The King(s) of self promotion ?

With the July PDN in the mailbox "The Career & Self-Promotion Issue" it seems apt that I stumbled upon photographer and self-promoter extraordinaire Monte Isom's latest effort. Isom certainly has a flair for the art and has had some success with novel award winning promo campaigns in the past. This time around he needs your help as he has started a competition complete with website to spread his latest attention grabbing missive "Monte Isom Loves You".

"a monte isom love you t shirt is your raffle ticket to a photo contest. no limit on entries. anything goes. the only requirement is the t shirt appears in the photo. i fully endorse shenanigans and sexiness alike.

an international panel of judges from 4 countries will jury the work including creative directors, art buyers, photo editors and my dad. the work will be shown and a winner will be announced at my self promo party on october 23rd in NYC.

1st prize wins a macbook air.

have fun and I look forward to seeing your images.

request a t shirt or email photos to contest@monteisom.com

keep spreading the love"

Isoms party coincides with this years Photo Expo and usually serves as a late night sojurn to PDN's own tamer self promo award party held earlier in the evening. Don't worry though we will remind you of all the goings on closer to the action but if you feel like spreading the Isom love and trying out for the big prize be sure to get a free t-shirt.


Perhaps one of my all time favorite promo campaigns was put out by Messrs. Kareem Black and Matt Salacuse. These two shooters are not a double act but close friends who ganged up a few years back and took their promo's to the streets (literally) with a city wide sticker campaign and topped it off with a giant painted wall mural extolling their virtues on Manhattans trendy lower East Side.

Buck shot

I know I know I have been playing hooky on my blog obligations much to the chagrin of my two regular readers. I promise to get my groove on over the coming weeks and will try to return to some sort of regularly scheduled programming. In the meantime I have some catching up to do.

While I was away on my hol's I got an emailer from Chris Buck. Yes see even the great ones send out news bites from time to time. Here's an a little insight into how Bucks genius mind works from the maestro himself.

"I was pleased find some of my photos in the PDN Photo Annual, currently on the stands. Here is a little background on how one of the shots came together. . . The Bad Boys of Vice

I recognized this as a unique opportunity so I spent some time compiling ideas before this sitting with the editors of Vice Magazine for Wired; “naked, holding pieces of raw meat in front of their bits”, and “two of them forcing a stuffed animal into the third’s behind” were amongst my favorites.

But often my challenge for a photo shoot is coming up with an idea that sounds so inoffensive that even the most prickly publicist can’t deny me it. So, kissing a baby it was, and only the truly heartless could say no to this." Chris Buck

There was also an added bonus with a link to some behind the scenes footage porn of the session here.

If you are not in . . . .

If you are like me and don't have a rep then you too won't have any involvement in the big to do down at The Puck Building here in NYC. Yes Le Book Connections is a happening today and tomorrow and if you have no idea what that entails well it bills itself as 'A Custom-Made Tradeshow For The Creative Community' a place where you can view 'Six Months Of Work In One Day'.

Connections showcases over one thousand portfolios of the worlds most noted photographers and illustrators, running the gamut from acclaimed names to up-and-coming talent over a diverse range of genres. Unlike any tradeshow of its kind Connections is a dynamic networking, trend-spotting and idea sharing platform.

The event is open to artist representatives who take out ad pages in Le Book. They then get the opportunity to set up and show off their wares on site where the creme de la creme of art buyers, photo/fashion editors, creatives etc are all invited along for a little one stop shop. Don't worry though its a photographer free zone (don't want them getting in the way) during the day as we are not admitted to partake in the goings on. Although I have heard tell of a little happy hour at the conclusion of the business time where photographers are invited to join in a little apres mingle. I half thought about setting up my own show and tell on the pavement outside with a sandwich board, those spotlights they have outside premieres and such but it looks like Stockland Martel beat me to the inflatable man as there wasn't one to be had at all around town. Anyways its going to be a scorcher so maybe a little too hot and steamy for that sort of arms in the air carry on.


The event a once a year happening also takes place in London and Paris. Oh yeah and if you really want to see alot of portfolios and presentations in all their different shapes and sizes go here to see some pics from Paris 2008 and here to see New York 2007.

Hopefully A Visual Society will have all the dish as The Jackanory will not be crashing this one.

