, please let me know. Please.
5) When I am not awarded the job, please let me know right away. (And, for what it’s worth, any feedback on WHY I didn’t get the job is not hurtful, it’s actually immensely helpful. – Bill)
6) I so appreciate when you let me come to your agency to [show off my work].
7) I also appreciate when you spell out your expectations for a portfolio show – especially when it comes to what will entice the creatives.
8) Please do not get annoyed with me when I send email blasts. I know, you get so many. However, these are one of the only measurable forms of communication we have nowadays.
Let us all raise Heather up on our cyber shoulders and carry her around the room cheering and shouting.
(Thanks to Permission to Suck for the heads up.)
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