# Need a Photographer in a Pinch? Social Agent’s New App Promises On-Demand Photo Shoots in Under 30 Minutes

## Need a Photographer in a Pinch? Social Agent’s New App Promises On-Demand Photo Shoots in Under 30 Minutes

In today’s hyper-connected world, capturing and sharing life’s special moments online has become almost mandatory. But let’s face it, not everyone possesses professional photography skills, and sometimes, the perfect shot is missed in the chaos of the moment. Hiring a photographer is an option, but often not a feasible one when spontaneity strikes. Enter Social Agent, a new location-based app aiming to revolutionize last-minute photography needs.

Launching in June, Social Agent promises to connect users with vetted photographers, videographers, and content creators for same-day bookings, with a guaranteed arrival time of under 30 minutes – akin to summoning an Uber. The app’s waitlist opened this week, signaling an imminent disruption to the traditional photography market.

Founded by Lisa Jammal, the mind behind the Social Intelligence Agency which works with major players like Disney Channel and the Recording Academy, and co-founders Brooke Levy and Jeff Tobler, Social Agent targets both individual users and businesses. The app caters to the need for capturing everything from personal celebrations to on-demand product shots for beauty, fashion, and hospitality brands.

The core promise lies in its speed and accessibility. Imagine needing professional-quality photos before you’ve even finished brunch. Social Agent aims to make that a reality.

**How it Works:**

Users can book sessions starting at $65 for 30 minutes or $120 for a full hour. These packages include options for both photo and video content, offering a range of 10-15 images or 5-10 short videos optimized for platforms like Instagram Reels and TikTok. Raw, unedited content is delivered within a swift 15 minutes after the shoot, with optional editing services available starting at $30, promising a turnaround of just a few hours. A service fee of around $5 is also added.

Beyond the core offering, Social Agent boasts several features, including the ability to upload and edit personal photos, schedule agents in advance, and easily split costs with friends.

**Competitive Landscape and Potential Challenges:**

While several platforms, like Snappr, offer on-demand photography services, Social Agent differentiates itself with its rapid response time. Snappr, for instance, promises to book a photographer within two hours and deliver edited photos in 48 hours, with similar starting prices. Social Agent’s speed and convenience could give it a significant edge.

However, the low starting price point might face criticism. Similar to the initial backlash against Uber from traditional taxi services, photographers could feel pressured to compete with a platform that potentially undervalues their services. Social Agent addresses this concern by positioning the app as a side-hustle opportunity, allowing agents to fill downtime and set their own prices.

**Capitalizing on the Gig Economy:**

Social Agent’s entry into the market aligns with the rise of the gig economy, fueled by a slowdown in the full-time job market. Data suggests that millions are turning to part-time gigs, highlighting the demand for flexible work opportunities.

**Ensuring Quality and Safety:**

To maintain quality and safety, Social Agent implements a rigorous vetting process for agents, including ID verification, background checks, and mandatory training modules. The app also offers a gamified experience for agents, rewarding them for completing missions. For user safety, a security code system verifies the agent’s identity upon arrival, and a rating system allows for feedback and accountability.

“Social Agent is focused on really building trust between agents and clients,” explains Jammal. “We know it’s a great privilege to be invited into someone’s intimate space, whether it’s B2B or B2C.”

**Future Plans and Expansion:**

Launching initially in Los Angeles with nearly 100 onboarded content creators, Social Agent plans to expand to major cities like New York City, Miami, Chicago, and more, followed by international expansion. The company also intends to introduce in-app editing tools as part of a premium subscription, offering unlimited storage and other benefits for $10 per month.

Backed by $2 million in funding from friends and family, Social Agent is poised to shake up the photography industry by providing a convenient, affordable, and readily available solution for capturing life’s moments on demand. Whether it can balance the demands of users and the concerns of photographers remains to be seen, but the potential for disruption is undeniable.