A Photo Editor on the APE promo

So now that the furore has died down a bit and Rob has worked out some of the initial glitches I asked an esteemed photo editor to give us her take on the APE promo slideshow.

In the interest of full disclosure the PE in this case is Brenda Milis of Mens Health magazine. I have worked with Brenda and she in turn worked with Rob during his tenure at Outside.

The Q+A took place yesterday and APE has since taken steps to improve thumbnail viewing, read here, and oh and he has now got himself a business partner so look out for some exciting developments soon at APEinc.

WTJ: What do you think about the APE promo slideshow / idea ?

BM: I think that it is a great resource for photo editors, yeah... as Rob says, it is a nice SUPPLEMENT to the other ways we PE's find photographers--nice way to find more people and remind ourselves who we've always liked.

As for slideshow itself-there's one big weakness (besides tiny thumbnails which I mention later): The photogs who are deep in the slideshow are at a definite disadvantage because those who will get the most exposure/seen the most are the ones with images towards the beginning. I'm sure it's something Rob has thought of and will rectify/fix in slideshows to come.

*I'd very much like to know how Rob decided to put these images in order because there are some very established photog's right up front-not having had time to look at all 297 images yet, I wonder if that continues throughout ?...don't recall seeing that info in his text/blog. random ? by preference ??

*I really like that Rob doesn't list the names of photogs upfront (at first I thought that would be dreadful, but I was soon won over!)---makes you actually look at the darn image without reading the name and therefore reading your own preconceived notions about the photographer into what you are seeing--good move, Mr. Haggart.

WTJ: As an editor you didn't have any Flickr shock anxiety ?

BM: Nope--Flickr does not make me anxious, though it can annoy me. Of course I don't like being annoyed but actually am much LESS annoyed than I expected to be. Those tiny thumbnails are bullshit, btw.

WTJ: What do you say to all those photographers who deemed this vehicle to be beneath them ?

BM: I understand their not wanting to be mixed up with the 'peanut gallery'---a lot of photographers HAVE spent years establishing themselves and getting work and building reputations and I understand them wanting to be more respected/feel that they are at a different level than a lot of the lesser-knowns, those newer to the game. That said, I DO like to see everyone side by side---it's refreshing especially since names aren't listed up-front.

WTJ: Did you look at the slideshow on APE or did you go to 'I Like These Photos' for the full screen version ?

BW: Absolutely--that's where you can use the manual controls and if you don't make the slideshow time to your own liking, I think you'd go mad !

WTJ: So you didn't look at all 297 photographers images ?

BM: Not yet and THAT is exactly the problem. While I PLAN to go back and look lots more, with the way a photo editor's day works---lots and lots of crises and interruptions of all sorts throughout--once you stop looking, you don't know when or even if you'll have time/focus to go back. I DO PLAN to go back.

I think I got through 35 or 40--it takes quite a bit of time, actually, because I am seeing lots of pictures I like and then I check the name and then I go to the individual website if I don't know the photog. and then I take time on their website.

So ultimately it will be a very time-consuming yet extremely valuable tool.

WTJ: Were you surprised to see some big names in the mix ?

BM: A bit, yes. But I reckon that's a tribute to APE's appeal / influence / reach in photo community

WTJ: Anyone you hadn't come across before that caught your eye with their one image ?

BM: Yes

WTJ: So you did you click on their website ?

BM: Yes

WTJ: Would/will you call in anyones book as a result ?

BM: Haven't decided yet--need time to re-visit.

WTJ: What are the chances someone (new talent especially) may get a job as a result of this exposure ?

BM: EXTREMELY HIGH.

WTJ: On a digression seeing as we have you on; the number of mailers you get on average in the post per day ?

BM: I prefer mailed promos over emailed because I'm guaranteed to LOOK at my mail whereas I might simply delete my emails if I'm overwhelmed. On average I get 5 per day.

WTJ: Percentage you huck in the bin ?

BM: I don't throw anything in the trash-I recycle, otherwise I'd die of agony over the waste of paper.

WTJ: Anything in particular you look for in a keeper ?

BM: Please always include more than one image on your promo--otherwise I will suspect you just got lucky and once took a great photo !

