I Have Some Fantastic News...And, Uh, Not So Great...LOL--My Photo Work
By pyewacket
@pyewacket (43903)
United States
February 27, 2008 8:31pm CST
Well as many of my friends here know, lately I've been doing a lot more work with my photography, which is why I've been a little more MIA here lately. I've been emailing like crazy to various places to see if I can get "nibbles" of interest in using my photo work. I still have a ton of places more to email, and will resume that either later tonight or tomorrow. Every time I email places, I direct them to my photo websites so they can get an idea of the kind of photography I have in my collection. I've been scanning a lot more photos (my slides and negatives) lately as well, which is the easy part--the time consuming part is the tweaking of my images at Photoshop. On top of that I've also been sending completely "electronic" portfolios of a few places that seemed interested in seeing my work--you might recall my "nervous wreck" discussion. And, oh, it's not so nerve wracking now as I've got it already down to a system.
I did get my first rejection from one company, but that's to be expected and I'm not discouraged, in fact I plan to send a new batch of photos to them....even in my heyday of when. I did send work years ago I got rejections and got used to it...I just picked myself up, and moved on to the next place.
NOW...the great news...one place hit off. I sent twenty of my color images to a magazine, called Creative Thought which is like a daily inspiriational type magazine by Religious Science International which is an affiliate of Science of Mind (founded by Ernest Holmes)I got an email back from the photo director, and she's interested in using not one, not two, but NINE of my photos for covers of their upcoming issues...yipeeeeeeee! Nothing has been finalized, but I'm waiting to hear.
Ah...the bad news though...I won't get paid at least not with money but with complimentary copies...now yes I could do a major groan about this....In the "market" aspect of photography, and in most places I could have yielded at least $100 per cover, per issue...so yes, I'm out of a lot of potential money there..but..I look at it this way...It's experience, and exposure of my work...who knows where it might lead to? Maybe someone seeing my photos on the covers will be interested in contacting me for a paying photo job--but at least it's a start in the right direction for me...like I said...exposure of my work in published form--
Okay..to turn this into a discussion..Did you ever have some kind of similar opportunity, where your work was "recognized" and given credit and exposure, but you had to accept as a gratis status? Maybe something that was able to lead to better things??
13 people like this
22 responses
@byfaithonly (10698)
• United States
28 Feb 08
First let me congradulate you - for getting over the nervous wreck stage and for getting some positive feed back. That exposure could be worth thousands down the road.
I have in fact been recognized for my work but accepted work on free gratis - my writing lead me to doing a weekly women's newsletter (author & publisher). I did this for almost 4 years and it was a great success but a lot of work, I enjoyed doing it though and the 'pats on the back' were worth the effort for me.
4 people like this
@byfaithonly (10698)
• United States
29 Feb 08
The newsletter was 'Women to Women News' W2W is the women's group at my church. The group has been active for over 15 years and a normal year there are between 75-100 women. The leaders of the group came to me and asked me about doing a newsletter - they wanted something they could share with new ladies that came to the church as well as ones that might miss the weekly meettings. They pretty much through that out and left the rest up to me - I did the graphic design (logo), layout, and over the years had a few ladies contribute now and then but for the most part it was all me. I did save a copy of each issue (printed them out at the church) but they are packed away. I have the orginals on a disc someplace also packed away but will come across them sometime I'm sure. Some of the 'regular' features were a scripture of the week, an article on "Inspirational American Women", a word search puzzle, a joke or something funny, and a recipe. I would also include articles on special speakers we had speak to the group or overviews of studies we were doing. My main goal was to keep it interesting for the ladies who did attend the meetings but also light hearted (not all preachy) and many of the ladies used copies of the newsletter when inviting new ladies to the group - show them how much fun and interesting we were without bible thumping as I put it.
