© 2005, Sean Perry
Consulting with Photographers | FAQ's For Photographers |Payment Options
Consulting to Source Photography | Consulting With Photography Agencies and Libraries | Expert Witness Services
Ms. Swanson is frequently sought out by photographers seeking to establish professional relationships and focused marketing efforts to place their personal work in the fine art arena. Ms. Swanson has assisted and inspired many artists to build on the strengths of their work and gain a broader understanding of the fine art, commercial and editorial markets.
If you are interested in working with Mary Virginia Swanson as your creative consultant, and/or attending a lecture, workshop or Portfolio Review event with Ms. Swanson, please CLICK HERE TO VIEW OPEN APPOINTMENTS CALENDAR and upcoming schedule.
You may schedule an appointment, either in person or telephone, by contacting Beth Ledner at beth@mvswanson.com to confirm an appointment and establish details going forward. A verification email will be sent to you after receiving your request for an appointment with confirmation of your selected time (or an alternative time with your agreement).
Ms. Swanson will tailor her consulting services to meet your goals, such as working with photographers to:
- Understand the business of photography, and work together to build your “tool kit” towards participation as an informed professional.
- Maximize your investment in portfolio review events and attending Gallery Expos, preparing for Portfolio Review events.
- Identify appropriate exhibition venues and collections for completed bodies of work, and galleries for potential representation.
- Research and prioritize potential creative clients in the advertising and design communities, if appropriate to you and your work.
- Guidance in preparing exceptional self-promotion pieces, target by market area.
- Stay creative, recognize the strengths in their work, and build on those strengths.
To stay current in our industry, and to provide exceptional consulting service, Ms. Swanson attends every major photography event, either as a speaker, portfolio reviewer or juror, as well as gaining continuing education for herself.
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If you are making a payment for an invoice, please enter the invoice number in the comments section at the time of checkout.
Many photographers contact me to learn more about my one-on-one consultation services. What follows are a broad range of responses to frequently asked questions (FAQ'S) by photographers; I hope this answers yours!
Mary Virginia Swanson
What is a private consultation with Mary Virginia Swanson?
Can Ms. Swanson advise me as to what market(s) my photographs are most appropriate?
What can I expect to gain from consultation with Ms. Swanson?
How long does a private consultation session last?
Do I have to be a professional, exhibiting or working photographer to benefit from a consultation?
I don't feel my work is quite ready for marketing, but would benefit from a critique of my photographs. Is this something that I can seek from Ms. Swanson?
I am a working photographer, but believe my marketing needs reconsideration. Can Ms. Swanson provide advice, direction and practical assistance?
Is it recommended that I attend a lecture or workshop with Ms. Swanson prior to scheduling a private consultation?
How should I prepare for a private consultation with Ms. Swanson?
What should I bring to the session? Do you want to see everything, or what I think is my best work of different subjects?
Do you consult with photographers on the subject of websites?
Before our scheduled private consultation may I call Ms. Swanson with questions? Will this time count "against" our scheduled times?
If I cannot meet with Ms. Swanson in-person, can we arrange a telephone consultation? How would this take place?
I do not live in New York or Tucson, but would like to consult with Ms. Swanson. Can this be arranged?
Is it appropriate to audiotape my consultation with Ms. Swanson?
After the consultation, may I contact Ms. Swanson with follow-up questions? Will this be considered a "new" consultation?
If I wish to continue the dialogue with Ms. Swanson beyond the consulting session, can I establish an "account" whereby I can contact Ms. Swanson via telephone or email for regular advice?
What is the fee for a private session with Ms. Swanson?
Is a two-hour minimum appointment required for all telephone consultations?
Must I send a down payment to Ms. Swanson to hold the reserved time for our consultation?
If I were unable to meet with Ms. Swanson at our appointed time, would I owe Ms. Swanson a cancellation fee?
