Thoughts on Editorial Photography
[by Suzanne Sease and Amanda Sosa-Stone]
The whole question is print dead? We don’t think so – it may have slowed down, but it’s still alive and kicking (as far as we know). With O Magazine, Parent Magazine, New York, Real Simple (Amanda’s desk), Esquire, New York, Vanity Fair, Bon Appetit, Time, National Geographic as well as others (Suzanne’s Desk) sitting on our desks, we can’t help but notice there is still a pulse. We are seeing a lot of new ads in the magazines as well as new names in photo credits! Which reminds us- a photo credit is worth so much more than the fee. It is being seen by millions of people a lot of them creative and buyers who are looking for ideas in photography! We found many photographers for assignment shoots this way.
Take for example Bob Croslin. Florida photographer has been swamped with editorial work for months now (going from ESPN to Men’s Fitness to Tennis Magazine). So the question is – is there a reason to pursue editorial. Of course if you like taking pictures to tell a story. Is it viable? Ask Bob!
There are some professionals who still to this day only shoot editorial and live only on that. Editorial often use photographers who they trust and know. But do not be afraid to get out there and introduce yourself. Emails can be overwhelming. Find other ways to connect with those Photo Editor’s and Art Directors who hiring. Just quoted from James Mullinger, Photo Editor, GQ was written on A Photo Editor via Wonderful Machine Photography Blog…”juggling up to 30 shoots at a time, sourcing thousands of pictures… And when I get through the month without dropping a ball, I feel satisfied for a second or two. And then it all starts again…”.
Now that is what we call a heartbeat with a strong pulse.
Amanda Sosa Stone and Suzanne Sease consult with photographers around the world assisting in marketing and presentation efforts.
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Interesting, I wonder if the new names on photo credits are photographers new to the business and practically free to hire because they want to be published?
I have been able to make a living as a full time staff photographer for a magazine publisher but I recently moved so I’m on my own now and wondering how much of my income will come from editorial. It’s what I love to shoot and what I’m great at but I’m very concerned about making a living in editorial that I’m a freelance photographer. I feel forced in a way to expand to other avenues such as portraits, maybe weddings, and was advised recently to not even call myself an editorial photographer but instead a commercial photographer because commercial photographers make money.