You could get a fixer in that location to help you with projects like this. A local stylist may be able to help you as well.
this post was submitted on 23 Oct 2023
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Are you independently wealthy and want to do this as a hobby?
Because this isn't economically viable unless you get youtube famous somehow.
I completely understand. I’m a 20F (not necessarily well off haha) But I do plan on doing this as a non profit / for profit some how working with different organizations.
Many many people want to do this, very very few clients/customers want to pay for it.
Good luck out there.
I find it slightly confusing what you want to do. Usually photographers who shoot for NGOs are serious documentary photographers and not really wanting to do quirky fashion shoots with the locals. NGO photographers are interested in travel work and that in some way is part of the brief. You seem to want to cover quite a few areas, that in itself isn’t bad (i like the ambition!) but i think you really need to nail down your intentions and aims for any trip.
For sure! I’m definitely going to nail it down a bit more. It’s completely new. I’ve done fashion editorial photography for about a year and want to take that within traveling now.
In my mind I want to: Do editorial travel photography were I take quirky fashion shoots of locals and or doing street photography in the area to get a grasp on the culture. (This would be for my own personal interests)
Then for the financial aspect (because we do still need to live): I plan on opening a non profit to teach my skills to students in these areas that want to learn creativity. It would be photography of course, and my other gifts such as dance and fashion. This would require a 501c3.
I would really suggest either working as a photographer / staff for an NGO first, it’ll be paid experience, gaining valuable local knowledge. An NGO / Not For Profit is still a ‘business’ and dealing with bureaucracy / money / business can be complex in your own country let alone on other continents.
For sure!
Ok so here goes........I applaud the idea of opening a non profit in the area you go to to teach creative skills. That's admirable. You absolutely have to understand what the locals have access too, how to use it. You wouldn't go into a community and teach them how to use a expensive camera, if all they could hope to ever get is a point and shoot. Be aware of your surroundings and limitations.
Someone said local areas, get a fixer, I personally use the term contact , but the idea is solid. Someone in the area who is known and knows the area. Will give you access to other people. It's a he knows, she knows type of situation. Some places you would never go without a local, unless your goal is to get kidnapped or robbed.
On the fashion part , it's polite to strike up a conversation with the person, be generally curious of their situation and be polite, if you ask to take their photo and they say no, that's fine, don't push it.
Do you give copies of the photos to the individual? if they want them, also it is polite to offer compensation, it could be material or monetary if they want. Some will say they want nothing, it's still polite to offer. Also this is going to sound horrible, but you need a release signed by them saying it's ok to use their image, especially if it will be viewed worldwide in a publication.
How to start. Find a publication or area of interest you enjoy. Find a company established that fits your vision, apply. Start from the bottom and understand it's going to take awhile to get to the position you want. Do what needs to be done, change the trash, edit photos, be an assistant, learn from others.
You could be an independent, if you have the money yourself. That's fine. One thing I've seen is independents do some of the dumbest things imaginable for a thrill....honestly if that's your goal....don't do it...
There's a story to be told, what's your goal. Is it to show the local area, people, culture, conflict at hand....decide this before you go...some you'll have plenty of time to carry lots of gear, some it will be just you and your camera.
Things will change in a moments notice, be prepared to adapt to your situation, weather, conflict, etc. you'll have shots you have planned you won't get, you'll have ones that you didn't and will...be flexible.
One strange tip in all this is be humble, remember it's about the story at hand, not about you or the publication you are working for. These are people and places, they have feelings, local customs, be respectful of those ....
Good luck to you in the future, hopefully someday I'll see your work in a publication.
First, thank you for giving me so much advice!
This was definitely a concern I had, the materials the countries had. I was thinking of getting small point and shoot cameras with the grant money I received for the 501c3. I’m thinking of starting it up in the states (I’m from the states) and then creating contracts with organizations in those areas and teaching it there. (If this is even remotely possible. Still going to figure that part out.) This may maybe open up a possibility in the near future for me to open up my own location for it in another country.
Where do you think I can go to find contacts/fixers?
