BMX photography: How to get noticed?

[Josh66]

I gotta go with Rekd on this - you never see pictures all by them selves in magazines. Pictures supplement the articles, not the other way around.

It seems like giving them the whole package (story plus pictures) would be much easier (for them) than just supplying the pictures and saying 'Here, try to fit this into one of your articles'.
Unless you were a staff photographer, where they gave you specific assignments, I think it would be very tough without the writing side of it.

edit
I just think that the 'journalism' part of 'photo-journalism' is overlooked too much...

 

[Fender5388]

i actually found this earlier today, and it was pretty helpful i think

null - ESPN

this being the specific magazine i had in mind. They probably the biggest bmx mag. So I suppose starting smaller is a good choice until I further progress, but it's a lot of good general info.

 

[GeneralBenson]

i actually found this earlier today, and it was pretty helpful i think

null - ESPN

this being the specific magazine i had in mind. They probably the biggest bmx mag. So I suppose starting smaller is a good choice until I further progress, but it's a lot of good general info.

Wow, they have pretty bad rates. A couple of spreads should be enough for a lot more than a pair of PW's. But then again, there's a big difference these days between what something should be worth, and what you'll actually get for it. Most of the climbing mags aren't much better...

 

[GeneralBenson]

I gotta go with Rekd on this - you never see pictures all by them selves in magazines. Pictures supplement the articles, not the other way around.

It seems like giving them the whole package (story plus pictures) would be much easier (for them) than just supplying the pictures and saying 'Here, try to fit this into one of your articles'.
Unless you were a staff photographer, where they gave you specific assignments, I think it would be very tough without the writing side of it.

edit
I just think that the 'journalism' part of 'photo-journalism' is overlooked too much...

Sure you do. Most mags, especially ones related to some kind of sport/activity/hobby, typically have something like a opening spread somewhere in the front of the book, a gallery section in the middle with a bunch of full page or spread images, and some kind of inside last page closing shot. Most of those are only marginally connected or completely disconnected from any stories in the book.

As for the whole package, it's not really any easier for the magazine, just cheaper. If there wasn't a writer/photographer going, then it would most likely a writer and a photographer going. So either way, the editor is still editing text and selecting/placing images. But the real difference, is that having one person do both will likely yield results that aren't as good as if it were two people. And this isn't abut skill, or trying to knock the ability of a writer/photographer to do either well. But the problem is, it's very tough to do both well at the same time. And this goes back to the thing that I've had reaffirmed by quite a few photo editors and mag editors. Most mags if they have the choice, would much rather send a photographer and a writer, knowing that they will get better results. No matter how good you are at writer or photography, you would yield better results if you were only trying to photograph and event, than if you were trying to photography it and write about it, and vice versa. The main reason mags send one person to do both, is budget. If they an send two people for $500 each, or they can send one person for $750, then mags with a tight budget will go for one. But I've found a magazine's willingness to send two-for-one people on assignments is inversely related to their budget. The higher the budget, the more likely they are to send one of each. That way they can find the best writer for the job, and the best photographer for the job, and send them both. Even if someone is a very talented writer and a very talented photographer, it would still give better results to send one person who is an equally talented writer, and one person who is an equally talented photogrpaher, instead of the combo guy. Or send the combo guy, but only to do one thing, and send someone else to do the other. You just can't be 100% committed to two things.

 

[Rekd]

i actually found this earlier today, and it was pretty helpful i think

null - ESPN

this being the specific magazine i had in mind. They probably the biggest bmx mag. So I suppose starting smaller is a good choice until I further progress, but it's a lot of good general info.

The rates aren't great, but I'm sure they'll do. In fact, I've got some shots of some BMX from the Dew Tour Championships in Vegas I might send over.

As a comparison, an international print magazine like ATV Magazine pays a min of $600.00 for an article with a few decent photos. Some of the online mags pay a hundred or two but aren't as strict and are (for me) easier to write.

