This interview is packed with priceless information from a viewpoint of someone that is the real deal! He’s inspired me to keep moving forward, and I hope that he can do the same for you!
Make sure to check out BlinkBid.com, it’s the best invoicing and estimating software for photographer’s, and I wouldn’t use any other system. It’s a must have:)
Also, make sure to get a copy of his book, “Advertising Photography: A straightforward guide to a complex industry” It’s packed with true to life information that you can start applying to your career today! PLUS, each chapter ends with a case study on other successful photographer’s and their story!
For more information on Lou, visit his website at LouLesko.com! Or say hi to him on Twitter @LouLesko.
Thank you Lou, for taking out the time to speak to us here at Young Photopreneur. Your time and information is GREATLY appreciated! – Cheers to MORE success!
]]>Omnicon’s New Policy
If any of you photographer’s are interested in getting into advertising photography, you should carefully read this article.
Omnicon, which is the owner of many agencies such as BBDO, DDB, and TBWA has initiated a strict new term to their contracts called sequential liability. Basically this means the agency will only pay the supplier after they’ve been paid.
Sequential Liability
This policy has been around for years, however, agencies would often provide an advance to production companies and photographers in order to cover the cost of the putting the shoot together.
If this policy is enforced, production companies and photographers will be fully liable to cover any upfront costs, which is totally unacceptable. Many freelancers don’t have $10,000 sitting in the bank just for covering upfront costs of a shoot.
ASMP recommends photographers state in their contracts that images will not be released until invoices are paid in full. We need to start spreading the word and telling the world of this, because it can impact our production level and income in a negative way!
Although, as stated before, this policy has been in place, but was often waived and the photographer would recieve 50% to 100% of expenses before starting a job. It’s imperative that this practice continues, in order for us to stay in business. Remember young photopreneur’s, be sure to include in your contract that you own the copyright to the images and a license agreement must be paid before releasing your images.
Copyright Your Images!
As a photographer, you own the copyright to your images, and you should be sure to register them immediately with the U.S. Copyright Office. This will provide you strong legal protection. However, I’d only recommend taking legal action as a last resort, but copyrighting your images is a must!
Photographers, we must stick together and fight against this, being that it’s NOT in our best interest. If one photographer accepts, it will create a domino effect, and the role of us being advertising photographers will soon change to us being a bank or financial institution for our clients. Do we want that burden? Of course not. So we must stand strong and not give in! With large number, we are powerful and can make a change.
