Do I have what it takes?
- This topic has 11 replies, 10 voices, and was last updated Jun 3, 2009 at 10:28 pm by
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So, I’ve been taking “fish pix” for a little over a year now and I haven’t really pushed to get anything published or what not but I’ve definitely contemplated it.
Hey Lee –
I just asked that people post some images before linking to off-site archives, and you did that, so no problems.
In my candid opinion, yes, you have what it takes to sell some images to magazines.
Great shots Lee.
I agree with Zach about articles as well as pictures, but would add that you team up with a good writer and just do photos as well.
As far as making a living goes though, photography is no easy road and if you want to eat I would suggest getting into other areas besides fishing.
The print media is going through a massive change at the moment and it might be a while before you could sit back and workout the best plan of attack.
Again, nice pix and that is the main game.
www.dsaphoto.com
A picture is thousand words that takes less than a second while a thousand words is a picture that takes a month.
I’m nowhere near as qualified as to comment as Zach or David, so take this for what it’s worth.
The industry is, as both have said, extremely competetive and I mean that on all levels. From the number of people submitting photos ( Both established Freelancers and those wanting to break in) to and inluding sadly “competition” amongst photographers. Some won’t give you the time of day ( won’t help learn the craft, won’t discuss what equipment they use, wont divulge locations etc, etc). Some get offended when they see others doing what they do, and see it as “taking food off the plate”. I gaurantee you using Matts thread there will be lots buying housing and pro sumer grade DSLRs as a result of that thread. My point is that the market is flat out satuated, just look at Phils Flickr group. Primarily thats just a few people trying to get started. Now multiply that exponentially to North America.
What kind of images get bought?
A little bit of everything. From eye popping stunners to less than stunning images of something thats needed. I have quite litteraly been asked by the AD to keep my open for the “un unusual”. It’s not aways the “best eye popping” image that gets bought, it’s the image that
a) Fits the layout or cover
b) Fits the articleTrash on a riverbank, a line up of Trucks towing boats at a Timmys (Coffe shop), etc,etc.
Theres shooting for yourself and theres shooting for images that sell.
Everyone and I mean everyone shoots the bead and butter “grip and grins” the classic scenics, the classi action shots no matter your genre.
Not an image I would say is eye popping, or would garner “kudo’s” on forums….but it sold to go with an article on top water bass fishing.
As Zach said, the vast majority of images you see in print today are submitted by the writers. It saves the magazine $$$. Why pay someone like me $50, $100, or $1,000 for an image that while it might be a little “better” (whatever that means”) when they are already paying the author for the article, and he has images that are perfectly suitable, just as good, or “better”. I get assignments but they are infrequent and come about when a) The author doesnt do his own photography b) They have a need for that bit extra
Everyone has budgets, and any ADs budget no matter what publication from a local bi-annual, to Nat Geo has limits.
Ask yourself.
What is it I’m hoping for. If you would like to see your name once, maybe twice a year, identify a publication that you think you can service and start sending images. Just realise how competitive it is. Its a numbers game and may have absolutely nothing to do with how good your photos are.If you want something a little more (regular contributor)
1) Find ways to separate yourself. Its work, a second job, make no mistake.Young people without mortgages, kids etc have the upper hand here. The freedom and disposable inc. to travel to great locations seemingly every other week and get the shots.
2) Take up writing. That more than anything else will help you get published.
3) Branch out, do more than “just fly fishing”.
4) Network with people in the industry (not just publishing)
That, more than writing will open doors.Long winded way of saying what is it, you hope to accomplish. The more you hope to accomplish the more your going to have to work at it. If you’d be happy with the once a year published kind of thing start sending some images, but know your magazine, their content, style and their target audience first to increase your odds of a “fit”.
I’ve been in the photography business for 40 years and I wouldn’t advise anyone to get into it unless they just have a overwhelming desire to do so.
As far as angling photography I don’t think anyone makes a great living at it. Photography is just one income stream that they may have along with being a tackle rep doing seminars, hosting trips etc. You have about as much luck making it big as a photographer as you do of pitching in the major leagues. Do it for fun and don’t be a whore when you have a chance to sell something you should get paid whatever a established photographer should get for the same usage. If you want to be a pro act like one. You might consider checking out an Organization like the Professional Photographers of America for starters. Many photographers are hurting right now, on average business is down as much as 20 or 25 percent. Don’t quit your day job unless you have money to burn! Nice pictures keep working!Love the B&W driftboat shot
Lee- a bit of a different perspective– you have a great eye/equipment that can deliver publishable images.
That leaves you with this ….
I’m not really qualified to say if you “have what it takes” but, I agree .. I dig your stuff Lee! You have a great eye!
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