And to be honest, I think it would be easier to get an editor to take your photos with an article than by themselves. If he was to buy them stand-alone they would have to be excellent quality.

 

[Rekd]

Even if someone is a very talented writer and a very talented photographer, it would still give better results to send one person who is an equally talented writer, and one person who is an equally talented photogrpaher, instead of the combo guy. Or send the combo guy, but only to do one thing, and send someone else to do the other. You just can't be 100% committed to two things.

And all these magazines are oozing money to give to twice as many freelancers and they need to.

:thumbup: GG Benson!

 

[GeneralBenson]

Even if someone is a very talented writer and a very talented photographer, it would still give better results to send one person who is an equally talented writer, and one person who is an equally talented photogrpaher, instead of the combo guy. Or send the combo guy, but only to do one thing, and send someone else to do the other. You just can't be 100% committed to two things.

Would you care to elaborate?

 

[Rekd]

Would you care to elaborate?

Here:

Even if someone is a very talented writer and a very talented photographer, it would still give better results to send one person who is an equally talented writer, and one person who is an equally talented photogrpaher, instead of the combo guy. Or send the combo guy, but only to do one thing, and send someone else to do the other. You just can't be 100% committed to two things.

And all these magazines are oozing money to give to twice as many freelancers and they need to.

:thumbup: GG Benson!

I hit submit instead of preview. Sorry.

 

[DisasterDan]

Okay first off i too ride bmx glad to see someone on here that rides. Second, in my opinion the best way to get noticed by the big companys IE: Fit, Kink, Demo, Eastern, cult, all the big shots is to just go and take pictures with them. Riders have NO problem having people taking good pictures of them. Talk to a marketing advisor for one of the companys, try to get scheduled in on a ride or an event. Sell yourself first, instead of your pictures. As you probably know in the bmx scene, "If you ride youre welcome" its almost like a big family. My method may take some work, and travel if necessary but its a lot better than just sending an email. Hope that helps a little, oh also one more thing; Cult would be a good one to try to start with because the team is always traveling around and never stopped.

 

[GooniesNeverSayDie11]

How did this turn into not only a debate about writing, but also into insulting the OP about his writing abilities showcased on his blog? We can debate the merits of quality writing when coupled with quality photography all day long, but the fact of the matter is that you do NOT need to be a writer to be a published photographer. This is a completely asinine mentality to try and push onto someone who is trying to find tips to begin pushing their material. I don't care how good you are, how many times you have been published, how cocky ( or confident ) you may be.

To the OP. To touch more on what Keith said ( which I completely agree with regardless of whether you can deliver strictly photographs, or photographs along with manuscript. ), make sure you sound, and appear professional. Be EXTREMELY SELECTIVE on what you show in your portfolio. Inquire about submissions and respect the requirements. There is nothing worse than a submission that blatantly disregards what is being asked for, and 9 times out of 10 will go straight in the waste basket at a complete loss to you. Also, familiarize yourself with the magazines you are submitting to. Analyze what they use consistently, what their needs may be, and try to supply that. One of the other problems when submitting, is being completely ignorant to the needs of the magazine you are inquiring to. Not every BMX magazine is the same, just like not every boating magazine is the same, and not every photography magazine is the same. In addition to knowing their needs, also try to look for ways to make your photos stand out a little from the pack. Maybe try some creative angles, or lighting ( don't deviate too far though ) Last but not least, be extremely professional in every aspect, from first contact, to sale, to follow up, and even when rejected.

If you have the spare cash, I would also recommend The Photographer's Market. While it is not loaded with BMX leads, it does have articles and tips on promotion and inquiring.

Amazon.com: 2011 Photographer's Market (9781582979564): Mary Burzlaff Bostic: Books

 

[Felix 222]

start by posting some example photos in this thread?

 

[Rekd]

insulting the OP about his writing abilities showcased on his blog?

I missed that part about insulting OP about his writing... Got a link?

 

[GooniesNeverSayDie11]

Of course, reading some of his blog posts it may be more of a stretch at this point, but I've seen much worse that people get paid for.
\.

