When PhotoBuyers Don't Return Your Emails
It's the most frequent complaint voiced by photographers to us here at PhotoSource International. We asked photobuyers what their side of the situation is.
Tyler Pappas, PHOTO RESEARCH: "We work under incredible deadlines. When I'm searching for a picture, I
Joseph Taylor, THE WORLD & I Magazine: "I'm glad for the opportunity to explain my side of the issue. First of all, we value the photographers who submit to our publication, so communication with them is of great importance. If I don't return a call, it's usually because it was a case of getting behind and trying to catch up to the next deadline. I hope this is not discouraging to photographers (not getting a return call), but sometimes there are not enough hours in the day to make the calls. I hope photographers understand why calls sometimes are not returned, and that they realize we definitely need their services."
Billie Porter, freelance PHOTO RESEARCH: "If I get 15 calls from people I don't know, I am likely to return the calls that sound the most likely to have what I need. I take them in order received, and if I find a few that sound promising I will probably not return the call from those who say only to call if I need to. Actually I appreciate those, as it leaves me free to choose, but I guess the photographer feels he missed a chance for a sale, or at least a satisfying contact. That is sad, and perhaps we both lose, but it's those budgets that drive the issue.
"What is the solution? For me, it is Email. I think Email is the Best Thing Since the Wheel was invented, and because it is quick and "free," it means I can reply to any number of calls with very little input of time. Also, some photographers who respond that way include attachments or links to a Web site that will offer a scan of what they have in response, and that really helps.
"Now that the electronic world makes it possible for publishers to produce books 3 times faster than they did 10 years ago, we all are pressured to do things faster than ever."
Julie Smith, HARCOURT BRACE & CO: "Returning phone calls is a problem. That's why I ask suppliers to "fax first." It's a good idea for the photographer to write in the fax something like, `If you've already filled the photo request, or if my sample fax image doesn't meet your specs - no need to fax back.' For the most part I do return the calls (or usually
Elyse Rieder, PHOTO EDITOR: "At times I will post a request in the PHOTODAILY and I'm barraged with phone messages from photographers. I use my best judgement and intuition as to which photographers really might "hit the target" and which are not "hearing" what I need and are just eager to send me whatever they have. A smart photographer will leave me a long, detailed description of their image. If it meets my needs, you can bet they're going to hear from me. If they just leave me their phone number or a vague description, chances are they won't get a return call.
"I often limit my choice to the first two or three photographers whom I think will hit the mark. I'll put off phoning back the others until I see what arrives. A photographer who's a few days late in phoning me might have exactly what I'd asked for, but I won't call back. I have to place limits on the volume of submissions and Federal Express shipping fees once I receive a worthy slide.
"Freelance photo researchers are pressed for time due to ever shorter deadlines and ever restricted budgets. And yes, this even includes phone calls. So, please don't take it personally if I don't always return your calls."
 Tommy Thompson |
 Kerry Kolb |
 Jon Saban |
 Jake Nelson |