I'd like to be informed of visits MS. Swanson will be making to my area. Do you maintain a list-serve to advise photographers when you will be conducting workshops and meeting with photographers in there area?
When you meet with a private consultant, you will be spending time working with a professional in a one-on-one environment, similar to a creative coach/mentor experience. Photographers approach me with a variety of experiences, goals and aspirations. Some have identified specific needs, while others are interested in basic information on marketing and the business of photography. I tailor my consultations to fit YOUR particular professional needs.
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Can Ms. Swanson advise me as to what market(s) my photographs are most appropriate?
My primary focus is working with photographers to assess their imagery and its marketability. I help photographers edit and prepare their work for presentation, determine which professionals in what markets are most likely to respond favorably to the work, and how to reach the targeted audience with cost-effective, sustainable promotional materials.
I coach photographers on how to secure work or sales of existing imagery to the larger markets, as well as maximizing the potential for sales in their immediate region. This includes the fine art community (public/private collections), book jacket designers, magazine editors, art directors or other relevant segments of the creative community.
Please understand that I am a Consultant, not an Agent. I do not make introductions or secure professional relationships for my clients with galleries, publishers or clients in other markets.
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What can I expect to gain from consultation with Ms. Swanson?
My intent is to teach you effective, tangible methods for successfully placing your photography in today's marketplace, to do so in a manner specifically tailored to your work and professional goals that you can directly apply as you build your photography business.
Based on your photographs and interests, I can help to establish your business as an artist, and create a plan for marketing and self-promotion or your photographs. I would help you understand the path to those individuals who can make a difference in your career, be they gallery directors, curators, photo editors or other image professionals. I help many artists prepare for portfolio review events such as Review Santa Fe (www.santafecenterforphotography.org), Fotofest (www.fotofest.org) and Review Americas (www.photoamericas.com) towards maximizing their investment in attending the event.
Other topics I feel are of great importance for all artists may include helping you understand issues relating to granting licensing rights for your images; related topics would include understanding copyright and contracts. I can teach you how to research, identify and interpret advertising trends to better understand how photographs are utilized in the media; how to successfully reach photo editors and designers, and successful placement of your prints in public and private collections.
I inform my clients of industry events that would benefit their career from a creative and/or business perspective. I provide information on resources for upcoming photography events, exhibitions and continuing education opportunities, as well as membership organizations and relevant advocacy groups. We can discuss digital photography resources, websites, essential software, on-line exhibitions and opportunities, and new technology. Many clients seek my help in gaining a working understanding of raising funds to continue their personal work: public and private grants, project sponsorship, working with fiscal agents and other fundraising resources.
The breadth and depth of topics we cover during our session depends on you. My intent is to help you focus your efforts and maximize your marketing benefits.
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How long does a private consultation session last?
I require a two-hour minimum per session from all clients. Most of my clients meet with me either in person or remotely several times a year; although this is not a requirement, many photographers find this helpful to keeping their career path on target with their goals.
I don't feel my work is quite ready for marketing, but would benefit from a critique of my photographs. Is this something that I can seek from Ms. Swanson?
Absolutely. I feel one my strengths in working with artists is helping them to identify the strengths in their work, and to point them at an early stage to the audience(s) most likely to respond to their photographer. This way, your "market awareness" begins as the work is maturing. It is a great pleasure for me to help emerging photographers find their voice and guide them smoothly towards the launch of their career.
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Do I have to be a professional, exhibiting or working photographer to benefit from a consultation?
NO. I work with many artists who have yet to present their work to any market, as well as professional photographers who wish to present personal work to the fine art market. Many photographers have gained from working with me before committing time, money and energy towards marketing their work. If you are considering promoting yourself as an artist, launching a website or undertaking a print campaign, that is an excellent time to schedule a consultation.
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I am a working photographer, but believe my marketing needs reconsideration. Can Ms. Swanson provide advice, direction and practical assistance?
