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I get a lot of dm’s asking how I get work so imma make a thread. People treat photography like its Fort Knox & it really shouldn’t be that way at all. https://twitter.com/lnternetbby/status/1305701526258823171">https://twitter.com/lnternetb...
First and foremost, email editors. Those are the gatekeepers that control who gets to take these images. Once you get on their radar you’re set.
I usually go about it by finding who it is wanna shoot for. Say you wanna shoot for GQ their emails are typically all similar. Sometimes the editors have an Instagram and their email is there. Sometimes it’s on LinkedIn.
But once I have the name of the editor I’m tryna contact I use rocket r reach and search their company name use their name and find their direct email.
Editors are fucking busy, so keep your email short, sweet and to the goddamn point. Say who you are where your from send a pdf of a few photos leave a website say thank you for your time and leave it at that. Don’t take it personal if they don’t respond back.
Update them every couple of months with the same technique and keep it pushing. I’m gonna include a template of my emails typically below.
“Hi (editor name),
My name is ____, I am photographer based in _____. I’m an admirer of (magazine or company name) and I’d love to be on your radar for any upcoming project. Below I’ve included a pdf of my work and my website. Thank you for your time!
Best,
(Your name)
My name is ____, I am photographer based in _____. I’m an admirer of (magazine or company name) and I’d love to be on your radar for any upcoming project. Below I’ve included a pdf of my work and my website. Thank you for your time!
Best,
(Your name)
Keep it short to the point and don’t get offended if they don’t answer. They got hella projects their working on. But send updates every few months. Don’t blow up their inbox.
My next suggestion, keep making work. If you’re active on socials keep posting it. The only way to make progress is to keep shooting and finding your own voice. Where you’re at now will evolve a great deal 5 years from now.
If you’re in the south or a city that isn’t big still email these editors. There are stories that need to be told in these places too. As well as if someone fucks with your work they will spend that bread and fly you out.
Someone did this for me and imma always pay it forward. Especially for Black photographers. When most of the gatekeepers are white and they put on many people they are connected too it can be extremely difficult to get in the same room. Or how to let them know you exist.
Don’t be afraid to yell and say I am here. You deserve to tell these stories and sometimes these subjects need you. I’ve lost count the # of times I’ve pulled up to a gig to shoot a Black woman and they told me I’m glad this is you shooting this. I needed a Black woman for this.
I’ll add to this thread as I learn more. But make yourself known and never be afraid to ask for help. I’m bad wit DM’s but if I see a question imma open it and answer it. Period.
