ok, so you have a camera that takes good photos and you're getting the itch to make some money with it so that you can spend more. where do you start?
here's one thing you can do: start collecting the free weekly papers they have just outside the grocery stores and drug stores. bother only with the ones that are produced locally that have obvious ties to the community.
what you're looking for is the type of images and the quality of images they usually publish. sometimes, you can get a good idea with just one issue; sometimes, though, you need to get 3 or 4 to be able tell. exactly what are you looking for? primarily, whether or not they can tell the difference between quality work. it's one thing if they can't tell the difference; if that's the case, it's just not worth it. on the other hand, if they can tell the difference, but seem to have room for improvement, then there might be an opportunity for you.
so, how do you tell? bascially, are the images consistently crappy, or is it inconsistent with there being some really good ones here and there, but not all the way through out? sometimes, these publications run crappy photos just because they don't have access to any good photography--and that's where the opportunity is for you.
once you've identified an opportunity, it's not simply a matter of showing up and announcing that you're there to supply them with better images than what they're currently publishing. no, it takes a bit of tact and finesse. after all, that crappy photographer might be the editor's wife or sister or son or uncle. possibly the easiest way to handle it is to try to recreate for yourself some of the images they've run. after you've satisfied yourself, print out a good sampling of your work and arrange a review with the editor. all you are looking for is an opportunity. if you're stuff is as good or better than what they're used to running, then you should get a chance. sometimes, you might have to ask more than once, but, as long as they can tell the difference, it might be worth it to keep after them. on the other hand, if they really can't tell the difference, don't even bother. in fact, run the other way. why? because you'll only be running the risk that they will make you look just as bad as the images you saw.
i'm getting ready to go through this same process myself. i've identified a possible client, and i'm fairly confident i can do better than what they're currently doing. the challenges for me are 1) identifying whether or not they can tell the difference, 2) determining whether or not they care, and 3) selling myself without stepping on any toes.
you can check out my opportunity in this thread. if you run across similar opportunities and you want some feedback, feel free to post them here.
good luck!
Message edited by author 2007-06-04 18:31:05. |
