Silverman Loc: Michigan

Just looking for insight about "Editorial Photography", Please provide positive information that I might be able to benefit from and possibly make this field of Photography a Retiree's Income source.

Capture48 Loc: Arizona

First you need to define "Editorial Photography" This is different things to different people. What is your photography experience, and what do you want to shoot? Are you looking to shoot for publication? What kind of income do you need in retirement? All these things need to be considered.

If you have no professional photography experience, I doubt anyone would hire you as a retiree to shoot professionally for them. State a Federal parks photographers for example will hike many many miles and camp for days to get a single shot. This type of photography is generally a middle aged or younger mans game, not for a retiree. This is why I asked what you want to shoot?

Silverman Loc: Michigan

Thank you "Capture48" for your reply;
I am a Newbie to DSLR Photography, with my new used Nikon D3300 Camera. I enjoy creating Family and Friends memories, Sunrise & Sunset images, eye-catching landscape, images, etc.
I have read some info about possible Editorial Photography and granted it is a field that is quite difficult to break into, although it is possible, finding the right market for my style of images, so I do agree with you partially, but I cannot succeed unless I try, Correct?
So, I will continue to investigate this field of Photography and hopefully I will find a place for Me.

Bill_de Loc: US

Moose Peterson is a professional wildlife photographer. He is one of very few who has been encouraging to folks who want to get into the 'business' of photography. Look up some of his writings on the subject.

One thing I remember him 'preaching' about is the number of publications on the market that cover a narrow subject, have a relatively small circulation, and a small budget. They often publish terrible photos. They can be a way to get your foot in the door, and provide you with some tear sheets.

Pick a subject, or subjects that would interest you, learn all you can about them, and do your homework. Then start approaching them.

IIRC, Peterson got a boost by getting permission to tag along with a group of scientists studying the California Vole.

Of course, your photos will have to be better than what is already being provided.

Best of luck.

--

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

I would create a digital file on your laptop or Ipad of the Editorial Photography you have created as "Samples" of what you can do. Then, I would make a list of potential places in the Michigan area. Hook one client and then you are on your way. You can succeed.

mallen1330 Loc: Chicago western suburbs

Editorial photography is the photography that appears in newspapers and magazines that is NOT advertising photography. It is financed by the newspaper/magazine, not by their advertisers. It can be in any genre (photojournalism, fashion, portrait, sports, landscape etc.)

IMHO, this business would be tough for a "newbe" to enter and be successful.

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

I disagree. If he has a great portfolio, I think a reasonable person would give him a assignment to see how he does. IMHO

mallen1330 Loc: Chicago western suburbs

I was responding to the OP who said:
I agree, it's not impossible, only difficult.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

rpavich Loc: West Virginia

It appears that even under the best of circumstances it's difficult to break into this field.

If it were me, I'd have fun shooting pictures and treasure them or give them as gifts and leave it at that.

http://petapixel.com/2013/07/09/the-economic-realities-of-editorial-photography/

Jer Loc: Mesa, Arizona

I freelance for newspapers and Publications and the field is dying.

Jer Loc: Mesa, Arizona

I freelance for newspapers and Publications and the field is dying.

via the lens Loc: Northern California, near Yosemite NP

First, you would need to learn how to shoot very "sound" photography: this means, if you have not done so, studying composition elements as a very basic start. Also, practice using your camera to its fullest potential, which means knowing how to operate it in all situations. After this, you can begin to build a resume and your skills.

Building a resume takes time and patience. There are many approaches. It also takes skill and a bit of luck. You might begin by attending events in your area and then emailing the newspaper editors and offering your photos for free (other photographers will not be happy with this approach but it is a good starting approach). I did this and got a half-page photo of an Amgen bicycle race into the paper. It was a decent shot but also a lucky shot as I was just figuring out my Nikon D7000 and almost did not focus the shot correctly. I have also gotten other work published. Do be prepared to hear "No" many times, but do not be daunted by it, simply move on.

Also, you might try entering photography competitions around your regional area. If you get something in or win something this goes on your resume. Try your local fairs in the beginning and move on to juried shows after that.

As your resume grows editors and others will begin to see you as an accomplished photographer. Photography is hard work but a labor of true love for many of us and I assume for you as well.

This approach has worked well for me and it could work well for you, too, but it does take time. There are, of course, a small percentage of people who may be able to do this type of thing quickly, but I think for most of us we have to build our skills and resumes over time.

You might also build a website and order cards, as this makes you appear more "professional."

JohnSwanda Loc: San Francisco

The types of photos you say you like to shoot is what a great number of amateur photographers shoot and would like to sell. They have to be really exceptional to get any notice. You are better off finding some specialized subject you are interested in and concentrate on that.

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

Editorial photography defined... https://hayleysladeprofessionalpractice.wordpress.com/2013/03/18/definition-editorial-photography/

Editorial photography is basically used to illustrate "soft news" stories... Both the stories and photos are generally done with less deadline pressure, more time and planning put into them. Often editorial news and the photography to illustrate it is opinionated. Think of magazine articles and their illustrations.

It is not the same as news photography, which tends to be short-deadline work, capturing current events and publishing quickly. News stories and photography are supposed to be "fair and balanced", not opinionated or biased, but allowing the reader/viewer to make up their own mind. Think of newspaper front page stories about what happened yesterday.

Ten "must-do" tips for editorial photographers... http://photography.tutsplus.com/tutorials/10-practices-every-editorial-photographer-must-know--photo-14450

To the above tips I'd add:

11. ALWAYS get signed model and property releases.

There's lots more out there on the Internet. Google "Editorial Photography".

But there are basically two types of Editorial Photography: assignment and stock. With stock, you take photos on your own and offer them for sale. The stock photo market is absolutely flooded now that everyone has a camera and thinks they take shots that will sell. As a result, stock photography is cheap. It's also popular among the media, because of it's low cost. You basically have to take a crapload of very good photos, be constantly adding more, and maintain a large library of stock photos in order to make enough sales to make it worthwhile.

Assignment photography is just that... the photographer is asked to make specific photos and may even be part of the process developing the story over time. It's more of a "problem-solving" discipline, calling for a lot of skill and flexibility. It might be work done in a studio, down the street or on the other side of the world.

Note that commercial photography has similar major categories... stock and assignment... And it tends to pay much, much better. Advertisers pay well for use of photos. Some photos can and are sold both for editorial and for commercial use. Some are taken under assignment and then later sold as stock for other purposes.

9 out of 10 photos sold as stock or done on assignment are photos of people. So you must be comfortable and efficient working with, directing and photographing people.



Taking that all into consideration... best of luck in your efforts.

A four year degree from Brooks Institute of Photography and/or a Journalism degree; $20,000 to $40,000 additional and more professional camera gear; and five or ten years "paying your dues" at an hourly rate working for a newspaper or magazine or ezine or service like the Associated Press (during which your employer would own the copyright of every image you make) would be a good starting point.