EMERGING PHOTOGRAPHER SEEKING REPRESENTATION

"IS IT POSSIBLE WITHOUT A REP?"

This is the biggest question this year.

One of my goals this year 2 months into 2009 is to gain representation. To accomplish this goal, I'm positioning myself to realistically by April have portfolios and web revamped to a point to go chucking after Reps in San Francisco and LA. In this quest I've set out on, I keep finding my self asking the SAME question.

Is it possible w/o a rep to...

~ Land a LARGE ad gig for an agency?
I'm learning not so much, due mostly to the relationships that art buyers and creatives have with reps and rep agencies. Not to mention the fact that if X photographer fudges up in any way they can call X Rep and raise hell.

~ Get into LARGE ad agency for portfolio review?
YES, I've been there done that with some bites but nothing that has turned into a large gig yet. Although I'm staying positive on the little seeds I'm planting.

~ Win massive awards in trade pubs like PDN & ADC?
UP FOR DEBATE, I think most winners are selected because someone knows someone who once looked at someones work and called in a book and voila they are the next best thing.

~ Focus 80% of your time on your craft?
NO, As a small business owner, it is impossible without representation to really take your career to the next level. I need one to get the other. I need the rep to get the big gigs that allow me the $$$ to hire people to do what I do everyday. Selling myself, marketing, cold calling, warm calling, accounting, computer fixer, floor sweeper, portfolio printer and 10% of the time I get to PLAY PHOTOGRAPHER.

That is the role I love most! & That is why I'm still here folks.

I think I'm ready for representation so universe this is me putting it all out there! I have a large body of work that needs fine tuning and to the right rep would be a goldmine of possible client elation. I'm smart and know what I'm doing + I get along with clients and have a huge respect for collaboration. I'm not a diva, and I understand the value of building that relationship and doing a great job on budget. I have a diverse background and totally can understand where the client and creatives are coming from. PICK ME to be a part of your team!

Here's to loving what you do!

SHOOTING - Karina Smirnoff

In Early December I photographed Karina Smirnoff of the popular TV show " Dancing with the Stars" for LVM Las Vegas Magazine. The shoot was for the magazines "10 Things" a section in the monthly publication that features a different well known person and their top 10 Things they love about Las Vegas. Karina & her publicist Melissa Berger were a blast to work with. The shoot had energy and Karina was pleasant and beautiful and knew how to work the camera and move. Movement and posing is so important and with her it was natural.

This is the final image they chose to run.

~ Enjoy~

Exhibiting works ~ LAS VEGAS

Last night I exhibited for the first time my series "Characters from Concentrate". First Friday, is the art scene in Vegas, it draws about 3000 or so people out on the 1st Friday of every month to look at art from local artists as well as artists and galleries from around the world. I chose to show a 24x36 print of "Smoker" from my series "Characters from Concentrate".. as well as 5 smaller prints of other characters from this series. The responses were interesting. When people gather around your work and talk... it is by far one of the most satisfying things an image maker can experience, other then creating the work in the first place. The energy of the experience made me high. I made a lot of good contacts, generated some interest and a good time was had by all. Plus I even got to wear my vintage caftan.

~ Here's to living your dreams and following what you love !!!

Sophia Pernas of ELITE LA in a Studio | LOS ANGELES, CA