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
1 Mar 08
I just have to tell you this. I worked on a local "newspaper/newsletter" myself years and years ago..this was back in the late 1970s and early 1980s. It was called Our Block and was the Block Association's paper. I started out by offering my photo services to them...they didn't really pay me per se, except for cost of film and paper I was using. Well after a while they kind of talked me into doing the layouts as well and I would usually go to someone else's home connected with the paper and we do the cut ups and paste ups for the paper...then I got asked to also write articles...yes, I got conned in a way to do a lot, while they did nothing....The maddening part and I was furious about this was this....in 1980 I had to go to the hospital for an operation, so I wasn't available obviously to do any work on the paper. Well when the next paper did come out I asked what happened to that article of mine that I had written before I went into the hospital that was supposed to be in it, and the one sanctimonious woman (whom I couldn't stand that worked on the paper) said "Oh, well you weren't here to work on the paper so we nixed the article"..Uh, duh,...hey lady I was in the hospital...after that I left..
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
29 Feb 08
What was the newsletter? Have any copies as I'd love to see one. Yes, I'm definitely over the nervous wreck phase...LOL. And true, this is my first "gig" and gratis but never know where it'll lead from here
2 people like this
@GnosticGoddess (5626)
• United States
28 Feb 08
That's both great news and disappointing news!
I can't believe they want to use 9 of your photos for free!! That sucks but it is exposure like you said :)
I thought that getting my work published through poetry.com would be the same thing but I realized that was crazy.
I wish you luck and I know that paying gig will come along shortly! You're photos are wonderful! And I'm glad you didn't let the rejection sway you :)
4 people like this
@GnosticGoddess (5626)
• United States
29 Feb 08
That's good :) Plus we must remember that not everyone views art the same.
3 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
29 Feb 08
Hehe--no the rejected company didn't faze me..I'm used to rejection...part of being in the "art" field--while never pleasant, one gets used to it..just got to keep plugging away there
3 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
29 Feb 08
Well who knows? Maybe the next place I send portfolios to will be a paying one...most are..I'm just happy to get my work recognized and published again
2 people like this
@polachicago (18716)
• United States
28 Feb 08
Overall, this is great news.
I noticed very new trend in photography during the last two years. It is all about shots that most of us is not taking.
The new trend is similar to paparazzi shots, when you take the most unusual photos of daily living.
Second trend is for pictures altered in Photoshop for HD photography.
Exposure is always good because can bring potential customers.
I get the best referrals after free services.
Take care,
HUGS
@polachicago (18716)
• United States
29 Feb 08
It takes more than just camera to take a good shot.
I have one friend with great camera, but he has no clue how to take good shot.
Same with stock photography. I am on few that offers set up fee per shot.
The need for good photography is still there, but is HD now and demanding for clarity is a key.
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
1 Mar 08
Oh I've known plenty of people who have great cameras and haven't a real clue how to work them well to get a good shot..some seem to think that having a great and expensive camera will instantly turn them into pro photographers
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
29 Feb 08
Oh I'm fully aware of the "trend" in photography....the "generic" photos that were popular years ago are no longer popular...which unfortunately is the bulk of my work...LOL. A lot of the problem lies with the digital revolution so anyone with a fairly decent point and shoot camera can be a photographer..the second thing...the invention of the dreaded microstock agencies like iStockphoto...it's cheapened the worth of photography in general..if a client can download a photo for only a buck or two, why would he/she want to pay a minimum of $100 or more? Uh, I guess you can tell I'm not a fan of the microstock industry...LOL
1 person likes this
@AmbiePam (85484)
• United States
28 Feb 08
Hey that is great Pye! You are so right in how you're looking at it. You have something to show other places that you have been published recently, and they can see how stupendous your work translates into print. You already have so much experience. When your work comes out in that magazine, can you tell me how to get a copy? I want to get a copy, find your photos, and then write the magazine about how much I loved certain photos. Namely a couple of yours. I'd brag on more than two, but I don't want to be too obvious. Maybe they will get the hint that people want more of Pye's work!
4 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
28 Feb 08
Hehe..depending on how many copies they send me I could mail one off to you directly...I'll give you the address though of where you can write to them...I'll email you about this. Yes it'll be great to have "recent" published work under my belt to show off...hehe Want your copy autographed??...LOL
3 people like this
@irishmist (3814)
• United States
28 Feb 08
Congrats! You have worked really hard to get your work out there. I also know you will climb the ladder of success! It is a shame you won't get paid though, but you are right someone will see your work and want you to do some work for them. Exposure is everything.
