BetterPhoto Q&A
Category: New Answers

Randall & Kay Branham		How do you respond to a publisher How do you respond to a publisher who has awarded a contract to someone who wants to use your images in their article. The publisher has agreed to view my work, and if it is acceptable they will use my images . I have yet to talk to the publisher, should I contact them or just let the author talk for me. This could open doors for me and I don't want to blow it . Many Thanks Randall To love this question, log in above April 03, 2006

Mark Feldstein		Hey Randall. I responded to your first question. As to this one, and to be more direct about it: Unless the author happens to also be your duly authorized representative, then YOU, not your daughter, should contact the editor directly to discuss this and any other projects they might be interested in seeing whether you qualify for. Never, EVER let someone else speak for you under ANY circumstances unless you're prepared to abide by any representations they make and deals on your behalf. If they do and you back out of them, then both of you are going to look like chumps and they'll just go on to the next photographer, probably one the editor already has a working relationship with. seewhatimeanhuh? Mark To love this comment, log in above April 03, 2006

Randall & Kay Branham		Man I'm impressed you are Johnny on the spot, and with the right answers too. Thanks Mark I appreciate all the time you spend answering everyone's questions . I think its greaaaat . To love this comment, log in above April 03, 2006

Mark Feldstein		Johnny? LOL !!! Well, thanks Randall. My pleasure. To add to what I mentioned earlier, keep your portfolio fairly focused or concentrated in an area or two, like people and architectural/scenics, or at least directed toward the main subject matter of the publication(s). You're right in that these are how lasting relationships with publications evolve. Just for the record, (I'm sure you realize these things but for those who read this and don't), once you get a foot in the door, so-to-speak, with any publication, make sure you deliver what you agree to deliver and ahead of schedule. Editors like that. Your word is part of your stock and trade. If you misrepresent, that's how they'll remember you as the door hits you in the ass on the way out of their offices. Be familiar with the technical aspects of the publication. Ask questions like how they want the work delivered, ie, film, scanned, mounted, not mounted, resolution, etc. Suggest, perhaps offer to shoot something a few ways, but don't try to art direct your own projects if they assign you to work with an art or creative director. That's a death knell. But always try and deliver more than you are required to deliver. Give them lots of choices. Editors and creative types like that. And lastly, as I tell students these days (when I'm fortunate to be able to teach), it used to be that there were more publications, hence more editors to help mentor new(er) photographers into the editorial racket. Nowadays, there are far less publications, far less editors, more assistant editors who are constantly hard-pressed for time, and they don't want or need or have time to mentor anyone. Lastly, be prepared, be flexible, and if you're going to be arrogant, make sure you've got sufficient years under your belt to support whatever level of arrange you're trying to lay on whatever art or creative director. LOL !!! OK, now WHO STILL wants to be a photojournalist???? Class???? Any one.... Take care Randall. Mark To love this comment, log in above April 03, 2006

Randall & Kay Branham		Thanks Mark Sage advice and I'll take it Randall To love this comment, log in above April 04, 2006

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