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Studio
Rep Program
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If you are
interested in representing our studio please contact us at 800.317.1026.
Ask
for John Lacy.
income potential for studio rep is $100,000+/yr plus company car, phone,
website/email & health insurance. |
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Below are some thoughts about about utilizing reps to
pick up additional shooting from advertising agencies and new direct
corporate and industrial clients. We currently offer limited commissions for
referrals but have no formal reps working for us. By reading this you may
have a better understanding of the services we offer, the types of clients
we generally work for and the commissions we pay for referred work.
if you are interested in learning more or have questions please contact us.
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Types of clients: |
We currently prospect the following types
of clients and industries;
Architectural and
Construction - having already
established ourselves locally and to some extent nationally we are not
looking for outside assistance in developing this market. However we will
pay commissions for work obtained through architectural firms specifically
through representation.
Corporate & Industrial
- We do a large percentage of our volume for Detroit based auto
manufacturing suppliers. We will only pay commission work for direct
corporate clients arranged or referred by rep if those prospects have not
been explored previously.
Advertising Agencies (Large,
handling national accounts) - We
currently do not prospect these types of clients and encourage reps to do so
on our behalf only on projects that we have a strong likelihood of winning
and meeting the client's expectations. These are the "big fish" and we want
to be careful in developing and nurturing relationships as they may have
long term consequences on our reputation both regionally and nationally.
Advertising Agencies (Medium,
handling regional accounts) -
Currently the most ideal prospect for a studio rep. We can offer superior
value against competitors in this market. Risk is relatively low and
potential is very high.
Advertising Agencies (Small,
handling local accounts) and Independent Art Directors -
Also very high potential prospect.
Although projects tend to be smaller and less frequent, competition is
nearly non-existent and a large pool of these types of clients could prove
lucrative.
New Markets -
Any new market is fair game for
commission work. We can be of assistance in developing strategies for
several new markets that may yield sufficient results to be rewarding. For
example, we have shot for many restaurants. While most restaurants are
unwilling or unable to pay the rates required for our level of work, by
prospecting a large segment of the market a number of buyers may be found to
justify the effort. Other "undiscovered" niche markets like this surely
exist. If we can identify them, determine their common needs, and develop a
marketing approach for reaching them we may be able to exploit several of
these untapped markets simultaneously.
Out of Market Clients -
We do work for clients not located in
south eastern Michigan several times a year. Most are referrals or find us
from our resource book listings and web marketing. These types of clients are ideal
for out-of-state representation, however we generally require an advance of
at least 50% of quote on projects contracted from other states.
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Types of work
and projects: |
While it may appear that the range of
subjects we shoot would put us in the category of "generalist", we in fact
are specialist in several areas. In approaching each type of client it might
be best to present the studio as expert in only one or two areas of
specialty. This will help build client confidence and allow us to focus our
approach to each prospect. These specialties include;
Studio Location -
While this may sound like a contradiction it is simply the capability of
setting up a studio shoot off-site. We can setup a fully capable studio for
table-top or floor based illustration photography in front of a variety of
backgrounds. Shooting either digitally or on film we can later cut products
out from the background to be placed virtually on a neutral background or
within a composition. This is especially useful for brochure or catalog
photography for industrial clients or the retail client that cannot easily move
their products to a studio location. We do a lot of this type of work,
shooting subjects ranging from huge robotic systems to small parts and
products.
Facility Illustration
- Like the studio location we bring everything we need to shoot the
reception, offices, warehouse and/or manufacturing facilities of a business
for use in their marketing. This can include shooting employees meeting with
customers, executive portraits, architectural shots of facility exteriors as
well as product and service photos.
Industrial Photography
- Some of the types of manufacturing/industrial plants we've shot in include
auto assembly plants, engine plants, plastic molding, glass plants, casting,
stamping, tire manufacturing, electronics, printing and binding, building
products, and warehouses just to name a few. At these facilities we may
shoot the plant itself, employees, or the products they make. We have also
shot in many "clean" facilities as banks, computer, design and service
facilities, as well as airports.
