Applying for freelance photographer for Indianapolis Star...

[samckitt]

Today I spoke to the director of photography at the Indianapolis Star. I called him because I am interested in taking photos at sporting events, (races, basketball, football, etc). He wanted me to send him some pictures of what I have done. So what type of pictures do I send? I don't have any of sporting events. And do I write up some type of resume? If so, what kind of information do I give?

Thanks,
Scot

[robertwgross]

You want to send photos that are your best work, and which are appropriate to the subject at hand, like sporting events.

A brief biographical paragraph might read like this:
"Joe Smith showed interest in photography at an early age. After an education in veterinarian medicine, he pursued nature photography for ten years, with wildlife photography of most interest. Joe attends numerous photography classes and workshops and has begun tutoring in a photography class for children. Joe's work has been published in ____, ____, ____, and local newspapers."

---Bob Gross---

[12345Michael54321]

I called him because I am interested in taking photos at sporting events [...] So what type of pictures do I send? I don't have any of sporting events.
Please don't take this the wrong way, because I'm not looking to be nasty or to give you a hard time, okay? But if you don't have any photos of sporting events, are you sure you're prepared to take photos at sporting events for the newspaper?

It occurs to me that perhaps it would be a good idea to concentrate on sports photography for a while, gain some experience, and only then offer your services as a freelance sports photographer in this field.

I'm not saying you have to be a master of sports photography before you can offer to freelance. But don't you think at least some halfway decent sports photos would get you taken a lot more seriously by the Dir. of Photography at the Star?

Sure, you may have better access to these events if you're affiliated with the newspaper, but even with no special access, you ought to be able to get some solid photos at some level of sporting events. (Even quality images of the high school's junior varsity girls' field hockey practice sessions, beats no sports images at all.)

[jimtfoto]

Agree with the previous post ... in a my job at a newspaper I have interviewed people looking for job as page designers ... those that have a portfolio backing up their skills as a designer would be given precedence over those that didn't ... it would be the same thing for the director of photography given a choice between a couple of freelancers, one with a portfolio of sports shots, the other without ... shoot some events, pick your best and present them ... good luck
jim

[robertwgross]

It will be a hell of a lot more convincing to show two photos of a high school girls junior varsity soccer match, if they are stunning, rather than ten professional sports match photos that are mediocre.

---Bob Gross---

[samckitt]

Ok I guess I am in search of high school sports now to take some shots. Anything in particular to stay away from? If I get the ticket this weekend I will be going to the Brickyard 400 & will be setting about where the start/finish line is behind the pits. I am also renting a 100-400 L lens so I should be able to get some shots therre.
Thanks,
Scot

[robertwgross]

High school sports?

Find the team that has the most brightly colored uniforms.

Alternatively, find the team court or field that is the nicest.

It probably won't be the cross country track team. It might be a pole vaulter or a sprinter. Basketball is good, if you can get enough light.

---Bob Gross---

[IndyJeff]

Ok I guess I am in search of high school sports now to take some shots. Anything in particular to stay away from? If I get the ticket this weekend I will be going to the Brickyard 400 & will be setting about where the start/finish line is behind the pits. I am also renting a 100-400 L lens so I should be able to get some shots therre.
Thanks,
Scot

Well if anything should happen in the pits like it did last year, where a car spun and a tire flew up in the air and you get the shot, between the media center and the track is the Star office, right next to the victory stand. Don't wait until the race is over, get down there and ask for Greg Griffo. Tell him you got a high view of the incident and ask if he would be interested in it. Chances are he will already be looking at his own peoples shots of it by the time you get there tho. If they use it that will be a feather in your cap and put a good light on your name for getting your foot in the door.

[samckitt]

Greg Griffo is the guy I spoke to on the phone the other day.

[IndyJeff]

I wondered if it was Griffo you spoke with. Maybe if you are down for one of the other days, stop in and introduce yourself. Tell him where you will be on race day and offer to bring anything you get to him for a looksee. Make sure if you bring something down, it is something spectacular, something you think may make the front page. Don't mention you got advice from anyone about introducing yourself, he might like the idea of intiative to do it yourself.

Race day would not be a good day to do this tho, he will be busy and might not have the time to meet you.