Shots to send to Editor for a PJ position on a local paper ?

[iwatkins]

Hi All,

Local paper has a vacancy for a photographer for a six month period. The current photographer is going off on maternity leave for this period but plans to return.

I'm looking at taking six months out of my job for the same period and would love to have a go.

The advert for the job even states that although experienced press photographers are invited they will also consider non-pros (I'm geussing at a much lower pay scale).

I've always wanted to have a go at this and as I'm now 33 years of age, I think it is time I started to do those things I've always wanted to try before it is too late.

I'm happy writing my CV, covering letter etc. However, they suggest that you may also include some of your recent work.

However, what would you include ? I take a wide range of photographs from documentry shots of people in towns, through to landscapes, through to macro and everywhere in between.

Do I include only those shots of the type associated with press. I can easily gauge this because I read this paper every week anyway. Or do I include these plus a few other non press type shots or do I include a full range of my work?

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Cheers

Ian

[stopbath]

I've never applied for such a job, but I would guess you should put on your "editors" hat, and go through your images - see what would print well as a photo to a story. If the newspaper is solely Black and White, concentrate on black and white or at least colour that translate well into black and white.

Include a good range of pictures (since stories can be about anything...) but keep it managable (if they really like the first photo, you don't want them to forget about by the time they finish!)

[sdommin]

Since you are familiar with the paper and the kind of photography they do, I would suggest that your portfolio consist of similar shots. In most newspapers, that would mean "people shots" - kids playing ball, people at a fair, etc., etc. I gather from your post that you will be sending in photos vs. a personal interview, so try to keep your landscape photos to a minimum. In a personal interview, you could take a few landscapes out at the end to show your versatility, but most papers are not looking for that kind of thing. If you have some sort of new twist on the regular people-type shot, include one or two of those, but on the whole, your portfolio should stay pretty conservative.

[IndyJeff]

I would have to agree that you want to take in images that the paper would likely use. Around 10 photos should do, try people shots (close up tight headshot and a group indoors and outdoors), maybe something looking down Main St with good depth of field, and at least one each of an action i.e. fire, rescue, police arresting someone who is fighting back, and at least one maybe two sports shots.
When interviewing a potential photographer an editor is going to be looking for good quality naturally but, they are going to look more for a picture that captures the moment and tells a story by itself. Remember the most copied picture in the world? The raising of the flag at Iwo Jima, also the fireman carrying the child after the Murrow building bombing in Oklahoma City. Take something like that. LOL Doesn't everyone have a shot like those in their portfolios? LOL
Also be sure to have an equipment list and a good resume. Make them both short and to the point. The less he reads and gets the most info he can get the better.

Good luck.

p.s. Tell him you belong to this messsage board. If that won't impress him .....LOL

[ssim]

I certainly applaude you for taking a run at this. Too many times in life we pass opportunities because we are in a "comfort zone".

I cannot offer much more than what has been said here except for the one time that I did try this (many years ago) I didn't have the kind of good equipment that I do today and I failed miserably. It took me awhile to get over that one. It was for a part time position in a local weekly community magazine and I took in way too many images and overloaded him with a 6 page resume (now they call them cv's).

Good luck....

[Yance]

Include shots like they use for your portfolio. Generally you want spot news, sports, event photos, environmental portraits, and documentary-type pictures. Pick the technically best as well as pictures that are creative. You really have to stand out from the crowd so don't include mediocre pictures.

[GenEOS]

Your main objectve is to convey to them that you can shoot anything they assign you. You want to submit a couple images of all types of work. Even your macro shots proof you can handle things their reporter with a point-n-click cannot.

When I first started, this is how I did it. I had a few landscapes, a few sports, some motorsports, some portraits, and some human interest shots.

[timmyquest]

I cant offer any advice honestly but i thought i've give my .02 on wishing you a good luck.

For most of us here who arnt pro's i think this would be blast to dab into a differnt aspect of what we love.

Hope it all works out.