YES. I stay current in the fine art, commercial and photojournalism marketplaces via attending industry events such as Gallery and Trade Expositions, participation in membership organizations, and frequently meeting with professional colleagues in the broadest media circles. I believe it is important to review your materials with regard to industry trends and reposition yourself if warranted. Today, fine art photographs are licensed for advertising and packaging usages, and photojournalists and commercial photographers are represented by galleries and museums collecting diverse imagery. Photography is our visual language and frequently imagery can cross traditional boundaries to reach new audiences. I help photographers to broaden their potential to new market segments, or to new "players" in existing markets.
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Is it recommended that I attend a lecture or workshop with Ms. Swanson prior to scheduling a private consultation?
Many clients who enroll in my workshops go on to procure personal consulting services, to further focus our attentions on their work and career aspirations. I offer workshops throughout the country covering a number of topics. (See UPCOMING EVENTS.) Workshops, while necessarily limited in the degree of personal attention, are a good value if you can attend them.
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How should I prepare for a private consultation with Ms. Swanson? What should I bring to the session? Do you want to see everything, or what I think is my best work of different subjects?
My intent is provide advice, assistance, and insights on new or improved avenues for marketing. I do not need to see perfect prints; digital prints, working prints, installation views of multimedia pieces are fine.
I like to see a selection of work - in person or on line (don't need to bring a mountain of work if on-line too), any promos that you have sent, to see the current way you are promoting yourself. In general people want to talk business not art but others want the help in finding the strengths in their work, and bring a lot of work to edit together. Others still want to spend time talking about what market to target and whether their promos/websites are "talking" effectively to those markets. The time is yours, but I also caution you from having such an extensive agenda that there is not time left to let the meeting evolve, as I may encourage discussion on a topic not on your list, or a market not (yet) on your mind and will want some time to educate you on that area of the industry, should it be of interest to you! Photographers tend to bring too much work when in fact I can get a sense of the body of work with about twenty images, more if you wish me to advise you on different bodies of work. It is my preference NOT to review your website until we meet together, discuss your goals and then review the site to learn if in fact in it's current state it is effectively working towards those goals.
Know that I am always happiest when clients finish a meeting with a plan, including specific calendar items as 'anchors' for moving forward, and realistic career targets to work towards.
If you wish to spend our session reviewing a broader group of images, we can certainly discuss the creative elements of your work, and leave the marketing issues to another session once your body of work has evolved further.
If you already have begun marketing your work, I can offer advice as to the coherence and effectiveness of your chosen business "identity" - letterhead, business cards, as well as any promotional pieces, including CD-ROM and website that you have prepared and distributed.
In the long run, we will do more talking and planning than viewing actual photographs. You will come away from our session with specific actions you can apply and utilize to market your work and build your business as an artist.
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Do you consult with photographers on the subject of websites?
YES. I assist photographers on establishing websites that are useful for marketing and well suited to their images. If you have launched a website, my advice is NOT to spend considerable time and money updating your existing site before we meet. I prefer to have a clear sense of what you want the site to do for you and advise you accordingly before you make changes. I primarily help photographers improve their sites to be more effective in their marketing efforts, and/or clarify exactly how their website-to-be can best promote themselves and their work.
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Before our scheduled private consultation may I call Ms. Swanson with questions? Will this time count "against" our scheduled times?
As my time is very tight, I can't donate much time in advance of meeting with you; a short phone call or emails of ten minutes or less. I hope you understand. And, I hope that the section above about how to prepare for a session will be helpful to you.
If you would like to send me a disc of images, or the address of a location on the WWW where I can view a selection of images ahead of our meeting, as well as a copy of any existing artist or project statement for me to read in advance of our session, feel free to do so. Just be certain to make arrangements through Katalin to ensure that I receive anything you wish to send on ahead to me before our scheduled session.
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If I cannot meet with Ms. Swanson in-person, can we arrange a telephone consultation? How would this take place?
