15 Ways to get published..

Professional photography can be a very fulfilling and rewarding career or hobby. Both amateurs and students, pursuing their dream of being a professional photographer often ask me how they can get their photographs published in a regional or national publication. I have compiled a list of tips, tactics and strategies that I hope can help anyone interested in this exciting profession fulfill their dreams.

Remember, in photography there are no rules only suggestions:

1. Seek an honest and unbiased opinion of your work. Mom will always like your work!
2. Work under a professional photographer. (Get out of your comfort zone and accept constructive criticism. It’s OK to emulate other professionals until you find your own style.)
3. If your goal is to make money, it is imperative that you understand the business aspects of the world of professional photography.
4. Join professional associates and network with others who share your interests. Some professional organizations are: TPPA, PPA, and TOWO.
5. Get on every shot list you can, TX Monthly, TX Highways, TPWD and etc. Simply email the photo-editor and asked to be put on it. (They may want you to submit samples of your work first so be prepared).
6. Being good at a particular style or look can be good and bad. For example, if you specialize in birds and editors only need shots of flora; you might have a problem. Have a style, but be flexible.
7. If you’re photographic specialty is birds, get connected with KAC productions and other stock agencies.
8. Shoot RAW – Only give them (photo-editors) what they ask for and don’t give them too much. If you tweak a photo, fine, but give them the original because they may have something else in mind.
9. If you have a degree or higher education, consider teaching at a local college.
10. Think inside and outside of the box. Some editors are looking for a fresh new look, whereas others can be very resistant to change.
11. Publish a book, calendar or get your images into textbooks. Textbook publishers include: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, McGraw Hill and Harcourt Publishers, just to name a few.
12. If you are a good writer and photographer, publications are more apt to consider your material; it’s a two for one deal for them! Larry Hodge, Earl Nottingham, Dan Klepper are some individuals worth researching.
13. Keep samples of all your published work.
14. Create a web site and Blog so you can host and sell your images. Some free sites are: wordpress.com, flicker, Picasa and Photobucket. What are you waiting for?
15. Keep your day job as long as you can. Steady income is always a nice thing.