BMX photography: How to get noticed?

[Fender5388]

start by posting some example photos in this thread?

i was waiting for this, lol

these arent all my favorites, i don't post those on the internet though.

 

[Fender5388]

but yea ive been doing a lot of research and am getting a better idea as to what i need to change photo wise.

 

[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...?

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.

Well, your homework was done very well! I've been shooting full-time for the last 2 years, almost exclusively in the commercial/editorial world, I've talked to/have relationships with quite a few photo editors/art buyers as well, and my wife is photo editor. Everything you said is in near complete agreement with what I've heard from all of them and from all my experiences. Best of luck to you, hope all your homework pays off in spades!

 

[Rekd]

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

I saw that. Didn't see the insult. Didn't intend one, either. In fact, I was actually trying to help. But what ever. :shrugs:

Care to explain how that's an insult?

 

[GooniesNeverSayDie11]

See Above

I saw that. Didn't see the insult. Didn't intend one, either. In fact, I was actually trying to help. But what ever. :shrugs:

Care to explain how that's an insult?

Its what some would call a back-handed compliment, when the OP did not come here asking for your opinion on his writing and his blog. However, I didnt come here to hijack the OPs thread and waste hours arguing about it. If you didnt intend it, then I atleast brought it to your attention about how it appears to others on here. If you dont see it and dont care, thats fine. Its not my reputation, so its really not worth a big drawn out pissing match to me.

To the OP: nice shots. However, this is not "BMX" ( I am sure you know that, but just illustrating my point about knowing the needs of a photo editor.)

 

[GooniesNeverSayDie11]

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.

Well, your homework was done very well! I've been shooting full-time for the last 2 years, almost exclusively in the commercial/editorial world, I've talked to/have relationships with quite a few photo editors/art buyers as well, and my wife is photo editor. Everything you said is in near complete agreement with what I've heard from all of them and from all my experiences. Best of luck to you, hope all your homework pays off in spades!

Thanks, man.

 

[Rekd]

I saw that. Didn't see the insult. Didn't intend one, either. In fact, I was actually trying to help. But what ever. :shrugs:

Care to explain how that's an insult?

Its what some would call a back-handed compliment, when the OP did not come here asking for your opinion on his writing and his blog.

LoL! :lmao:

Ok, kid. If you say so.

 

[GooniesNeverSayDie11]

Its what some would call a back-handed compliment, when the OP did not come here asking for your opinion on his writing and his blog.

LoL! :lmao:

Ok, kid. If you say so.

Like I said, not my reputation. I don't have any personal ill-will towards you, but if you cant humble your lofty ego enough to see it, thats fine. I'm not the one that ends up looking like the jerk. Throw all the wisecrack "kid" remarks you want, you are just proving my point. You are entitled to act and say anything you want, so enjoy. :hug::

 

[Fender5388]

[To the OP: nice shots. However, this is not "BMX" ( I am sure you know that, but just illustrating my point about knowing the needs of a photo editor.)

wait what? how is this not bmx???
i'm not sure what you referring too, i've been a bmx rider for about nine years, just because its not bmx racing doesnt mean its not bmx. There are many different genres in the sport. Park ridng, flat land, street, trails, and racing.

BMX Videos, BMX Bikes, News, Photos, Pro Bike Checks, Products, How-To Trick Tips | Transworld Ride BMX

Dig BMX Magazine | Digbmx.com

Thanks for everyones advice so far, and the arguments are entertaining. hahah

I truely believe that bmx is something you have to be into to fully understand. Alot of what has been said i feel applies, but some of it i don't. but it's all good info to know for future reference.

 

[GooniesNeverSayDie11]

Bmx - Bicycle motocross. Which would be racing.
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While many magazines and people just lump all styles of biking as "bmx" thats not always the case. I would consider vert, flat and street riding to be more in the freestyle category. If its got pegs, low grip tires etc, I wouldn't consider it BMX. Like I said though, I am sure this is open to debate depending who you ask. The main point is, because you get a lead on a submission for some BMX mag, if they are a pure racing mag and you send them vert shots, they will not be working with you.

I feel like watching RAD now.

 

[mathewgrubb]

Submit your work to websites as often as you can. Be aware of good flash use and do some shoots with some big time guys for free just to get your feet in the door with them. travel with a crew if you can

 

[Rekd]

but if you cant humble your lofty ego enough to see it

Gotcha! So next time someone comes in looking for advice, I'll just blow smoke up his back-side instead of pointing out what has worked for me and how it might relate to his goals. Cuz, well, we don't want to hurt his feelings, right?

Hey! OP, you're stuff's great! No problems with your writing as shown on your blog, so if you feel so inclined, send something out to an editor as fast as you can so you can get in for the next issue! They'll love your stuff! :thumbup:

Yeah, you're right Goonie, that's much better. And doggon-it, people like me!

 

[GooniesNeverSayDie11]

but if you cant humble your lofty ego enough to see it

Gotcha! So next time someone comes in looking for advice, I'll just blow smoke up his back-side instead of pointing out what has worked for me and how it might relate to his goals. Cuz, well, we don't want to hurt his feelings, right?

