turned down by local paper....

[troyer16]

:( :( :(
I sent them a nice email because last year i was approached about doing freelance work for them but i was already headed back to college. Well i sent them an email, very nice and professional, and a week later i get this "we have no openings". Didn't even ask to see some work :( oh well

[Steve Parr]

Don't sweat it.

How "local" a paper is it?

I've done some work for some very small local papers, and the pay wasn't much; I was doing it as a resume builder. You got paid slightly more if your photo made the front page.

The large local paper, the San Diego Union-Tribune, truly has no openings...

[troyer16]

pretty small, the whole county has a population of about 48,000. Not sure if that includes the university here or not.

[Gary_Evans]

What about sending them photos that they might use on a regular basis - eventually you will get used. And once you have that foot in the door it may well lead to better things

FWIW, when people apply to me with words and no images they always get a standard "no openings" letter. A photographer should always send images

[blackshadow]

I'll second the you need to supply some images comment; who contacted you about doing some freelancing? I'd call them directly and ask if they have a few minutes for you to come in and have a chat to them - take some photos with you... the personal contact usually works a lot better than an anonymous email.

Also don't lose hope; I had tried to get a foot in the door with Australian Rolling Stone magazine and all calls/emails to the editor didn't even get a reply but then out of the blue I got a call from him asking me to submit some photos... be polite and persistent and if you are up to scratch the doors will open.

[Croasdail]

Do you know how many of these types of calls/emails they get from soem bloke who has a camera. Just be more persistant, send some examples.... do a spec shoot, prove your self. If your a college student, also ask about internships.... many ways in that building. Keep at it.

[liza]

Why don't you go there in person? That tends to make a better impression than an email. It worked for me. :)

[troyer16]

So should i email them back politely with examples? Even though they already said there were no openings. I dont have the name of the person who contacted me last year because i wasnt too sure what freelancing was. Wish i still had it.

[tcphoto1]

Our Industry is a series of job interviews and auditions. The rejections far outweigh the successes. Try to learn from this and refine your approach. It is about having persistance and developing your style, both technical and personal. If it was as easy as picking up the phone and saying, "I'd like to work with you" anyone could do it. It's only after you establish a track record that this approach might get you in the door.

[cosworth]

When the space shuttle crashes in your front yard and you get the first pics of it, they'll have openings.

Take some shots to impress htem.

[R_Metzel]

When the space shuttle crashes in your front yard and you get the first pics of it, they'll have openings.


:lol::lol::lol:

[troyer16]

When the space shuttle crashes in your front yard and you get the first pics of it, they'll have openings.

Take some shots to impress htem.
:lol: :lol: :lol: lol gotcha

[Monito]

Build up a dynamite portfolio where every picture (8 to 16) looks as if it belongs on the front page. Study front page photos every chance you get, and use the same ideas (not direct duplication) with family and friends for models.

Then take you portfolio into the office in person at a time when the most people are likely to be present, but not when deadlines for the next edition are near. Show it to whoever will look at it, even the receptionist and photographers, but most especially to photo editors. Be personable and upbeat and make personal connections. Repeat monthly, with new material.

50% of success is showing up, but the other 50% is sticking around.

[troyer16]

thanks for all the help everyone. Im really going to put an effort into this. Quick question, should my portfolio i show them be completely editorial/photojournalism shots?

[Monito]

should my portfolio i show them be completely editorial/photojournalism shots?

Yes, or simulated ones, provided you are confident you can show up on a scene with little preparation and get a similar shot in a hurry.

[troyer16]

Ok thanks for all the help :) I think i may stroll downtown sometimes too waiting for some action

[thedruid]

May not even remember who you are so you got the standard reply...newspapers have stringers banging on the door all the time, you noramlly need to go to them not the otherway around.
Just chalk it up to a life experience and if you really want to work with them send a portfolio in and get your name in fornt of the editor.

[Mike R]

Get hired by their competition and let them see what they missed out on by not hiring you.