The majority of my clients work with me remotely, via the telephone (even for initial consultation sessions) and find them very effective meetings. Ideally we would both be able to access the internet during our meeting for effective guidance and research capabilities. I am happy to review whatever materials you'd like an opinion and direction on, whether electronic or in print format (although I do not want clients to spend money on presentation materials coming to me). Often artists ask for my help in selecting final images to submit for grant applications, or for acceptance into Portfolio Reviews. Another example of effective photo meetings: often photographers wish for me to critique their current or proposed websites to ensure their investment will be effective, which can also be easily facilitated remotely. The range of topics is diverse! Many clients touch base with me frequently on the phone (booking the time via email is most effective), using a portion of a time block, or working against time paid for a two hour session, using it in 1/2 hour or 1 hour blocks as needed. I am flexible on all of this, so that my clients can reach me at such a time my advice is helpful on whatever their creative needs may be. This allows you to reach me when needed, rather than waiting to attend a workshop or an upcoming visit to your town.
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I do not live in New York or Tucson, but would like to consult with Ms. Swanson. Can this be arranged?
I am available for consultation at various locations throughout the year when visiting for teaching, lectures and/or workshop purposes. I try to schedule and locate my work in cities hosting other photography-related events so artists can minimize their time and travel costs for optimal benefit. Watch the "UPCOMING EVENTS" section of this website for locations, and if interested in booking a private consultation session, contact me as soon as possible as my schedule fills quickly. Lastly, you can purchase a copy of my book "Marketing Guidebook for Photographers" through this website that contains practical marketing and business advice for photographers.
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Is it appropriate to audiotape my consultation with Ms. Swanson?
If this would be helpful to you, I encourage you to do so. Please note that the content is to be for your private use only. No rights to reproduce all or part of our discussion in any media is granted without my prior permission.
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After the consultation, may I contact Ms. Swanson with follow-up questions? Will this be considered a "new" consultation?
It is possible to exchange a short email or two after a session, however please understand that I travel frequently and due to professional commitments it may be several days (or longer) before I can reply. Beyond this we would need to commit to schedule time towards our next session, in half hour minimum increments.
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If I wish to continue the dialogue with Ms. Swanson beyond the consulting session, can I establish an "account" whereby I can contact Ms. Swanson via telephone or email for regular advice?
Some clients work with me on a regular basis (quarterly or more frequently), others less often as their bodies of work develop (meeting when it is time to edit or market their work). Arrangements can be made to establish an account with me, at which time clients can contact me and "buy down" services or use time on account as the need arises. Many photographers find this a convenient and expedient means for acquiring advice, suggestions and information.
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What is the fee for a private session with Ms. Swanson?
Fees for private sessions in 2006 will be $300 per hour for the two-hour minimum first session. All subsequent sessions in 2006 will be at the $250/hour rate. These rates apply to both in-person or remote (telephone) consultations.
Payment in full is expected at the end of each in-person session; you will be invoiced shortly following remote sessions. Payment can be made by personal check, money order, Paypal or Credit Card with US billing address only. Please check the top ot the page for these options.
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Is a two-hour minimum appointment required for all telephone consultations?
It is nearly impossible to predict what can be accomplished in one hour of working together, let alone two. Hence the requirement of a commitment to two hours whether we find we use two consecutive hours of phone time or not.
If during the phone consultation the photographer and I agree that there is an appropiate place to stop the session, with the photographer's action items discussed and prioritized, the consultation can be resumed at another time for the balance of the two hours (if any) to make the most advantage of the time spent working with me.
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Must I send a down payment to Ms. Swanson to hold the reserved time for our consultation?
The basis of my relationship with artists is one of trust.
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If I were unable to meet with Ms. Swanson at our appointed time, would I owe Ms. Swanson a cancellation fee?
As my time is very limited and in demand, I must charge a 25% cancellation fee if less than five (5) days notice is given.
