Growing Opportunities

There have never been so many opportunities for photographers as there are today. 

Not even ten years ago visibility of a professional photographer's work was limited to four or five reputable publications. If you weren't being published, you would only be seen in your local area. Without the magazines there was no opportunity for extended exposure and the demand for business was limited to local athletes and models.

Today's photographers still aspire for the prestige of being published regularly in print media. I see hundreds of submissions weekly from published photographers and new photographers looking to break into the business. I get requests to be featured in our magazine and receive many inquiries asking what a photographer can do better to have a chance of getting printed. I'm regularly told that unless they are getting published in print, their perceived level of expertise is limited and it actually affects their potential income. Photographers realize that being published in print means you "have arrived" and your consistent quality of work is at a respected level.

 (Consistent Quality In A Set Style And Format Is What Print Magazines Look For - Kyle Clarke Performing Pushdowns)

Unlike the situation photographers found themselves in ten years ago, the cycle of creative growth, with an increased audience, no longer stops at the edge of your city limits. Today there are countless ways for your work to be seen. Sure, the print magazines still represent the most prestigious opportunity but the internet is also presenting opportunities for those trying to make a mark for themselves. Webzines/websites are springing up by the dozens daily. Today, it seems everyone is pursuing their dream online with only a few sites following the high road to quality through professional conduct and use of good business ethics. 

With the increased number of fitness websites, the downside is that it's becoming harder to find reliable sources of information. It's very difficult to find sites with admin that conduct business ethically and professionally. For as little as $100 a year a person can launch a decent looking website so it's becoming more difficult to quickly differentiate who is professional and who isn't by a quick glance. Not all exposure is created equal. Far from it. Photographers and models alike need to be picky on who they associate with on the web.

(Top Supplement Companies Pay For Quality Photographers For Ad Campaigns - Model James Ellis)

A cause for concern among photographers is that there are there are hundreds of websites that illegally use photos. No credit and no payment. Some sites go so far as to crop off or mask photographer credit. This is blatant stealing. Heck, some sites hold model contests and enter anyone they want WITHOUT permission and secretly choose the winner to best benefit them. How can sites like that be taken seriously? The sad truth is that the general public doesn't realize the illegal practices and frankly, many of them couldn't care less as long as the site has new content that includes "hot models". Sadly, "models" themselves don't seem to care either and then wonder why they are not being published regularly in print media. It's a small industry and everyone takes notice of models conduct - both business and personal.

Today is the age of social media, albeit the genesis. Photographers are operating businesses based on shoots for social media outlets. Photographers, continue to aspire to grace the pages of Facebook and select websites and webzines. It's a start and your business will grow provided you produce consistently decent work. Remember though not to sell yourself short for what seems to be quick exposure. It can be a difficult decision whether or not to post that great photo you have. Posting it may bring in more business. Saving it and having it printed can elevate your career more rapidly. Neither is wrong, but please don't try to do both with the same image or from the same series. Magazines want exclusive images that will help them sell their product. Bottom line. If your photo, or one similar has been seen by a few thousand people on Facebook, then it has little value to a publication.

Photographers, when looking at webzines/websites to showcase your images, try to choose wisely and look for sites that act professionally towards yourself and fellow photographers. The value you give to your work is the value print media, as well as top models, will show you. Be selective on where your photos go, who you photograph and how.

 (Photographers Build Strong Reputations Through Professional Conduct At All Times - Model Martine Gauthier)

Today, there is absolutely no reason why you can't pursue your dream of photography regardless of the style you wish to shoot. The opportunities are seemingly endless and as the internet continues to expand and technology leads the way, it feels exciting to be at the crest of the wave - to be a leading photographer in today's world of possibilities. I encourage you to develop your own unique style and through the means available to you, show your vision to the world in an ethically professional manner.