Is this a photographic book. Right off hand I can think of two the burning girl, and the burning house. Queen of flames. Is the book just photographs? Is it a story?
mikusmikus
joined 2 years ago
Welcome, contracts with businesses if that's your goal, will have to be between you and the business or school. Lawyers, etc.
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.
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...
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.
Your first magazine publish, is always the best, make sure to get plenty of copies for family and friends. Keep some for yourself.