Tell a story

Take a look at this picture:

What does it tell you?  Is it a great sporting moment or is it just another picture that could have been taken anywhere?

The above pic could well have been taken anywhere.  It is simply an image of Stiaan van Zyl batting and tells us nothing.  It may be OK as a file image or stock for an article but it is definately not worth sending as a news image filed from an event.  Your image must tell a story.  It has to be different. Remember you are competing with every other freelancer and ALL the agencies and even the muppets who give away FREE images just to see their name in print.

Think about the following when filing images:

What was the event?

How is your image going to get that message across to the readers of a paper or magazine?

Why would a publication use this image?

Is the action in the pic the right action that tells the story so far?

Are you sending this image just because you have to file so many pics from the event?

Struggle to answer these questions?

Then don’t send the image.

Every time you send a weak image you lessen the chance of being published or being commissioned!

Sell and Market your images through our website

If you are already covering sports events and want to find a way to get your images to the media let us help. We have links to all local and national newspapers in SA. We have ties to agencies in Australia, New Zealand, The UK and Japan that syndicate our images for us. If your images are of a professional quality and meet our submission criteria they could start to earn you money. If you are covering an event with international importance then we can assist with over seas sales. Image are normally supplied on a non-exclusive basis so we really just become another outlet for you. You retain the right to publish and sell your images to existing clients. This effectively doubles your selling opportunities. If you are already at an event then there is no risk to you. Send us some pics and let us work on your behalf. Contact us for more details regarding submissions.

Want to be a Sports Photographer?

Hi Guys,

Many people think that being a sports photographer is the most glamorous job in the world. Well it is really good fun but a serious amount of hard work. There are many people here in SA that want to be a full time sports photographer. This Blog is meant to be a platform that will assist those that “can” to realise their dream whilst also being a bit more realistic for those that need to try harder.

Let me know what you think. You can:

Add comments

ask for feedback

ask technical questions

ask how to questions

This is meant to be a platform for discussion and learning.

Enjoy!

Cheers

Ron