Also, if you have at least 2 (hopefully 3) images on your promo, it will give me a sense of your overall shooting style --so (a) I know what it is and (b) I know that YOU know what it is.

WTJ: Number of emailers you get on average in a day ?

BM: 5-15

WTJ: Do you open them if you don't recognize the address ?

BM: I try to force myself to open all of them--ends up being about 50%

WTJ: And on a closing note promotional pet hate ?

BM: I prefer for promos to not come in envelopes (waste of paper-I'm big on not wasting since we waste so much)-but it doesn't particularly annoy me. I love photos so I don't hold many grudges towards any...

Final edit

Looks like APE has been busy sorting out all the kinks on the free promo. 297 photographers made the cut and Rob has tightened the edit, only having one photo (good move) per participant in the final slideshow. Will be interesting to see if anyone get a job out of this and what sort of traffic it generates. Full screen version available here at I Like These Photos.

Oh and yeah I did give it a lash in case you were wondering and managed to make the cut.

Free promotion at a price ?

Okay so by now the whole world knows about the free promo opportunity over on APE. Yeah that Rob is certainly full of ideas, seems to be a never ending font.

I have to say I have been keeping a keen eye on the rapidly expanding APE Flickr Pool. 504 at posting time with a lot of names I recognize in the mix already, many friends and photographers whose work I admire greatly; Timothy Archibald, Robbie McClaran, Embry Rucker, Liz Kuball, Mike McGregor, Landon Nordeman, William Brinson, Brian Kennedy, Christopher McLallen, Colin Pantall, Elizabeth Weinberg, Joel Barhamand, Luke Stephenson, Amy Stein, Michael Murphy, Lane Hartwell, Rudy Archuleta, Shane Lavalette, John Loomis, Matthew Furman.

So what's a photographer sitting on the fence to do in this instance and why should he/she care either ways. Lets make a case study: Photographer "A" who has been in the game a while, a successful editorial shooter who has a bit of a name and keeps popping up from time to time in some of the major mags, sounds close to home right, "A" is somewhat based on personal experiences and those of my friends the majority of whom are situated like most of the business here in NYC, the capitol of perception.

So whats "A" to do when a chance like this arises; well jump right in if he doesn't give a fuck but what if he is more calculating and is worried about possible misconception and attached stigma. Its all about perception isn't it ?

When we are not busy shooting we are busy with all the other ancillary stuff, but no one really cares about that; we must project an image of constant movement, non stop shooting, working on this story, that project, here there and everywhere. That's the game isn't it, we all play it, be honest a little make believe goes along way to help paint that idyllic image of success clients crave. One never wants to appear to need work but why are we sending out all the fuckin promos and email blasts then if not to get work. Can someone explain ?

What are photographer "A"s concerns and are they justified ? Well being established should he really need to enter into such a competition (after all there will be winners and losers kids), what will his peers and more importantly his clients think ? He can't be too busy, too much time on his hands, yeah things must be on the slide, the naysayers will be out. That's the irony isn't it, are we ever really established ? What does that mean anyways ? I don't think we can ever take established success for granted unless your in the top 5% and even then nothing is guaranteed.

Does every opportunity need to be grabbed or would it be smarter to heed some of APE's advice and say no from time to time. After all would it be positively perceived to be absent from all the hoopla surrounding this particular party. Although hang on what if this is a big success and someone actually lands a gig as a result.

At this stage photographer "A" needs to put a little faith in Robs editing skills. A little research reveals quite a motley crew lining up for a chance at the prize, there is some serious talent on board but also a lot of shite - okay I said it - for this to work there needs to be a high standard otherwise potential suitors will be put off after a couple of clicks. A lot of people will be disappointed and I don't think more then 25% will make the final grade and that maybe generous after taking a quick peek at some of the submissions. So on another note treat it just like a promo piece or source book ad if you are going to bother, you got to knock people over the fuckin head so don't go on the soft sell, try to be all subtle and expect them to understand.

Remember this is Rob's show, his heart is in the right place but it will be interesting to see what he likey as quality control is his solo responsibility and there have been grumblings over his photographic taste so he may end up taking a bit of a hit from all sides when it is said and done.

