From Basingstoke to Bangkok: a photographer’s journey

The latest edition of the Bureau of Freelance Photographers newsletter carries a two-page profile of yours truly.

It’s a brief summary of how I got started as a travel photographer and includes some hints about how to approach making stock image sales.

One of things I mention in the article is the fact that joining a trade association can be really beneficial. Indeed, the BFP is a good source of leads for anyone looking to sell their own work to UK print outlets and the annual BFP Market Handbook, which gives details of UK magazine and publishing outlets, is now in it’s 25th year of publication. BFP membership is relatively inexpensive and the regular newsletter, as well as including articles about ruggedly handsome international photographers, is a terrific source of news and information.

Also recommended is the UK’s Association of Photographers. It’s a bit more high-brow than the BFP and where the BFP newsletter is likely to tell you who the current editor of Steam Railway Monthly is (Danny Hopkins), the AOP newsletter is more likely to carry an in-depth profile of some ethereal advertising photographer. However, the AOP has a host of terrific resources for working snappers, including their “Beyond the Lens” book, which gives guidance and advice on many of the most important aspects and business practices that will benefit a pro photographer.

Finally, the Stock Artists’ Alliance is a group that promotes and defends the rights of photographers who sell stock images. If you can forgive their contribution to the death of the apostrophe, you’ll find them to be a friendly bunch with a lively forum. In all seriousness, the SAA are staunch defenders of intellectual property rights and have become an important voice in the sphere of stock photography. Check out their complimentary [Key]words magazine.

You can download a scan of the BFP Profile article below, courtesy of my good friend and wildly talented Natural History photographer, Nic.

If you read to the end you will no doubt find entertainment in the fact that I exhibit perfect timing and uncanny foresight when I describe Bangkok as being “a great transport hub”. I know, spooky isn’t it.

Download: BFP Profile Feature