by A. South

Created on: December 14, 2008

The only thing better than taking photos is selling photos. Believe it or not, getting your photos published (and paid for!) is easier than you might think. The key is knowing who to contact and, of course, taking great pictures.

1. First things first, learn the style and flavor of local publications. Learn what they need, what they publish, whether or not they use freelance photographers. Contact editors and have a portfolio ready.

2. Be willing to be paid a low rate at first. Some community papers pay just $50 per photo. That may not seem like a lot, but once you forge a relationship with the editor, you could be taking 10 or more shots a week, and eventually you can ask to up the rates.

3. Before shooting and trying to sell your photos, familiarize yourself with the photo policies of each publication. Get copies of photo release forms. This is especially important if taking photos of children.

4. If possible, spend time with your subject before shooting. This will increase your comfort level and the subject's comfort level, and help you understand their perspective and story. Both will lend to better photos.

5. Familiarize yourself with your environment as well. Plan ahead, look around. Utilize your environment if at all possible as well.

6. Develop your contacts, especially if you're working for local publications. You can't be everywhere all the time, so your local contacts can be your most valuable sources for photos. Get to know your local police, firefighters, highway patrol and soccer moms. Keep a scanner nearby and your camera handy.

7. Always be thinking about the next great photo and the next front page. Never think second-rate.

8. Remember, if you turn in bad photos, they probably won't use anything at all. Photos that are out of focus, blurry or too dark will end up in the trash.

9. Ethics are also a consideration. Decide your ethics ahead of time, before you're asked to take photos of something questionable (accident victims, etc.). Remember, if you're taking photos for local publications you will see your subjects later on and work with the same editors over an over. Establish your ethics and don't bend from them.

10. Photo opportunities come in everyday events. Go to: community theatres, tee-ball games, daycares, parks, vacation bible schools, homecomings and proms, children's plays, community fairs, holidays, craftsmen's workshops, spot news events, etc. A good photo can make any ordinary event look extraordinary.

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