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I'd like to be informed of visits MS. Swanson will be making to my area. Do you maintain a list-serve to advise photographers when you will be conducting workshops and meeting with photographers in there area?
I would be happy to advise you of regional events. Please send me an email with all your contact information by clicking CONTACT and then typing "MAILING LIST" in the subject line.
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Thank you for your interest in my professional consulting services. I look forward to meeting all of you in the not too distant future!
MVS
CONSULTING TO SOURCE PHOTOGRAPHY
...including advertising agencies, design firms, packaging design freelancers art buyers and interior decorators.
Ms. Swanson is regularly sought out by members of the creative industries seeking exceptional photographs or talented photographers towards their projects. As a frequent portfolio reviewer, juror and consultant to contemporary photographers, Ms. Swanson is regarded as a valuable conduit to vast numbers of contemporary fine art and documentary photographers.
Among the services Ms. Swanson can provide to you or your firm are:
- Conducting high-end photo research towards licensing fine art photographs for advertising or design placement.
- Aid in identifying and securing contemporary appropriate photographers for commissions.
- Securing unique photographs for interior décor for homes, retail environment and commercial projects.
Contact Ms. Swanson at mvs@mvswanson.com to discuss availability, terms and fees for working with her as a Consultant on your projects.
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CONSULTING WITH PHOTOGRAPHY AGENCIES/LIBRARIES
...on marketing services to desired client base, and/or on issues relating to artist’s relations.
Ms. Swanson has been working closely with photographic agencies since starting her career at Magnum’s New York office in 1984. She has a unique perspective on editing image files and marketing campaigns targeted to the high-end buyer of imagery for commercial purposes.
Among the projects on which Ms. Swanson has lent her expertise:
- Identifying photographs within agency image files that have potential for sales in the high-end advertising markets.
- Providing current analysis of specific market segments towards helping agencies to more appropriately target their marketing efforts.
- Tailoring agency promotional planning to maximize agency visibility within targeted client base(s).
- Identifying creative photographers to recruit and tailor artists relations towards securing their ongoing participation.
- Assisting agency with on-going education of agency photographers to provide awareness of industry resulting in optimum relevant material for client consideration.
Contact Ms. Swanson at mvs@mvswanson.com to discuss availability, terms and fees for working with her as a Consultant for your agency.
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CONSULTING WITH EXPERT WITNESS SERVICES
Ms. Swanson has served as an expert witness on legal cases dealing with valuation of commercial and fine art photography collections and archives.
Contact Ms. Swanson at mvs@mvswanson.com to discuss her expertise with expert witness services.
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"Shots In One Week"
from the "Type 1 Diabetes" Series"
"My phone consultation with Mary Virginia Swanson had an immediate, eye opening impact on the direction of my work. Her insights into my project fostered enhanced communication with my subjects and their families, resulting in more effectively delivering my message to viewers. She helped me define goals and list the steps necessary to achieve logical and attainable progression for my project. A phone consult is a very effective, timely way to communicate with Ms. Swanson and I look forward to our next conversation."
© 2005,Teresa Ollila
"Mary Virginia Swanson provided me invaluable guidance and support to bring my photo series to museum proposal format. Her extensive knowledge of what art professionals look for when considering a proposed exhibition, her attention to detail, and enthusiastic encouragement provided me the creative adrenalin rush I needed to see my proposal through to completion. Her infectious optimism gives me the confidence to firmly believe that American Ruins: Spirits in Stone will become a reality as a traveling exhibition and publication."
© 2006, Arthur Drooker:
"Mary Virginia Swanson possesses a complete understanding of the world of fine art photography and its key players. Most importantly, she understands the mechanism of getting an artist's work into a seemingly impenetrable market. Her phone consultations have had a great impact on my promotion strategy, website design and future exhibition opportunities. They have already paid for themselves in print sales. "
© 2005, John Chervinsky
“Mary Virginia Swanson should be declared a national photographic treasure. She has has helped me and so many others navigate the intricate path to photographic success with incredible creativity, intelligence and organization. Her breadth of knowledge and ability to see career opportunity in a simple portfolio of prints gives the photographer not only confidence but the tools and contacts needed to turn ambition into success. She is a great person to work, with no matter where you are. Since I don’t live in NY or Arizona, we talk by phone or email and though her schedule is incredibly full, she always manages to make time for me. Swanee rocks.”