4 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
28 Feb 08
Yes exposure is everything and something I can add to my resume...hey, others looking at my resume't know I wasn't paid for it
2 people like this
@bobmnu (8157)
• United States
28 Feb 08
I started with the local paper by submitting photos gratis. I did ask for credit when the used my photo. I now have a part time job taking sports photos for them and people are calling me for copies of my work. It works out sometimes. Good luck.
3 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
28 Feb 08
Hehe..what kind of camera is that you holding in your avatar....believe it or not I'm still using my trusty thirty year old Nikkormat EL-W..hope to get a digital naturally and maybe the Nikon F6 film camera as well.
Yes quite often gratis work can lead to something else
2 people like this
@ESKARENA1 (18261)
•
28 Feb 08
bugger the discusion congratulations to you on your amazing good news my friend I know how much it means to you. Im sure it will be a first of many
blessed be
3 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
29 Feb 08
Thank you Eskarena...love that word..."bugger"...hehee
2 people like this
@bonbon664 (3466)
• Canada
29 Feb 08
That's fantastic! It's really tough being an artist, photographer included. You have to endure a lot of this type of work till you become well known. As you know, the only way to do that is to get "exposure" (pun intended..lol), so, although you're not getting actual cash, people will see your work, and ultimately that's what you want.
3 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
1 Mar 08
Hehe..yes I do need the exposure. I do know what it's like to "endure" and was published with my work from 1980 to 1996...then a circumstance in my life occurred that put my photo career to a screeching halt...so now back to getting my work published again...who knows where this freebie gig might lead though, right?
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
1 Mar 08
Thank you and yes, Bev I am very proud :)
2 people like this
@smurfettewv (359)
• United States
29 Feb 08
Congrads and free issues is a great thing youre name will be out there and others will see your work. you can do so much with your digital photos I bought a ebook on ebay for a dollar on 33 ways to make money with digital cam and it had great source of informtation also a great place to sell your stock photos or to photo events is photostock.com you get a free trial and it is a reasonable amount should u decide to use them for your seeling of photos and the photos are yours wtermarked by you with their software
3 people like this
@simplyman2006 (1706)
• India
1 Mar 08
congrats for that . well never wanna say sad wrd to anyone and i am not gonna say to u too. look u refused by one company . donot worry. i know that "people who work hard they get hard money" so i know one day u will get really big amount of money.
3 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
1 Mar 08
I'm never discouraged about the rejections...just means I need to plug away even harder...one day it will pay off
2 people like this
@charms88 (7538)
• Philippines
29 Feb 08
Wow black cat, I'm hat off to you. I can understand very well your passion for photography. Albeit, you won't be getting any payment for the 9 photos nevertheless your high spirit will eventually lead you to a more potential prospect.
I started attending ballet classes when I was 5 years old and eventually, the Directress recruited me to be part of the ballet company. This means free tuition fee. For as long as I can remember, dancing is my first true passion as I never got tired of it despite the gruelling practices, the bruises, the frustrations and the will to perfect our craft.
Never once are we given any payment for all our hard work but you won't hear anyone complaining. No sooner when I hit High School that I started traveling around the world with the company. We weren't required to pay anything and here's the best shot...we were given an allowances for each Country we visited and performed.
It took me 10 years before seeing the fruits of my labor. 10 years may seems too long but I never once regretted the path I chose to spent my teenage years until my early 20's. :)
3 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
1 Mar 08
I'm so glad to see my little bunny friend here again! Oh, I happen to know the grueling world of ballet as I studied it for awhile ..LOL...I've always loved ballet and to me is one of the most beautiful forms of expression in dance. That was wonderful how you were able to be part of the ballet company and could have it tuition free, and then to not have to pay anything for when you were touring with your company..can't get any better than that, right? :)
2 people like this
@teapotmommommerced (10359)
• United States
29 Feb 08
Yayayayayayayayayaya for you. I think you are on your way up to bigger and better things. I hope you do not forget us little people when you get famous. hahahaha
I have traded work for gratis. I think we have to help each other out. I think the exposure is great and I think it will look great for your portfolio.
I know you cannot pay the electic bill with gratis but I think you will come out better in the end.
Good luck.
