Travel & Humanitarian Photos
Interested in knowing how to go about securing your first photographic commission? The current edition of Digital Photographer magazine includes my article on this very subject.
The article discusses things like establishing a brand, creating a memorable profile, how to approach the market, how to go about sealing the deal and how to protect your intellectual property rights (copyright). I hope that it’s the kind of article that will serve as a good introduction to these topics and which will give aspiring photographers plenty to think about as they begin to think about approaching potential markets for their work.
You’ll need to buy a copy of the magazine to read the article in full but here’s a couple of quotes to whet your appetite.
On Getting started:
“Before you leap in and start pitching for business, it’s worth allowing yourself time for a quick brain-storming session. Take yourself off somewhere quiet where you can concentrate and ask questions like “What defines my photography?”, “Who am I selling to?”, “Who is on my top ten list of Most Wanted Clients?”. Be specific in your answers and the results will help you to define exactly what your business is about, who you should be talking to and where you should be directing your energies.”
On creating a portfolio:
“Whether you prefer to go down the traditional route of creating a physical portfolio or want to show your work online, you’ll want to present yourself in a professional way. Your portfolio should present your very best work and will be judged on the strength of your weakest image. Editing should be ruthless and there’s no room in a portfolio for an image that you like simply because it brings back happy memories. Every image must stand on its own merit and those that don’t shouldn’t make the final cut. If you can recruit the services of a professional, preferably somebody who edits images for a living, then you’ll get a much more objective response than if you ask your favourite Auntie to cast her eyes over your work. If you’re looking at taking a physical portfolio, or book, around to potential clients then the presentation is as key as the quality of the images inside. Plastic Sandwich are probably the best place to start looking for good quality portfolios. Prints must look stunning so don’t skimp on production. Find a professional local printer who works regularly with pros, Spectrum Photo in Sussex are one of the best in the business and offer a proofing service.”
On sealing the deal:
“With an agreement in place, you will want to clarify terms and manage expectations. This is no time to be wishy-washy and a vague approach can lead to ambiguity and confusion down the line. Establish a written contract that defines payment terms, states exactly what you will provide and gives a definite timescale. Be specific about file types, resolutions and colour spaces if you are working digitally and set a deadline that you know you can meet. Resist the temptation to offer more than you can deliver in the hope of getting the job, be honest and your clients will appreciate knowing exactly what they can expect.”
You’ll also find information about the collaboration between Photoshelter and Graph Paper Press in this article, together with a summary of the services offered by marketing guru Leslie Burns-Dell Acqua at Burns Auto Parts. I recommend Leslie’s excellent podcasts if you’re looking to get ahead in the marketing game although I do wish she’d stop making them available to everyone, so much better if she’d just send them to me alone 
If you’re in the UK then Digital Photographer magazine is available at W H Smith and all good newsagents. If you’re elsewhere then you can buy online.
I’ve just finished reading it and it’s a great article, very insightful! Heading back for a second read to make sure I didn’t miss a bit ..
Gavin -
Looks great, can’t wait to p/u the issue. Thanks for the heads up!
I can’t wait to read the article…
Thank you for sharing this informative article.
Good luck with future work.
thanks for sharing. I am looking now for that magazine to read the full article..
Cheers