"It would be difficult to overstate the value of MVS's assistance in my recent book contract negotiations. Through a variety of telephone conversations and numerous email correspondences, she not only read and reread the contract, but provided me with endless and valuable suggestions for rephrasing the contract so as to protect my interests as an artist. Because this was my first publishing contract, I knew not what I was doing so I turned to Ms Swanson and with her firm but gentle guidance I signed a contract that was not only fair but also one that I felt very comfortable with. She is a godsend for artists."
© 2005, Craig J Barber
"When I asked Ms. Swanson to help me decipher a contract, she was quick to respond. Soon after I emailed her a copy of the contract in question I received an annotated copy with clear and thoughtful explanations of tricky areas, comments, suggestions and a general opinion of whether or not signing the contract was a good move given my current career direction. The input was invaluable and it provided me with new tools and insights to apply to subsequent contracts. She is a caring, interested and no-nonsense consultant. Without any hesitation, I will use her expertise in the future. "
© 2005, Elizabeth Siegfried
"After three month of redesigning a new website, I was extremely pleased with it visually, but I felt that something was missing in the narrative. My partner Pat felt that at this point we should consult with someone who really has their fingers on the pulse of Photography today. We did the research, and the one name that consistently came up was Mary Virginia Swanson.
I emailed her and set up a time and date for a phone consultation. It was a very animated and productive conversation. She suggested a number of innovative possibilities. I locked on the one suggestion in particular, which was to begin each category with a short introduction in the first person. That one element served to pull the site together and made it much more effective and approachable.
Aside from being very well informed, Mary Virginia is a virtual "River" of enthusiasm, knowledge and intuitive good judgement."
©2005, Phil Marco
"Whether in person or by phone, the insights and guidance Mary Virginia Swanson provides has helped immensely in moving my photography forward. Her connections and understanding of the entire photographic market has been hugely valuable in refining my messaging and tightening my portfolios to meet my goals. Swanee is a pleasure to work with!"
© 2005 Sylvia Crain
"Mary Virginia Swanson provided me with invaluable advice to maximize the potential of Contact Sheet #110. Contact Sheet was a wonderful showcase for my work and Swanson's vision of it as a tool to increase my collection and exhibition record and target potential new audiences was well strategized and professional."
© 2004, Margaret Stratton Photography
"Mary Virginia Swanson really loves what she does, and it shows in every way. I came to her with a self published, hand made photography book. Her advice about what markets would be appropriate for my book and how to go about making the connections has given me new opportunities that I did not know existed. She has an amazing wealth of knowledge and resources that she generously shares."
© 2004, Millicent Harvey
"Mary Swanson has taught me how to assemble a relevant client list, create professional promotional pieces, conduct targeted campaigns, and establish personal relationships with my new clients in the book jacket market. She takes the mystery out of building a successful career...."
© 2004, Heather Walsh
"When the student is ready, the teacher is said to appear. Such is the case with me when I met Mary Virginia Swanson and I knew it almost immediately. My personal meetings and telephone consultations have proven themselves highly effective tools and finally the frozen log jam of my career is on the move once again. When I am speaking with Mary Virginia on the telephone, I can feel my mind stretching and expanding. It is as if I am almost out of breath as I attempt to keep up with her as I am at least twenty paces behind . Great news however: my old dysfunctional style of thinking is changing for the better and so is my vision. Mary Virginia is teaching me a more skillful style of thinking based on the realities of the business world and it is literally paying off. It is my good fortune to be working with her."
© 2005, Stephen Harrison