Automotive
Photography - While the
competition is very high in this specialty we have the advantage of
combining over 20 years of automotive photography experience with our other
specialties to meet the unique need of many clients. For example we can
shoot automotive components which are part of the interior for an auto
supplier in combination with facilities photography. Because of our years of
experience in doing both they are not compromising nor taking on the
additional expense of having the component shots done in studio by another
photographer. Our expertise includes automotive location, exterior, studio
exterior, studio interior, special effects, automotive racing and component
illustration (engines, transmissions, seating, tires/wheels, electronics,
body parts, lighting components, etc.)
Food Photography
- Restaurants, hotels and resorts are all client types for which we've done
food photography. We also do some food product photography in studio
including packaged goods and products such as specialty chocolates as well
as gift baskets.
Architectural Photography
- Shooting structures of all types from the outside during day or dusk and
the inside as well as aerial from a rented helicopter.
Editorial & Executive Portraiture
- Most typically for an annual report, but also for magazine, this involves
shooting a number of executives, managers and employees in various
situations within a corporation. We are sensitive to the image portrayed as
well as the subjects time and minimal disruption of the work environment.
Studio Product
- Our roots are in our product studio work. Shooting consumer electronics to
cosmetics. We can shoot on all formats including digital with a variety of
lighting and backgrounds. We have two studios, one small and one medium in
size. These are in our home. The in-house studios include comfortable areas
for clients that include phones, fireplace, wetbar, hottub and sauna. In
some cases it may not be desirable to bring a client to a home-based studio
or the products/subjects may require significantly more space. In those
cases we have a number of studios available that we can rent on a per day
bases. Rental studios range from small and simple industrial spaces to very
large automotive studios with multiple stages. We are happy to accommodate
the client's needs.
Digital Retouching
- From in-house produced high quality scans we incorporate digital imaging
into the process of producing the perfect photo. Some things are better
fixed while in front of the camera, but many things are simply more
practical to retouch after the fact. Our philosophy in digital retouching is
that it should not be seen. With the exception of elaborate special effects
the retouching we perform should enhance the photo and not draw attention
the the retouching process. Examples of this type of work include removing
the brown areas on a lawn as well as powerlines in photos of building.
Removing fine dust, fingerprints or imperfects in product photos. Reducing
are lines, reflections in glasses and blemishes in portraits. If it can be
imagined, odds are we can put it on film.
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Portfolios, shows, presentation, and
marketing materials: |
The studio will cover the full cost of
producing materials for the exclusive representation of the studio. Such
materials are to be designed and produced by the studio and may include
business cards, portfolios, CDs/DVDs, postcards for bulk mailings, etc.
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Entertainment and Travel Expenses: |
It is the philosophy of the studio that
reps should be prepared to absorb all entertainment and travel expenses in
the pursuit of work from prospects unless approved and agreed in advance on
a per situation basis. Under special circumstances the studio may be willing
to pickup expenses related to specific projects or provide entertainment
vouchers such as restaurant gift certificates and event tickets.
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Marketing & Overhead: |
In addition to the commission rates below
reps generating regular and significant gross sales for the studio (min
$2500/month) may be eligible for the following overhead/marketing materials;
Custom Business Cards &
Letterhead, Full independent website and email, Cell phone with unlimited
calls and additional features such
as internet access. The studio may help develop lead lists for specifically
targeted markets and in some cases prepare a direct marketing mailing to
support sales efforts. A rep generating gross sales over $10,000/per month
may also qualify for a company
vehicle* and health insurance**.
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Commission rates: |
25% of creative fees (prearranged
projects)
commission paid for projects fully arranged, over seen and
delivered by rep. Initial contact, project development through delivery is
to be made by the rep. Quotes are to produced and approved by the studio.
All rights are reserved by the studio. Fees are based on shooting rates plus
any additional creative fees including buyouts. Materials and overhead costs
are not included in computing the commission . Commissions are paid upon
full payment to studio by client.
In addition to the above we also will pay up to 15% commission on all in-house
produced scans, Inkjet murals (print only, mounting
etc. will not be included in commission). Digital imaging billable at hourly
rate pays a 10% commission. These additional commissions are paid for orders
sold and delivered by rep only.
