Cash from Your Camera Tips to Make Money from Newspaper Photography
Posted: Friday, March 26, 2010
by Wayne Turner
21 Steps to Perfect Photos
As a freelance photographer one of the easiest ways to get your images published is in your local newspaper. The downside is that its not easy to get paid for them, or at least paid enough for your efforts. But it is possible if you know how.
There is great opportunity if you have the time and are prepared to go looking for the right photographs. The most difficult place to get published is of course on the front page but if you do then the cheque should be really good. But, we aren't always in a position to be first on the scene of a crime or watching a disaster happen or a celebrity in a compromising situation. The paparazzi are like vultures and have most celebrities covered 24/7 so unless you want to join the pack then stay clear of this.
The one advantage to the current economic times is that because budgets have been cut, there are fewer staff photographers on newspaper payrolls which opens the doors to good freelancers. If you are prepared to work hard at getting great images and develop a reputation with editors, there will always be opportunities for you.
So where can you look for newspaper work?
1. Tabloids
Right at the bottom of the food chain are the tabloids. They look for photos of celebrities, pretty girls and in some, crime scenes and gruesome photos. If you have the stomach, can watch your back and deliver good images you may be able to make a living. You may need to try get into an agency first as they have open doors to the editors.
2. National newspapers
Here the competition is the fiercest, but don't be discouraged, its not who you know or how many times you've been published but rather the quality of your work. If you have a unique image then you're the man or woman of the moment. A dramatic image on the front page of a national newspaper can make you and your bank account.
3. Local newspapers
These are not as glamorous but your chances are much higher because there are fewer photographers vying for the editors attention. They pay less but your chances of getting published more often are higher. Its much easier to get photos of local interest than national interest. The downside though is that their budgets aren't that high for freelance work so you need to focus on content rather than quality. The photo must tell an immediate story and because the quality on newsprint is not that great, you can't have highly detailed images. You need to think newspaper before you shoot. Bold dramatic subjects are important.
4. Community newspapers
These papers are often subsidiaries of the large local papers focussing on community issues and news. Payments are token and often all you will get is a credit, But, and the big but is that you get to develop a reputation and a track record of publication which is very important if you are to develop career.
So bottom line as with any industry, work hard at you skills and develop a positive attitude to rejection and persevere.
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For a free report on how to make cash from your camera CLICK HERE. Do you want to learn about photography in a digital world? I've just completed a brand new e-course delivered by e-mail. Download it here for FREE by CLICKING HERE Wayne Turner has been teaching photography for 25 years and has written three books on photography
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