How to Get Into Editorial Photography
If you want to learn how to get into editorial photography, there are a few things you need to know. You’ll have to tell stories, plan photo shoots and make deadlines, but you’ll also have to learn how to get your pictures sold.
Meet editors, art directors and fellow freelancers in your industry
For freelancers who are looking for a little extra oomph in their careers, meeting editors, art directors and fellow freelancers may be the way to go. Whether you’re working for a big name agency or just looking to break out on your own, it pays to get your name out there in the professional circles. Fortunately, there are a few online venues to help.
The biggest challenge when trying to meet editors and art directors is getting your name in the door. While this can be accomplished by sending a resume and an art sample or two, a better approach is to network with peers in the same industry. Not only can you trade email addresses, but you can also find out where the editors and art directors in your field are hanging out. A great place to start is LinkedIn. This social networking platform allows you to connect with other freelancers, publishers, and media companies. You can also use Linkedin’s “Groups” feature to join a specific interest group.
There are also several websites you can use to find out about the top editors, art directors, and freelancers in your field. In addition to a directory, you can also learn about free resources, such as webinars and workshops. Even better, you can get to know these professionals by attending events. They may be more than willing to offer you portfolio reviews, or introduce you to other like-minded freelancers. Some even offer to put you to work on custom illustrations for their company. If you’re lucky, you might even get to sit down with the editor of your choice for a nice lunch or dinner.
Finally, don’t be shy about posting a link to your portfolio on Twitter, Facebook, or other social media sites. Just make sure to mention your background in editing or design.
Prepare for the big day
When it comes to editorial photography, the first thing on your mind may be capturing that special moment in time. Fortunately, there are numerous techniques to help you capture that oh-so-perfect moment. However, you need to be a bit more disciplined and organized than your average Joe and Jane. The following steps should help you in your quest for that perfect photo.
First and foremost, it’s essential to set aside some time to consider your editorial photography objectives. This includes setting up an editorial calendar and a list of the stories you’re interested in shooting. In addition, you’ll want to prepare for the onslaught of phone calls, emails, and inquiries. To help alleviate this problem, keep your business cards handy at all times.
The best part is that, if you follow the tips above, you’ll be well on your way to a fulfilling career as an editorial photographer. For example, once you’ve got your foot in the door, you’ll be able to enlist the aid of a team of editors and writers who can help you with all your image needs. If you’re lucky, you’ll even have your work featured in the print edition of your chosen publication.
After all, your editors and writers are busy people. Having a well-defined editorial calendar is the best way to stay on top of your game. You’ll also avoid the temptation to veer off course with a revolving door of assignments. Besides, if you aren’t sure which stories to pursue, you’ll never know what opportunities will crop up next.
The most important thing to remember is that you should not be intimidated. Editorial photography is a creative field and a fun one at that.
Tell stories and plan photoshoots
Editorial photography is a type of photography that is used to capture images that tell a story. It’s typically used in newspapers, magazines, and online news publications. However, it can also be used for marketing campaigns, product catalogs, and website marketing.
Editorial photography requires that you create images that are unique and compelling. You’ll have to develop a concept that supports the story you are shooting and make sure everyone on the shoot knows what to do.
Before you start an editorial photoshoot, you’ll have to consider your budget and time. You’ll want to plan for transportation, food, permits, and any other expenses. Also, you’ll want to think about what kind of lighting and gear you’ll need. Some photographers opt for tripods, which offer a wider range of exposure and give you more flexibility.
Editorial photography can be a great way to get your work published. However, it can be competitive. If you’re a new photographer, you’ll need to be prepared. The goal of editorial photography is to create images that catch the eye of the editor. Keeping your photos concise and clear is a great first step.
If you want to improve your skills and portfolio, you may also choose to incorporate narrative into your photography. Narrative can add a creative, unique element to your work. A mood board can also be a good way to visualize an editorial photoshoot.
For most editorial photoshoots, you’ll need a creative brief. This will outline the objectives of the editorial project and help you define your style and style parameters. An editorial photoshoot can be very chaotic, and you’ll need to problem-solve to get the shots you need.
Meet deadlines and show up on time
Editorial photography is a way to create images that accompany a story in a publication. It is a type of photography that often features models and members of the public. In addition, it is a medium in which the photographer is given creative control.
An editorial photographer works with a writer to produce images to support a story. These may include portraits, portraits of fashion, food, or travel photos. This job involves a lot of preparation and planning, and it is essential to be prepared to shoot in a variety of settings.
Many photographers try editorial photography as a way to build their portfolio. However, this can be a competitive field. If you want to become an editorial photographer, you should work hard to meet deadlines, deliver quality work on time, and be willing to adapt to the situation.
Before starting an editorial photography job, make sure you have a clear vision of what you want to achieve. You can get help defining this by attending educational programs that focus on editorial photography. Once you have a solid idea of your approach, begin networking to find new opportunities.
You can pursue editorial photography as a career after obtaining a bachelor’s or master’s degree in photography or a relevant fine arts or business program. You can also seek out internships, assistant positions, or freelance opportunities. The amount of money you can earn as an editorial photographer will depend on the type of photographs you take and your level of expertise.
While many publications don’t require a formal education for an editorial photography job, it can be a good idea to learn more about the industry. This can help you develop advanced skills and build a portfolio.
Predict how well the pictures will sell
If you’re not in the business of photography you may not know this, but it is possible to make money taking pictures. A combination of good equipment and a bit of luck will pay dividends in the long run. This is especially true in the digital age where smartphones are everywhere. There’s also a plethora of online communities dedicated to fostering the next generation of photographers and photographers-to-be. You’ll find a multitude of articles and posts discussing tips and tricks of the trade, where to go, and who to follow.
As you might guess, there’s quite a bit of competition in the field. This isn’t surprising, as most professional photographers are relying on outside income sources to supplement their own. Thankfully, there are still a handful of high-quality photography studios around town. Using a good quality digital camera and a bit of know-how, you can create some impressive looking photographs, which are sure to stoke the interest of your clients.
Creating a solid list of potential clients will give you an edge over the competition. When it comes to business cards, make a point to include a snazzy one-pager with a slew of relevant details. You’ll also want to include your phone number. While this might sound snobby, it’s a great way to ensure you’re never caught off guard. After all, you don’t want to be greeted by an unresponsive customer when you’re on the clock.
There’s a definite tradeoff between the time and effort it takes to put together a quality editorial portfolio, but the rewards are well worth it. For many photographers, this is the closest they’ll get to becoming full-time professionals. Plus, you’ll be in the company of the best in the business.
