Do I want to Freelance?

[lost]

I have been asking my self this for a little while. I live in a town of about 70-80 thousand people. We have 2 local papers one if which I know is affiliated with the NY Times.

I really enjoy photography but can't (wife won't let me) afford some of the cool gear I want. Should I approach the local paper about freelancing? I would not even think about it but I have been noticing my photographs compare very well against what the paper is currently printing.

So should I approach the local papers?

What do they typically ask for?

How does it work? Do they call you to cover an assignment or do you find what you think is newsworthy?

Do they typically ask for a portfolio or examples of your work? (I don't have a portfolio:cry: ) But I am going to start working on one.

Just trying to find out what I am getting myself into.

Buddy

[LisaMarie]

To find out what the local papers you are interested in look for it is best to call the Photo Editor directly and ask if they are hiring stringers or on calls.

Pay will vary ( and will not be big $$ )but will most likely be on target with publications of similar size and distribution.

In most cases they will call you ( for hire and pay ) if they have something they want covered but do not have enough staff photographers to cover as well as you can always present/submit things you have found on your own to the photo editor .S/he will tell you the guidelines for submission ( submitting on your own is a chance and not something you can expect pay for )

As to a portfolio or examples of your work- that is a must ! To copy line 6 from the American Society of Media Photographers:

Be Portfolio Honest. Your portfolio should be as professional as you are. It should display your images in a professional fashion that is easy to look at and conveys a bit of your personality as well. Your portfolio should show the prospective clients something about you that they might not already know

[lost]

Thanks Lisa,

This brings me to another question. Is a portfolio tailored to an employer as a resume would be?

Buddy

[chtgrubbs]

Thanks Lisa,

This brings me to another question. Is a portfolio tailored to an employer as a resume would be?

Buddy

Yes, mostly you will want to show that you can create the type of photographs that the buyer will need. So you don't want to show Little Leage team photos to someone who need s jewelry photos for catalogs, to give an extreme example. On the other hand I always put in a few photos which showcase my creativity and originality (or so I would like to think) that show the buyer I can give them more than just the basic requirements.

[lost]

Thanks chtgrubbs,

Is an online portfolio an option these days, or do most people want to see prints?

Buddy

[LisaMarie]

If you are applying via online giving and online portfolio is acceptable.

In person you should have a nice presentation/sampling of hard copies and provide them with the information to link to your online portfolio.

Should the editor be consulting with others about your work it's much nicer for them to browse your hard copy portfolio than to gather around a computer screen.

If they consult with others via online they can share the link.

[lost]

Thanks Lisa,

I have my work cut out for me. I guess the best idea is to have both. Provide both and let them pick which format they prefer. I guess they should have the exact same pictures.

Buddy