ChrisRabior
13th of January 2009 (Tue), 14:53
I'd be interested in hearing how all of you keep tabs on former clients, particularly those who provided steady work at some point in the past, who you would like to start working with again. How do you all go about soliciting work?
My situation involves a promoter who was just getting started. I was taking a rather small payment in exchange for work. That was fine at the time because it was an entirely new endeavor for me as a photographer. I was on a HUGE learning curve every time I'd shoot, and it was awesome for my portfolio. Well, his business grew, and I'm a quick learner. There was a bit of an unwillingness to change the pay rate, and I drew the line when it came to travel. It became more work than it was worth when travel was factored in, so after a few consecutive events were 'away', that was basically the end of our collaboration. Important to note, it was a pleasant parting of ways. No hard feelings either side, just business.
Now, about a year since the first time I shot for him, his business is doing pretty well, and I'm interested in starting to shoot for him again (provided I'm properly compensated). I'm also fully aware of what the other photographers are being paid. One of the companies he contracts with called me up to see if I could fill in for one of the events, so the pay was brought out into the open. Some of my 'learning curve' shots were better than what a lot of his current photographers are producing.
I'll have to admit, I'm usually a pro at letters and follow-ups, but I'm suffering from a total brain fart and have yet to come up with something I'm happy with.
So, any and all advice would be most helpful =)
My situation involves a promoter who was just getting started. I was taking a rather small payment in exchange for work. That was fine at the time because it was an entirely new endeavor for me as a photographer. I was on a HUGE learning curve every time I'd shoot, and it was awesome for my portfolio. Well, his business grew, and I'm a quick learner. There was a bit of an unwillingness to change the pay rate, and I drew the line when it came to travel. It became more work than it was worth when travel was factored in, so after a few consecutive events were 'away', that was basically the end of our collaboration. Important to note, it was a pleasant parting of ways. No hard feelings either side, just business.
Now, about a year since the first time I shot for him, his business is doing pretty well, and I'm interested in starting to shoot for him again (provided I'm properly compensated). I'm also fully aware of what the other photographers are being paid. One of the companies he contracts with called me up to see if I could fill in for one of the events, so the pay was brought out into the open. Some of my 'learning curve' shots were better than what a lot of his current photographers are producing.
I'll have to admit, I'm usually a pro at letters and follow-ups, but I'm suffering from a total brain fart and have yet to come up with something I'm happy with.
So, any and all advice would be most helpful =)