Has photographer "A" made a decision and gotten over his hang ups and thrown aside the little voice reminding him if nothing his failure to participate was helped by his high morals and his abhorrence of all things Flickr. Well he is thinking about it, he has got a few more days, fuck all that good new stuff is still under embargo, everyone has seen his shit already, what if he doesn't get in, how fuckin embarrassing would that be !

Well its all really just an experiment isn't it, whats the worse that could happen ? Never work again ?

Pay to play

Ever wonder how the good word comes down when you make the grade in a pay to play ? Well I am excited to say that 'A Room With a View' was selected for this years American Photography annual and this is the notification email (below) I got.

Dear Andrew Hetherington

Congratulations! Your work has been selected by a majority vote or better to appear in the American Photography 24 annual.

On behalf of chairperson Kathy Ryan, The New York Times Magazine, and the entire jury, I thank you for your submission and support of American Photography. This year's distinguished jury included Tim Barber, Tinyvices; Simon Barnett, Newsweek; Sarah Hasted, Hasted Hunt gallery; Catriona Ni Aolain, ESPN The Magazine; Dora Somosi, GQ; Susan Zadeh, Eyemazing.

From 9,000 pictures entered by over 1,200 photographers, magazines, agencies and publishers, the jury selected only 348 images to appear in the book and represent the best pictures from 2007. AP24 will be printed in full color and distributed world-wide in hard-cover immediately after our annual Publication Party November 13, 2008. Invitations with details will be sent later in the year. All selected photographers and selected entrants will be invited to attend with our compliments, so save the date and be sure to attend this highly anticipated, one of a kind event.

Your winning image will also appear on (dis)TRIBUTE our web gallery at ai-ap.com - where over time photographers can build an online portfolio of their AP winning images and where creatives can make direct contact with them.

Again, our thanks and congratulations! We are pleased to include your work in this year's 24th annual of American Photography - the finest example of Pulp and Circumstance in the industry.

Oh and don't forget there's an extra $ 95.00 now due on top of the price of admission for scoring a result. But not to worry thats why one pays to play after all, its all priceless publicity.

Way to go me !

APE gone promo wild

Photo © Rob Haggart

If you haven't done so already this morning get yourself over to 'A Photo Editor' where Rob has written and photographed ! a very enlightening promo post.

Turns out he took a break one day from hucking them in the trash, built himself a big pile in the corner of his office, then proceeded to stack them neatly and pick out the ones that caught his eye. And to top it off for our enjoyment he went to the trouble of photographing them. Be sure to read his uniquely honest take on the great promo debate and to see if yours made it into the mix ? Much to my relief it turns out one of mine did.

Alternately you can skip the blog slideshow and go straight to APE's new Flickr page here to see all 90 photos with some illuminating commentary on each piece. Although I recommend you start here first and work your way back for what I presume is the intended sequencing.

Its a really terrific post, especially when you go to Flickr; this sort of insider look is priceless and wouldn't have been possible were APE still on the inside.

Here's to you Rob Haggart, much respect !

Promo time

Last night I managed to get along to the PDN Self Promo Award Party at Milk Gallery. It was certainly chockablock what with the Photo Plus and all; plenty of out of towners with their expo credentials proudly on display. Hey why don't you all relax a little and dispense with the name tags don't you know that anonymity is the new cool.

I have been to the last few of these parties and as well as having the winning entrants on display there is a wall or two devoted to the also rans, those promos that didn't quite make it to the winners circle. As usual it is overwhelming whats on display and the amount of money that goes into producing these pieces; tens of thousands of dollars between the photography, time, art direction, design, printing etc,etc. And this is only the tip of the iceberg, I cannot imagine the combined costs of all the promos a single photo editor or art buyer receives during a year and how much $ ends up in the bin.

As usual a bang up job by the PDN people with hot buffet stations and drinks a plenty. Spotted here in no particular order were photographers Emily Shur (in from LA for the week, check out her cool website redesign), Eric McNatt, Christopher McLallen, Shannon Fagan, award winner Monte Isom, Lisa Wyatt, Art Streiber, Jessica Antola, Amanda Marsalis and her new rep Deborah Schwartz of DS Reps, rep Laura Reid of Redux Pictures, ace producer Duffy Higgins of A76, Rassi and Bevan of Milk Studios and the PDN crew Holly Stuart Hughes, Darren Ching, Anthony LaSala and Jeanine Fijol.