a fashion shooter

Being in NYC and therefore having a lot of face time with other (fashion) photographers at parties, industry gatherings, galleries, etc., there seems to be a big variety of experience concerning the benefits of having an agency representing you. Some swear by the relationship and  say they’d be dead in the water without their agent. Many others who have had one or more agents in the past say that most of them do not do much work, and then want to get paid for it.

So I’m asking you about your personal experience:

If they are not getting you work, then what are they doing?

Do you get the jobs yourself anyway?

Do all agents want a 20% or so commission on existing clients? Should they get it?

What is it that your agent does which makes that person indispensable to you?