15% of creative fees
(specific referrals)
commission paid for projects partially arranged by rep.
Initial contact & project development to be made by the rep. Quotes are to
produced and approved by the studio. All rights are reserved by the studio.
Fees are based on shooting rates plus any additional creative fees including
buyouts. Materials and overhead costs are not included in computing the
commission . Commissions are paid upon full payment to studio by client.
10% of
creative fees (general referrals)
commission paid for contacts resulting in projects within 30
days of contact. arranged by rep. All rights are reserved by the studio.
Fees are based on shooting rates plus any additional creative fees including
buyouts. Materials and overhead costs are not included in computing the
commission . Commissions are paid upon full payment to studio by client. |
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shooting rates may
be adjusted for all commission work to partially subsidize commission
arrangement. All jobs
must be approved for quote and costs in advance. Studio is under no
obligation to fulfill contract unless agreed to in advance under agreed
terms. |
example of potential
commissions at 25% rate; |
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project example 1;
2 days shooting products for catalog or brochure. Quoted at
$4500 fees, $2500 in expenses.
Commission is $1125 for shoot.
Client orders 40 scans and 10 hours of
digital imaging which bills at $2000.
Additional commission is $260.
client requires buyout, fee increased to $13,500,
base commission increased to $3375, for a
total of $3635. |
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project example 2;
1/2 day shooting executive portrait for annual report. Quoted
at $1800 in fees, $650 in expenses.
Commission is $450.
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example of potential commissions at 15%
rate; |
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project example 1;
Rep arranges for meeting between studio and client with
annual report project requiring 6 days of location travel. Rep no longer
involved after initial meeting.
Project quotes at $15,000 in fees, $6,800 in expenses.
Commission is
$2250.
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example of potential commissions at 10%
rate; |
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project example 1;
Rep suggests calling specific contact about potential
project. Rep no longer involved after presenting lead. Client asks for quote
on project and approves quote with 30days.
Project quotes at $8,000 in fees, $4,800 in expenses.
Commission is
$800. |
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annual potential commissions for one
project in each of these 3 commission classes per month, using examples as
shown; |
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$1385+$2250+$800 (x12)
= $53,220 /yr. |
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Actually we
expect that a part time rep should make a minimum of $1000/month, building
to at least $3000/month before seriously considering representing us full
time. As an exclusive
full time rep the potential is unlimited, but realistically should exceed
$100,000 within 3 years by
booking and managing approx. 150 shooting days a year or about 1/2 of our
available bookable shooting days. (rates per day/per job may vary depending
on use and rights licensed by clients.)
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Additional Information: |
Reps are hired as
independent contractors. Reps may be provided with lead lists or generate
their own. A detailed contract will outline the relationship between the
studio and the rep. Clients established by the rep are to be serviced by the
rep, but future sales to that customer independent of the reps involvement
will not guarantee additional commissions. Rep will be responsible for their
own business management including carrying any required or prudent liability
insurance, auto insurance as well as paying their own local, state and
federal income taxes as an independent contractor. *A "company car" means
that the studio may agree to make payments towards a purchase or lease
contracted by the rep. The rep will be responsible for the obligation of the
lease/purchase as well as providing insurance, fuel and maintenance. Health
insurance options may also require rep to contract coverage and the studio,
under agreement may include "bonuses" that cover premium payments for a
period outlined in the agreement.
This outline is not an application nor an agreement of terms of employment
but serves only as an example of a possible contracted relationship between
the studio and an independent rep. All terms are subject to change unless
formally agreed for a specified term under a negotiated contract. |
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Proshooter.com
will provide the photography and digital imaging services that have built
our strong reputation over the last 23+ years. |
John Lacy & Diane Lacy have built their reputation on their photography. Using strong
line and graphic form to make our photography effective communication tools for our
clients. We will continue to offer the quality our customers have grown to expect. |
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Services
available through Proshooter.com: |
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Original Photography in Studio or on location |
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Digital
Imaging & Retouching |
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Digital & Conventional Prints & Murals |
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Digital
Video Production & Post Production |
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Graphic Design, Website deign & hosting,
and other marketing services. |
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