In this world of increasingly oversaturated photography and quick, disposable ideas, it’s hard to get your work in front of the right editor to give it the opportunity it deserves. Editors are constantly inundated with ideas and proposals, and it’s their job to sift through all the noise.
How can you make sure your work doesn’t just blend in with the crowd? Here are a couple tips I’ve found over the years that will make your work stand out and get your photos published.
Develop personal relationships
Above all, having a personal relationship with an editor is by far the most important thing. You don’t even have to have met them in person, but it is huge to introduce yourself before simply throwing stories or content their way. Send a light and brief introduction email, a sample of your work, and maybe some hints at what you’ve got going this year.
I’ve worked on several projects for the Photo Editor of Surfer Magazine, Grant Ellis, who shared some of his own insight on getting on an editor’s good side. “If you’re passionate about getting published in a specific magazine, open the lines of communication with some of your best work. Low res jpegs are best so they are low impact on the photo editor who is getting submissions all the time.” Don’t panic if you don’t get an immediate response, advises Ellis. Instead, “be polite and persistent and make sure every image is well labeled with all your info and all the subjects’ info. You never know if the photo editor might have it on hold and will pull it back up for something.” The idea, as Ellis explains, is to “make it as easy for the photo editor as possible.”
Be reliable
If you’re brought onto a project by an editor, writer, or anyone involved with publishing your images, be reliable! Meet deadlines, be honest, deliver what’s asked and grow from there. If you can’t deliver what’s requested, don’t lie to better your chances, they’ll can the project and hire someone else next time.
Be consistent
Reaching out periodically will help to ensure that editors keep you in the back of their mind for assignments, and remember your quality of work. The more you’re on their radar the more likely they are to reach out you to ask for certain images or content you’ve shot.
Network
Build a network through friends and clients. Keep in touch and, as I said before, stay consistent. Networking is one of the biggest if not most obvious paths to growth. Networking allows you to grow in size as well as scale up clients.
“The best way to contact me would be to cover all bases, and make sure I see at least ONE of your promo efforts.” says Brad Smith, Founder of Brad Smith Creative and former Photo Editor of Sports Illustrated. “Your first choice, which is also the hardest, is to call and make an appointment and meet in person. Barring that, a mailed promo card is still a solid option. And I recommend one image for that, not a collage. Next is the email blast, which is very hit and miss, so just keep sending them. Also, any open portfolio reviews are a huge plus, but a very limited audience. I also have people reach out via social media, such as my Twitter, Facebook and Instagram accounts. I usually respond to those as well. The key is to be persistent, and positive. And never, ever, complain about someone not responding. Go for it.”
Stay passionate
My personal philosophy with photography is, at the core, to give images a life. Create stories that have value and have a lifespan longer than just the initial assignment.
Regardless of your successes or setbacks, keep the fire alive and let the dream take time. Nothing happens overnight. Be diligent and have a vision in your work and opportunities will arise.