Your friend
3 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
29 Feb 08
Thank you teapot...oh, goodness of course I'll remember everyone when I get famous...Hehee..Yes this exposure of my work, even though free, will be great for me..never know who might see the photos and want to offer me a nice big paying job
2 people like this
@weemam (13372)
•
1 Mar 08
it is a shame you are not getting paid pal , but this is one of the best ways to sell your work , People will see it and comment on it , well done and all the luck in the world pal , They say everything comes to him/she who waits
Brilliant pal xx
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
1 Mar 08
LOL..."They say everything comes to him/she who waits"...I've been waiting a long time...hehee
1 person likes this
@Lakota12 (42600)
• United States
28 Feb 08
once in school my art teacher sent in a picture I had drawn to someplace he said I got good reveiws but I did nt see them and later I saw it in a pattern of marerial hmmmmmm I didnt get any pay for it! think it was like 7 years later.
Other than that I am not all that creative
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
29 Feb 08
Whoa! You could have sued the company for some kind of copyright infringement as that picture was used without your permission
1 person likes this
@Aussies2007 (5336)
• Australia
28 Feb 08
This is only my opinion base on my own experiences...
People only truly appreciate your work when they have to pay for it. When they get something for free... they don't attach any value to it. As usual... money speak a thousand words.
When I am painting for people... not only they pay me... but cover me with compliments and recommend me to their friends.
When I had my site "Aussies-Online"... I listed 7000 businesses for free in order to get the site going... and everybody took me for granted. Not only nobody would pay me... but those who said thank you for the free listing were far and between.
If you want to give them your photos for free... do it... but don't expect anything in return... and make sure that they don't steal the copyright from you.
Quite frankly... if I was in your shoes... I would give them one or two photos at the most. If they want the others... they can give you something. Surely... if they can afford to print a magazine... they can afford to pay for your pictures. Is it a free magazine?
3 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
28 Feb 08
I've actually have worked or should say submitted photos to them in the past (have a scanned copy here of the May 1987 issue)...most religious type organizations do operate this way, and no it's not like this is a free magazine for people to subscribe to, and yes, one does keep the copyrights--it's not like a worldwide "exclusive" rights but one-time rights which means I can get the photos published over and over again.
Yes, Aussie I do value my work, and yes, do expect to get paid for it, but sometimes one does have to bend the "rules" a little bit as I said, it could lead to better things (especially paying)--most of my published work in the past was paying
2 people like this
@someonesmom (5761)
• Canada
28 Feb 08
Hi pye,
Congratulations on your success. This is so wonderful for you, and I'd love to see 'all of your covers' once published. Do they have a website, where I'll be able to view them? I think this will be great exposure, and even though the money would've been amazing, it's still well worth it. I'll e-mail you ASAP, and wanted to respond to a few of my friends here, before heading to bed. Take care.
3 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
28 Feb 08
They do have a website but you really can't see the covers of any past issues...I was looking myself..LOL. But once they are published I can scan the copies myself and then add them to my photo website then people can see them there
3 people like this
@Winter08 (441)
• Canada
28 Feb 08
As I'm not creative in any way that could result in my work being "recognized", this response to your discussion is for the following purpose:
Congratulations!!!
As a first step in revitalizing the publishing of your work, it may be "gratis", but NINE acceptances (even if from ONE source) ... wonderful.
And aren't NINE and ONE significant numbers in numerology?
Congratulations!!!
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
28 Feb 08
LOL--nine has always been a favorite number of mine and I think it is my numerology number
3 people like this
@trickiwoo (2702)
• United States
28 Feb 08
Wow! What great news!!! And yes, while you won't get monetarily compensated, it is great exposure! You can put those magazine covers in your portfolio to show that your work has been published! You've definitely got your foot in the door and you could go on to great things! I am currently working on building up a strong portfolio of images and would eventually like to start submitting to magazines! Hearing about your experiences has definitely motivated me to work hard and really get moving with this, so thank you very much for sharing! And I wish you the best of luck in your endeavors!
3 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
28 Feb 08
Well here's wishing you a lot of luck and success too! I'm actually also writing an e-books on how to market photos...At least to hopefully give tips on how to go about it. Heck, I'm still learning the new "rules" of the game myself--so much different than years ago.
2 people like this
