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For
Editorial Stock Photographers
Introducing the PhotoSource International
Guide to:
Working with and Marketing Your Digital Images
By Mikael Karlsson
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1 877 404 7790 |
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Mastering Editorial Stock Photography WorkFlow
In these "digital days," marketing
your stock photos is quicker and easier than the days of analog.
Yes, there's more work to do on
the part of the photographer.
You handle most of the workflow
– but then, that means you
are more in control of the
process.
The Information Age is upon us. The time it takes to
deliver information has become so quick as to be almost instantaneous. This
allows us to capitalize on opportunities with new efficiency, and helps us
avoid unnecessary risks. The "information float" is collapsing.
The change is here. Photography technology is
outdoing itself. Digital transmission
of images is a reality. Printers can produce images that compete in quality
with film. Digital cameras have taken
over. Storing images in digital form is
now de rigeur. The average photographer can provide clients with on-line
retrieval and viewing of their stock selections.
- - - - - - -
"It's Still
the Same Show…"
- - - - - - -
But don't let all the bells and whistles distract
you. The actors, props, and settings
may be different, but it's still the same show. Getting pictures that are publishable still takes creative
ability -- and that takes talent. And
it has always taken more than talent to consistently receive checks from
publications and ad agencies, and to see your credit line in national
circulation. That takes marketing
know-how, and always will.
ASSIGNMENT PHOTOGRAPHER
PRICING
YOURSELF FOR ASSIGNMENTS
Assignments
are an excellent way to capture stock photos that may not be available to you
ordinarily. During your lunch break,
or before or after completing your assignment, take advantage of the location
by taking photographs in the environment you find yourself in on this
assignment.
Freelance
photography sites on the web and in your library, are helpful in researching
how to price yourself for your day rate.
Three tips: Since each publication you work with will offer a
different ‘day rate,' based on such things as circulation, advertising
revenue, and size, you'll find day rates ranging from $400 a day to $2,000 a
day.
In
addition to the base ‘day rate' fee, it is acceptable to also submit a
statement for expenses. Such as: mileage, 45 cents per mile to areas outside
your general metropolitan area, (if
you live outside the general metropolitan area of the publishing house, do
not charge a fee for coming into the city), car rental, plane, train, meals,
and lodging. Also, photographic
expenses: renting of special equipment; props; model fees; location charges
(such as rent); mailing and/or carrier charges; phone calls (beyond the ordinary);
messengers; porters; guards. Be sure
to keep your receipts and staple them to your statement.
Pricing
Your Photos
Three popular pricing
guides:
FotoQuote, Cradoc Corporation, Phone: 1 206 842-4030; Fax: 1 206 824-1381; www.fotoquote.com;
info@fotoquote.com
Jim
Pickerell's, Selling Stock, 110 Fredrick Ave Ste A, Rockville, MD 20850;
Phone: 1 301 251-0720; Fax: 1 301 309-0941; Email: jim@chd.com.
Michal
Heron's, Pricing Photography, 28 W 71st St, New York, NY
10023; Phone: 1 212 787-1272; Fax: 1 212 721-0844; email:
mheron@interport.net.
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The Law of Probability is on your side if you direct
your initial marketing efforts to the specialized magazines and book publishers
listed in periodical directories such as PHOTOGRAPHER'S MARKET*, and other
directories found on a web search.
These directories list the names and addresses of hundreds of
publications and websites.
FIND YOUR MARKETS
Don't be tempted to be "all things to all
photobuyers." This is usually the first
mistake the fledgling photo illustrator makes. Photo editors recognize that one photographer can't be that
versatile. Their primary concern is that they get material that's accurate and
knowledgeable to present to their readers and advertisers. The editor would
prefer to work with a photographer who already knows something about the
subject area of his/her magazine.
Focus on a market area that appeals to you,
such as outdoor recreation, dog training, medicine, or education.
Turn over a new leaf. Get prepared for a genuine assignment by giving yourself some
"practice" assignments this coming year.
Using photo stories in one or two of your targeted publications as
guides, duplicate the photos taken by that photographer, and teach yourself how
to develop photo essays.
Select certain publications in your interest areas.
All of these publications will have a web presence. To get more information about their photo needs, find the section
called, "Submission Guidelines," or "Photo Guidelines."
Many specialized markets work with monthly
photography budgets ranging from $15,000 to $30,000. Many spend $40,000 - $90,000 (per month – not per year). If you zero in on just 10 specialized
markets, you will have, as they say in the marketing field, found your "corner
of the market." The photo editors of
these markets will consider you an important resource.
Once you have made some sales to an editor, he or
she will be interested in sending special assignments your way. If you engage in your photo marketing as a
spare-time endeavor, you'll still be able to handle lengthier assignments by
scheduling them on your vacation time (and as a result give yourself free
vacations!).
* 4700 E Galbraith Road, Cincinnati
OH 45236, (513) 531 2690, x 1226, photomarket@fwpubs.com, Contact: Donna
Pohner.
This guide covers all the bases from creation to sale and delivery
of your digital images. You will learn what photobuyers at books and magazines
prefer in the promotions of digital images, image delivery, and photographer's
websites. Topics are covered in depth and targeted to people wanting to market
and sell digital images to the publishing industry. Some of the topics covered
are:
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Digital Cameras and Why Sensor Size Matters
- Keywording and Captioning
- Digital Workflow
- Histograms
- Pricing your Digital Images and Services to publishers
- Promoting Your Digital Images
For your convenience we offer three variations
of this product. The electronic edition is delivered immediately by email when
you place your order. The CD edition is mailed to you (shipping is included).
The hardcopy edition is a printed and bound edition mailed to you (shipping
is included).
Guarantee:
If for any reason you are not satisfied with your market letter or other business
aids from PhotoSource International, please let us know and we will issue
you a refund for issues not received or the unused portion of your order.
$24.95
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