I for sure would try to do a contract with the people I’m photographing. I would hope it wouldn’t make them thrown off too much, and they decide to not do it anymore. But we’d see, I want to go that route to make sure I’m respecting the local and also being ethical!
The end goal is to be independent! But I know for sure starting off at a publication would work. I’m just not sure how that process works completely. Are publications based for travel photographers? Would I join a fashion publication? I’m going to research on it, and if you have any other suggestions or generalized things of how it works, I’d be so open to hearing!
Thank you so much for the tips 🙂 this really motivated me.
Welcome.
First sounds more like charity, maybe non profit. Unless you charge, price would be difficult. Depends if and what anyone might want to pay. Being a teacher.
Contacts are from fellow photographers or on assignment. Sometimes locals can suggest someone.
End goal is to be independent, good goal, own shop or classes.
You live in America, you could try whatever state you are in, they may have a tourist board or something. Might try to get in there. It might be the start you need. Also newspapers, worth a try. You'll need sometime to work your way up.
One thing I often hear, is how to get a job with a major publisher, magazine, etc. Someone starting out.you may get an internship while in college, if it's in your area.
It's going to take a lot of work, even years, keep your eye on the goal. It's going to be tough. But you can do it. When you see your photo finally on the cover of a major publication. It'll be all worth it. And you'll probably buy a ton of copies and share them with EVERYONE you know...
Yes I was for sure thinking a non profit. I always wanted to be in education, but not in such a traditional way. So I think teaching it on my own teaching plan rather than following a district based district where I wouldn’t be able to fully teach what I would want.
Okay so contracts would be a photographer to photographer basis? I was more so thinking, once I get the business off the ground, I reach out to schools in the areas, orphanages, etc to work with the children to create a contract with them maybe for a quarter basis to do the services I provide.
Also with internships, im thinking of attending a missions school this upcoming semester where they equip me with starting a for & non profit business over seas, and it includes an internship overseas to get me set up in the exact field I want to be in. So that may help as well!
That’s such a dream! I can’t wait to get there. I’m ready for the end goal, and what comes with it.
Contacts are between photographers, contracts are between people you may photograph.
But sounds like you have a good goal in mind and have thought about your end goal. That's great.
Keep that enthusiasm, it's a good thing.
Ohh I see, you were referring to contracts based on photographing.
I was more so turned the conversations into speaking on how to get contracts with other businesses to teach.
My apologizes haha! Thank you so much. ✌️
Welcome, contracts with businesses if that's your goal, will have to be between you and the business or school. Lawyers, etc.
The examples you have posted look more like a fashion shoot for a teen magazine, not what I would consider travel photography. Those kids are paid models, if that is what you are after then most major cities will have model agencies that may be able to help.
Otherwise
how often are locals willing to do things like this?
It very much depends on where you go. In some places kids, and even adults, will fall over themselves to get in front of your camera, in others they are more reserved. In the case of the former you will probably find it is a bit like trying to get cats in formation. If you are hiring from agencies though, you will get people who have a bit of modelling experience.
Do you have any experience of travel? Have you been to any of the places where you think you would like to work? Perhaps you should narrow that down a bit and then look at what options are available.
I want to pursue editorial travel photography with a mix of street and documentary.
You will need a nose for a good story. Because the first question an editor will ask when you present you pictures is "What's the story?"
Ahhh I can definitely see this route as well! I think when it comes to more so editorial photography in the link I sent, working with an actual agency would work much better.
I also love the idea of photographing and storytelling a local’s life, following a local around, their home life, and documenting that. This would consist of me most likely needing a fixer (contact) to help bring that to life. If you have any advice there please let me know.
I also love the idea of just street photography, taking photos of locals on the go, and it’s not so much a “pose for the camera” feel. Rather I’m getting things in the action and documenting as I go. The only fear I have there is how ethical it is, if locals catch you doing it how would that work, etc.
And for working with an editor for a story, are you referring to using my work / working alongside a fashion publication, newspaper, etc? I was thinking of doing most of my work independently, sharing it via social media, selling prints, and making books based on the story I’m trying to sell. What’s your advice there? I’d love to work with fashion publications though, which may open up more doors for opportunities.