Logo_new8c.gif (2758 bytes) Studio
Rep Program

 

 


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.

  
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.
 
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.
  
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.
 
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.
 
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**.
 
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.

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;
 
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.
project example 2;
1/2 day shooting executive portrait for annual report. Quoted at $1800 in fees, $650 in expenses
.
Commission is $450.
 
example of potential commissions at 15% rate;  
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.
 
example of potential commissions at 10% rate;
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.
annual potential commissions for one project in each of these 3 commission classes per month, using examples as shown;
  $1385+$2250+$800 (x12) = $53,220 /yr.
  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.)
 
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.
 

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.
Services available through Proshooter.com:
Original Photography in Studio or on location
Digital Imaging & Retouching
Digital & Conventional Prints & Murals
Digital Video Production & Post Production
Graphic Design, Website deign & hosting, and other marketing services.

All Text, Code & Images © 2001-2010  JOHN LACY PHOTOGRAPHY LLC 800.317.1026  
No Images may be reproduced nor distributed without specific prior written authorization.      
All Images copyright watermarked by Digimarc & MetaData Tagged.  

Proshooter.com LLC, John Lacy Photography LLC & Diane Lacy Photography LLC are DBAs of Real Smart Marketing LLC a Michigan Limited Liability Company

Questions and comments can be Emailed to Proshooter@gmail.com