Hey! OP, you're stuff's great! No problems with your writing as shown on your blog, so if you feel so inclined, send something out to an editor as fast as you can so you can get in for the next issue! They'll love your stuff! :thumbup:

Yeah, you're right Goonie, that's much better. And doggon-it, people like me!

Hey, I have no problem with your advice on trying out writing in addition. Thats a valid piece of advice albeit not the only piece, or a required option. However, at no time did the OP ask about his writing in this thread. So this has nothing to do with you appeasing anyone. It has to do with you going out of your way to demean someone. Yet again, you cannot seem to grasp that. You seem to be distorting the problem into more than it is, in an effort to dance around what you said. This has NOTHING to do with you advising the OP write. So deceive yourself all you like. I don't buy bullsh*t,even if its on sale.

 

[Rekd]

but if you cant humble your lofty ego enough to see it

Gotcha! So next time someone comes in looking for advice, I'll just blow smoke up his back-side instead of pointing out what has worked for me and how it might relate to his goals. Cuz, well, we don't want to hurt his feelings, right?

Hey! OP, you're stuff's great! No problems with your writing as shown on your blog, so if you feel so inclined, send something out to an editor as fast as you can so you can get in for the next issue! They'll love your stuff! :thumbup:

Yeah, you're right Goonie, that's much better. And doggon-it, people like me!

Hey, I have no problem with your advice on trying out writing in addition. Thats a valid piece of advice albeit not the only piece, or a required option. However, at no time did the OP ask about his writing in this thread. So this has nothing to do with you appeasing anyone. It has to do with you going out of your way to demean someone. Yet again, you cannot seem to grasp that. You seem to be distorting the problem into more than it is, in an effort to dance around what you said. This has NOTHING to do with you advising the OP write. So deceive yourself all you like. I don't buy bullsh*t,even if its on sale.

You're not getting it, are you? The OP asked how to get noticed. (Look up at the title of your browser window, or at the top of the thread, it will tell you exactly what the OP's topic was... here's a hint, it was "How to get noticed?") I told him one possible way that has proven results. Then I realized his writing was sub-par and mentioned it. Politely.

So please, again, how, exactly, is that an insult? I'll tell you what's an insult; you are an insult to those wanting to (honestly) help others. That's an insult.

So if you're done with your holier than thou attitude, lets drop this and try to help the OP get noticed. Mkthx. :twak:

 

[GooniesNeverSayDie11]

Gotcha! So next time someone comes in looking for advice, I'll just blow smoke up his back-side instead of pointing out what has worked for me and how it might relate to his goals. Cuz, well, we don't want to hurt his feelings, right?

Hey! OP, you're stuff's great! No problems with your writing as shown on your blog, so if you feel so inclined, send something out to an editor as fast as you can so you can get in for the next issue! They'll love your stuff! :thumbup:

Yeah, you're right Goonie, that's much better. And doggon-it, people like me!

Hey, I have no problem with your advice on trying out writing in addition. Thats a valid piece of advice albeit not the only piece, or a required option. However, at no time did the OP ask about his writing in this thread. So this has nothing to do with you appeasing anyone. It has to do with you going out of your way to demean someone. Yet again, you cannot seem to grasp that. You seem to be distorting the problem into more than it is, in an effort to dance around what you said. This has NOTHING to do with you advising the OP write. So deceive yourself all you like. I don't buy bullsh*t,even if its on sale.

You're not getting it, are you? The OP asked how to get noticed. (Look up at the title of your browser window, or at the top of the thread, it will tell you exactly what the OP's topic was... here's a hint, it was "How to get noticed?") I told him one possible way that has proven results. Then I realized his writing was sub-par and mentioned it. Politely.

So please, again, how, exactly, is that an insult? I'll tell you what's an insult; you are an insult to those wanting to (honestly) help others. That's an insult.

So if you're done with your holier than thou attitude, lets drop this and try to help the OP get noticed. Mkthx. :twak:

I am not holier than thou, but I can admit when I say something that may have come off as being a d*ck ( even if I don't think it did ). You apparently can't. I even gave you the benefit of the doubt after your explanation, by saying that if you didn't mean it that way, atleast I was making you aware of how it could be taken. Yet you had to come back with some snide remark.I didn't want this to progress into a big argument as I said earlier, but shame on me for letting it. Since it is quite clear that we are at an impasse, I am fine dropping it. I have said what I intended to and others viewing the thread can form their own opinions. I am not sure what the " :twak: " thing was so I don't really have any response to that, perhaps it was supposed to show up as an emoticon. I will let you get the last word if you wish... the floor is yours. As I said before, I have no personal ill-will towards you and don't hold grudges.

So moving forward, and putting this behind.

OP: It may also be good to get some mailer cards made up. Like a postcard with a bunch of smaller thumbnail sized images and your info on them. You can just send them out as a friendly "Hey, let me know if I can be of any service to you." Also, you can let them know the area that you are in incase they need someone local for specific assignments in your area.