Freelancing

[mikedugganphotography]

So this might sound like a silly question or it might be one that has been asked over and over but I'm wondering.

How does one get into freelancing and having their photos accepted by newspaper and local print media?

Would be interested in the thought and suggestions of those that are currently freelancing and also those that are interested in giving it a try.

[OsmosisStudios]

Step one is to talk to your local news agencies.

They all run things differently, so they'll all have a vaguely-similar-but-altogether-different approach.

[AtlantaTerry]

Most likely your local newspapers don't want to pay much.

A better plan in the long run is businesses. They have a need for good images for use in their advertising, public relations, website, etc.

1. Don't give away your work because you are new. If you do how will you raise your fees over time? Also undercutting the existing local photographers won't win you any popularity contests! If anything, charge MORE than the competition!

2. Retain your rights. Only sell (license) to the client what rights they need per image. What new photographers have to learn is their image library is their retirement plan. The magic phrase is "shoot for stock". Any images not licensed to the client are yours. Just because a client pays you does not mean they own everything. Research this and know what you are doing.

3. Beware of any agreements that say "Work For Hire". That is supposed to only work for a firm full time and have benefits like dental, health insurance, etc. Since freelancers are not full timers we have to rely on ourselves for dental, healthcare, etc. Also if you sign a WFH agreement then *anything* you shoot could be considered to be owned by the client - even if it was shot on the way to the location. Every one of my invoices has pre-printed on it "Not A Work For Hire" so if there is ever a question I can show a past pattern or history of not accepting WFH jobs.

Terry Thomas...
the photographer
Atlanta, Georgia USA