[See Above]

 

[GeneralBenson]

How did this turn into not only a debate about writing, but also into insulting the OP about his writing abilities showcased on his blog? We can debate the merits of quality writing when coupled with quality photography all day long, but the fact of the matter is that you do NOT need to be a writer to be a published photographer. This is a completely asinine mentality to try and push onto someone who is trying to find tips to begin pushing their material. I don't care how good you are, how many times you have been published, how cocky ( or confident ) you may be.

To the OP. To touch more on what Keith said ( which I completely agree with regardless of whether you can deliver strictly photographs, or photographs along with manuscript. ), make sure you sound, and appear professional. Be EXTREMELY SELECTIVE on what you show in your portfolio. Inquire about submissions and respect the requirements. There is nothing worse than a submission that blatantly disregards what is being asked for, and 9 times out of 10 will go straight in the waste basket at a complete loss to you. Also, familiarize yourself with the magazines you are submitting to. Analyze what they use consistently, what their needs may be, and try to supply that. One of the other problems when submitting, is being completely ignorant to the needs of the magazine you are inquiring to. Not every BMX magazine is the same, just like not every boating magazine is the same, and not every photography magazine is the same. In addition to knowing their needs, also try to look for ways to make your photos stand out a little from the pack. Maybe try some creative angles, or lighting ( don't deviate too far though ) Last but not least, be extremely professional in every aspect, from first contact, to sale, to follow up, and even when rejected.

If you have the spare cash, I would also recommend The Photographer's Market. While it is not loaded with BMX leads, it does have articles and tips on promotion and inquiring.

Amazon.com: 2011 Photographer's Market (9781582979564): Mary Burzlaff Bostic: Books

Excellent advice. Listen to this ^ guy!

I can only assume, based off of the familiarity and authority with which you describe the above, that you are a photo editor, art director or art buyer of some sort...?

 

[GooniesNeverSayDie11]

How did this turn into not only a debate about writing, but also into insulting the OP about his writing abilities showcased on his blog? We can debate the merits of quality writing when coupled with quality photography all day long, but the fact of the matter is that you do NOT need to be a writer to be a published photographer. This is a completely asinine mentality to try and push onto someone who is trying to find tips to begin pushing their material. I don't care how good you are, how many times you have been published, how cocky ( or confident ) you may be.

To the OP. To touch more on what Keith said ( which I completely agree with regardless of whether you can deliver strictly photographs, or photographs along with manuscript. ), make sure you sound, and appear professional. Be EXTREMELY SELECTIVE on what you show in your portfolio. Inquire about submissions and respect the requirements. There is nothing worse than a submission that blatantly disregards what is being asked for, and 9 times out of 10 will go straight in the waste basket at a complete loss to you. Also, familiarize yourself with the magazines you are submitting to. Analyze what they use consistently, what their needs may be, and try to supply that. One of the other problems when submitting, is being completely ignorant to the needs of the magazine you are inquiring to. Not every BMX magazine is the same, just like not every boating magazine is the same, and not every photography magazine is the same. In addition to knowing their needs, also try to look for ways to make your photos stand out a little from the pack. Maybe try some creative angles, or lighting ( don't deviate too far though ) Last but not least, be extremely professional in every aspect, from first contact, to sale, to follow up, and even when rejected.

If you have the spare cash, I would also recommend The Photographer's Market. While it is not loaded with BMX leads, it does have articles and tips on promotion and inquiring.

Amazon.com: 2011 Photographer's Market (9781582979564): Mary Burzlaff Bostic: Books

Excellent advice. Listen to this ^ guy!

I can only assume, based off of the familiarity and authority with which you describe the above, that you are a photo editor, art director or art buyer of some sort...?

Neither, but I have talked to a few and have done my homework. I also come from a background in songwriting which consists of similar submission/inquiries and knowing how to act professional . I am sure you will get just as many people that would contradict what I said, so there is no authority to anything persae. To each their own, but I would bet you will find my advice to be pretty sound.