Is anyone here represented by an agent?

I'm looking to take a trip to LA to seek representation but was hoping for some pointers.
So like the title says.....

if you don't mind, is the goal to have more billable hours by avoiding dealing directly with clients during the initial phases of placing bids, etc? or a higher billing rate by having higher quality clients?

those were just the first two things that came to mind, i'm sure might be other reasons you might have.

Oh the goal would be to get more work that i usually wouldnt get.

I just want to see how it all goes down, you make an appointment and then see them with your portfolio? im really unsure on what happens at the initial meet so wanted to pick someones brains.

so, exposure to get a higher billing rate from better clients?

my understanding of the agent client relationship is that they promote your skills and then negotiate on your behalf. The also act as gatekeepers so your time isn't burned up talking to folks that cannot afford your services. In return, they take a slice of the pie. Next time the client wants you to do some work, the agent gets a slice of the pie, and so on, and so on …

If you promote yourself, or hire someone to do it, you get the whole pie. At the expense of putting up the promotional dollars up front and negotiating for yourself.

edit: sorry if this is off track. i've worked with music agents from the point of view of securing licensing and sponsorships, personal appearances and performances for my clients. IMO, if you simply cannot get to your clients because you need a personal connection, OR if you have too many demands on your time to deal with clients, that's when you need an agent. I would guess t's a great problem to have.

Left Handed Brisket wrote in post #17580066
so, exposure to get a higher billing rate from better clients?

no not money alone, more of a my motivation is to get more assignments , take the next step in my career

I've never had a personal Rep, but we had several at Boulevard Photographic. It's like buying a car; first get recommendations if it's at all possible. I remember one guy who liked to sleep off lunch in an agency parking lot.

Left Handed Brisket wrote in post #17580066
so, exposure to get a higher billing rate from better clients?

Or it would probably be exposure so that one can get work at the "regular" billing rate instead of sitting home with no work to do at all.

It's not like we can assume that someone already has a full schedule, and is looking for an agent to maximize income - rather, like most people in this downturned economy, the OP may be ready, willing, and able to work, and just have very little work to do. So, an agent would be used to find work that the OP would not be able to find on his/her own. At least that's my take on it, based on the OP's comment in post #3.

Tom Reichner wrote in post #17590076
Or it would probably be exposure so that one can get work at the "regular" billing rate instead of sitting home with no work to do at all.

It's not like we can assume that someone already has a full schedule, and is looking for an agent to maximize income - rather, like most people in this downturned economy, the OP may be ready, willing, and able to work, and just have very little work to do. So, an agent would be used to find work that the OP would not be able to find on his/her own. At least that's my take on it, based on the OP's comment in post #3.

If you have an agent they have a bank of clients and photographers they can choose from. A client calls up and says hey i need someone to take a cool portrait of X, they then go through who they represent (photographer) and books them. I would like to be one of those photographers.