AboutMark Gluckman Expertise I can answer questions about all social photography (wedding, corporate, b`nai mitzvah). All general questions about 35mm photography, films and digital.
Photojournalistic and travel photo questions can also be asked as that is another specialty of mine.
Experience
Past/Present clients McDonalds, Sprint, GE, Ford, NBC, IBM
I have worked for The New York Times, USA Today, AP and dozens of other international and national publications.
I have shot hundreds of weddings, b'nai mitzvah and corportate social events.
Expert: Mark Gluckman Date: 2/21/2008 Subject: how to show my work to desired clients
Question QUESTION: After 8 years of working for a newspaper, I went out on my own less than a year ago. I've had some success but not where I want. I think of myself as a documentary and portrait photographer. I would really like to work on editorial assignments concerning news, travel, features, places, people, etc. and also do photo work in the music industry. What's the best way to get my foot in the door to various publications, at least to show what I can do?
ANSWER: Dan,
I went through something that was similar about 20 years ago. As you probably found, everyone wants you to shoot for free or very cheaply. Here's the big question to ask yourself, are you willing to shoot almost anything to stay a freelancer or will your pride get in your way?
I freelanced for the NY Times, AP and USA Today for years along with the weddings, magazines and some corporate stuff. What I soon realized was that I could support myself easily shooting more corporate (read that conventions), weddings and fundraisers. There's nothing wrong with having a camera in one hand, a cocktail in the other and making $200 an hour. I slid into some of this stuff through luck, but also I traded some of my services for everything from 6 days shooting the rapids on the Green River in Utah to car repair to airline tickets.
Find some organizations you like and volunteer (non-profits are always looking). After they like your work, start charging, if they can't pay..sorry Charlie. I work for many non-profits, they pay a non-profit rate, and then during the year, I will donate a shoot to them.
Put together a portfolio in the field you are most interested. If you want to be a generalist photographer which most newspaper shooters are, give your portfolio a very large representation of your work. I don't know if being a non-specialized photographer has hurt or helped me in my career. I pretty much shoot everything: weddings, corporate, children, any social event, portraits, etc. I don't shoot anything in a studio, high fashion, product, etc. I don't have the patience. If you are used to the speed of photojournalism, slow meticulous shooting makes you crazy.
Pricing is also very important. Don't sell yourself to cheaply. Know what the prevailing rate is in your city. Call a wedding photographer as a client and see what they charge and for what. Call a commercial photographer and pose as a client, etc. Be prepared for a month or two with no income at any time. Always live below your means..if you don't have a job for a while make sure you have a stash to carry you through.
I hope this helps.
Mark
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Thanks for the quick response Mark! Would you suggest cold-calling or emailing these organizations or using direct mail? I'm also wondering if I should look into getting an agent. By the way, you can see my work at http://web.mac.com/danvidetich
Thanks again!
Answer Dan,
You're very good (I went to your site), and that's going to be your problem. I assume you'd like to keep shooting the same type of things..politics, sports, journalism, etc. I apologize for assuming your lack of direction was connected to talent. In order to grow you may have to get out of Des Moines or, at least, start approaching agencies as you mentioned..Black Star, etc. You will never be able to shoot with the variety and freedom you have now. Clients want certain things and at times do not appreciate being overly creative.
I was shooting some grip and grins for senators' re-election campaigns. I shot what the client wanted and some other images I felt were really interesting. However, the client wants the grip and grins and the good stuff goes into the portfolio.
Getting back to your question..snail mail is the best. People feel that if you take the time to actually write a letter (with a brochure or sample CD) you are serious. Follow the letter up a few days later with a phone call. I'd send a CD and a letter to some of the major news magazines..that's your style. You do understand...yes you do..that the work involved to make $50/$60k a year with a news magazine or agency is brutal, while shooting corporate with cocktails is not much work. Choose what you want to do, you certainly are no tyro, you know your stuff.
Pick the direction first..then put all your energy in concentrated marketing.
