Kimber Leigh Nussbaum went from the theater to art production and grew up in the Golden Age of advertising. She shares her thoughts on the hustle of freelancing, social platforms, their usefulness and what photographers don’t know is shared about them behind the scenes.

 

Key Takeaways

[2:05] Heather introduces Kimber and invites her to share the path that took her from a theater actress and singer to being Dave Jordano’s studio manager to where she is today.

[6:12] Having “grown up” in the Golden Age of advertising photography, Kimber Leigh touches on the changes she has seen — starting with Dave Jordano’s beginnings with digital photography — and how digital has impacted workloads and schedules.

[8:10] Kimber touches on how the 2008 depression impacted the client/agency/photographer relationships — after having bent over backward and compromised to keep accounts with skeleton budgets and crews in a depressionary economy, clients got savvy and expected more for less.

[9:33] The best way Kimber has found to tackle tough client conversations is to set clear expectations and communication.

[12:42] What does a successful shoot look like? On time and under budget. Oh, and everyone getting along and having fun!

[13:23] Kimber and Heather touch on the importance of a rep’s role and the pros and cons inherent in trying a new photographer.

[17:04] Getting Kimber’s attention is independent of channels, it really is about the work, storylines, and images and how unique, new, cool or interesting they are. However, she advises to stay away from fold-outs: no one has an office anymore, go for small postcards if anything.

[19:20] Instagram isn’t a professional tool for her, but she does use online art producer Facebook communities. Heather and Kimber discuss the benefits of these groups as well as what photographers need to be mindful of in that regard.

[24:12] LinkedIn is a great professional tool, and it helps that it was never meant to be a personal place.

[26:00] Kimber walks us through the process of getting a job approved including the fact that every place and every job has a bit of a different process! The one thing she insists on is to try to remove the money hurdles and level the playing field so everyone can focus on the art.

[30:44] Once the job is awarded, Kimber will share who was bidding if you ask her. She and Heather discuss the impacts this information can have on photographers.

[36:20] Although Kimber does mostly print, she is interested in motion but being a freelancer, it’s a bit harder to get agencies to train you! It’ll be a future opportunity.

[37:41] Kimber shares her tips for being a successful freelancer and the hustle that it requires.

[39:51] What would Kimber do if she wasn’t an Art Producer, actress or singer!

[42:38] Heather thanks Kimber Leigh for coming on the podcast, and invites listeners to tune in for the next episode.

 

Thanks for listening.

 

In an industry where the rules are always changing, it’s helpful to hear from those on the front line. Heather Elder is the visionary behind NotesFromARep’sJournal.com; visit her website for industry updates, stunning photography and video, and the artists behind the work.

 

Mentioned in this episode

Dave Jordano

PhotoPolitic

 

More about your host

Heather Elder’s Bio

Heather Elder’s Blog

Heather Elder on Instagram

Heather Elder on Twitter

Heather Elder on LinkedIn

Heather Elder on Facebook

 

More about today’s guest

Kimber Leigh Nussbaum’s LinkedIn