Approaching Magazines

[Ted Zombek]

Group,

What is the best way to approach magazines for editorial assignments?

Thanks,
Ted

[Paul Hansen]

Bring some cupcakes, whiskey, and some $20's.

Wait, no, I'm kidding. Brownies and rum work best.

;)

Direct, courteous approach with a portfolio of about 20 good images if you are only going to do photography. Most of the magazines will want text as well, though, so a story or two would go a long way.

Cheers,

Paul Hansen

[Daniel Buck]

I didn't follow through with it (as I was busy at the time) but I sent an email to the editor of HotRod a few years back asking the same question (what do they look for in a freelance photographer) along with links to 4 medium resolution digital files. His response was to send him similar files (or prints) that covered an entire event/shoot so that he could evaluate the photos as a whole, not just a select few that like I had already shown him.

Not sure if this was a BS response just to give me something to do, or if it's really what they look for. (I was mostly surprised just to get an email response back) Not sure how other magazines/editors would respond, but that was his reply to me.

I was only asking about photographs, not editorial stuff. I suppose if you sent a few samples of your writing (like do a few 'features' on your own, to have a few examples to show) that would probably be a good place to start. He seemed to be interested in consistency, not 'one hit wonder', so if you had a few examples of your writing that would probably be better than just one.

I'm sure others could answer better than I have (those associated with magazines), but I thought I'd share what I was told.

[Curtis Creager]

What worked for me may not work for anyone else.

Subiesport is a locally owned mag and I approached with a no strings attached option. I contacted the publisher we had a short conversation I let him know I was going to the Subie-Fest II show in Portland and that I was planing to shot the event even though he already had four photographers covering. I told them I would show my work afterwards and if they like it we could talk and if not thank you for your time he agreed....a working interview of sorts. I didn't need words, just images showing some action etc.

Well It worked they like what I got and used 13 images covering the show and I got paid for my efforts not bad considering he could have just told me no thanks we have it covered.

I feel that this worked for me only because the mag is locally owned and published Washington state about 30 minutes drive from my house. I made a personal connection with the publisher I also showed him a samples of my work as Daniel pointed out.

On a side note...
Through the 70’s & in to the early 80’s my father was the managing editor for both CarCraft and Motortrend magazines. I have always loved this insane & crazy world of publishing...but mostly the art department. It’s been a long time but I’ve saw hundreds if more images on the cutting room floor from seasoned staff photogs. Its a tough business as I'm sure Mr. Segal and others can attest to.

Good luck and don't let rejection stop you from achieving your goal!

[Jacob Leveton]

- make contact with the editor, ask what their need / budget is for freelance photographers and writers.
- shoot a car(s) or an event(s) that fits into the demographic of the magazine. Include a 200 to 300 word summary to entice the editor.
- send some proofs (don't attach them in an email, host them somewhere).
- follow up with a phone call 2-3 days after the email.

Once you've gotten a break or two with some magazines, making your next contact will come easier.

Also, when you're at events, ask other photographers who they are working for, and exchange business cards. While they may not need your photos from that event, they may need photos of similar events or cars in the area. Sometimes the photographers are just visiting for that specific event and can't squeeze a feature shoot in that they want to get. Othertimes, they would rather pay a freelancer to shoot certain regions than to have to fly all over everywhere and cover events.

[David Adolphus]

I'd say: not BS.

What got me an interview was a complete shoot of a single car, along with an original, although unrelated, feature-length story.

I didn't follow through with it (as I was busy at the time) but I sent an email to the editor of HotRod a few years back asking the same question (what do they look for in a freelance photographer) along with links to 4 medium resolution digital files. His response was to send him similar files (or prints) that covered an entire event/shoot so that he could evaluate the photos as a whole, not just a select few that like I had already shown him.

Not sure if this was a BS response just to give me something to do, or if it's really what they look for. (I was mostly surprised just to get an email response back) Not sure how other magazines/editors would respond, but that was his reply to me.

I was only asking about photographs, not editorial stuff. I suppose if you sent a few samples of your writing (like do a few 'features' on your own, to have a few examples to show) that would probably be a good place to start. He seemed to be interested in consistency, not 'one hit wonder', so if you had a few examples of your writing that would probably be better than just one.

I'm sure others could answer better than I have (those associated with magazines), but I thought I'd share what I was told.

[Daniel Buck]

I'd say: not BS.

What got me an interview was a complete shoot of a single car, along with an original, although unrelated, feature-length story.

I was kind of figuring that. Since it took him almost a month to reply back to me, I figured if he actually replied after a months time he was probably giving an honest reply.

He was also kind enough to answer a few of my other questions, mostly about what type of gear they use, and what the file size requirements for full page images were. (at the time I was running a 1D, 4mp, and he said they were using the Nikon equivalent 4mp body, instead of film)

[Ted Zombek]

Thanks for the response.

I have a little editorial experience, several vintage Porsche publications and the feature article for the Monterey Historics a few years ago. These might help.

Ted