What NOT to say when reaching out to agents
A lot of outreach anxiety comes from not knowing what might sound “wrong.”
Below is a simple, beginner-friendly “what NOT to say” list, with why — so you understand the logic, not just the rules.
❌ What NOT to Say When Reaching Out to Agents
1. Don’t apologize for existing
❌ “Sorry to bother you…”
❌ “I know you’re probably busy…”
❌ “I hate reaching out like this…”
Why:
This puts you below them before the conversation even starts. Agents don’t see outreach as a burden — they see it as neutral information.
👉 Better mindset: You’re allowed to introduce yourself without apologizing.
2. Don’t over-explain your situation
❌ “I’m new and trying to get my first client…”
❌ “I just started and don’t have much experience yet…”
Why:
Agents don’t need your backstory. Over-explaining triggers doubt you introduced.
👉 You can be new without leading with insecurity.
3. Don’t ask vague or passive questions
❌ “Let me know if you’re interested…”
❌ “What do you think?”
Why:
These force the agent to do emotional labor. Most won’t respond — not because they’re uninterested, but because it requires effort.
👉 Outreach should feel easy to ignore OR easy to reply to.
4. Don’t pitch like a résumé
❌ “I’ve been a photographer for X years…”
❌ “I specialize in natural light, storytelling, and editorial style…”
Why:
Agents don’t care about creative identity. They care about reliability, speed, and consistency.
👉 Save creativity talk for Instagram — not outreach.
5. Don’t sound desperate or urgent
❌ “I really need work right now…”
❌ “I’m trying to fill my calendar…”
Why:
This makes the interaction about your needs instead of theirs.
👉 Calm energy builds trust.
6. Don’t ask for a meeting
❌ “Can we hop on a call?”
❌ “Could I come by your office to chat?”
Why:
That’s too much too soon. Agents don’t want meetings with vendors — they want solutions when they need them.
👉 The goal is to be remembered, not booked instantly.
7. Don’t compare yourself to other photographers
❌ “I’m better than…”
❌ “I’m more affordable than…”
Why:
It feels defensive and unnecessary. Agents don’t need convincing — they need options.
✅ The Safe Rule to Remember
If your message:
- Is short
- Is calm
- Has no pressure
- Doesn’t ask for anything
…it’s safe.
If you want more guidance on how to get clients make sure to check out my guide.
THIS GUIDE IS FOR YOU IF :
✔️ You don’t know who to reach out to — or where to even start
✔️ You’re scared of saying the wrong thing and getting ignored
✔️ You don’t want to come off awkward, annoying, or salesy
✔️ You want to know how to stand out
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
The secret method I used to book 28 clients in one month.
Scripts (what to say without sounding salesy and actually gets your bookings)
Five proven ways to get clients — so you’re not relying on just one strategy
Troubleshooting: why you’re not getting clients yet (and how to fix it)
My own results:
My first month in business : 6 new clients
My second month in business : 4 new clients
My third month (when i started my secret method) : 28 new clients