################################################################# PhotoStockNotes, March 2008, Week One, 450A ################################################################## Producing A Photo Package ```````````````````````````````````````````````````````````` Note: Need the answer to a stock photography question? At our Website (http://www.photosource.com/board) you'll find our Bulletin Board, called "The Kracker Barrel." Check it out. Our staff answers marketing questions; fellow photographers offer their input and experience. The following is a typical exchange: “I have read Sell Photos.com and I am currently reading Sell and Resell Your Photos. In Sell Photos.com Rohn mentions selling magazine articles that include photos, as you can offer everything as a package. Are there any guidelines for what to charge for such work? I realize there may be many variables such as the size and circulation of the magazine, etc. But, wouldn't you want to send along some kind of price schedule with the article, as to what you would charge if they used one of the pictures, several of the pictures, the article by itself, or some combination? Would magazine directories have that type of information in them?” A secondary question to that would be how many photos should be included with the article? Just a few to complement the article, or 50 or so on a CD? Thanks so much for your time and advice. From Rohn: Glad to hear you are reading the basic marketing books. The marketing principles and strategies in both books are as strong and applicable today as ever. Some of the technical info, of course, needs updating in this fast-paced digital era. First off, it’s best to request an “editorial calendar” from the publication. Such a calendar is usually published 6 to 8 months in advance. It will indicate the areas of interest the publication plans to cover in the immediate future. If you can match your writing/photo talents and timing with the publication’s needs, you are ahead of other freelancers who blindly submit work on the chance that they might score. I’m assuming your photo package matches the theme of the publication. In some cases photobuyers can’t commit themselves in advance to a fee they’ll pay, for photos or an article for a specific project, but each project will have a budget. Generally speaking, the photobuyer will let you know in advance what their payment schedule is. From the publication’s “editorial calendar” you can also learn such things as the number of images you should submit for consideration, and the required resolution of the photos (every publisher seems to have different requirements). Other good guides are the photo and writer guidelines that you’ll find posted on the market’s Internet site, and also in a directory such as Photographer’s Market. Make a Google search by entering in the name of the publication, a space, and then the magazine or publisher’s name. The publisher’s website will have a search bar, and there you can type in either writer – or photographer – guidelines. Very often, these guidelines will answer all your general questions. Something else you might consider: a multiple submission of the same article/photos to several publications that have no cross-readership. This works well when a publisher’s budget is in the lower range. If the publication is regional, or only statewide, it won’t conflict with another publication with the same type of readership in another part of the country, or published in a different language elsewhere in the world. It’s a good idea to let each editor know you are submitting your package on a ‘multiple submission’ basis. Share your talent! Let’s see your publication credits in the near future! Rohn Engh, veteran stock photographer and best-selling author of “Sell & ReSell Your Photos” and “sellphotos.com,” has helped scores of photographers launch their careers. For access to great information on making money from pictures you like to take, and to receive this free report: “8 Steps to Publishing Photos,” visit his website at PhotoSource International or call 800 624-0266. Does Uncle Sam and the IRS love it when you pay more taxes than you should? ````````````````````````````````````````````````````````` Actually, the Feds would prefer that you get professional help in preparing your taxes so that you reduce your tax liability to the lowest possible amount. Why? Because economists tell us that when we have more money available to stimulate the economy, everyone benefits: merchants, employees, and employers. If more money is circulated, it means more taxpayers are generated. The IRS is not unwise in encouraging you to learn how to reduce your taxes. A famous jurist once said, “To evade taxes in not legal, but to avoid taxes is your right.” Stock photographers have a special advantage when it comes to tax reduction. Not only are your home office or studio business expenses legal deductions but also so are your travel expenses to get those photos. Your automobile or air travel, your lodging, not to mention your upgrade to a new camera or photography software -- these are bona fide expenses. Travel expenses for your spouse, if he or she is employed regularly as a model in your photos, are also deductible. And, of course, your photos become “receipts” that document that you actually traveled to a location and took marketable photos. (The IRS always likes to see proof that you actually performed the work.) HELP IS ON THE WAY Where do you find help to learn more about the legal tax deductions that you may be missing out on ? Not in the Yellow Pages. Instead, search the web for tax professionals in your local area who deal in the area of what’s called, “intellectual properties.” Also, ask local successful authors, songwriters, artists, -anyone who makes a living in a creative way. You’ll probably hear the name of a particular local tax expert cropping up often. This is the person who can save you possibly thousands of dollars in unnecessary tax expense. Prepare yourself for big tax savings. For helpful insights read and study our report, The Stock Photographer’s 2008 Guide To Tax Savings. If you’re good at doing your own taxes, this is all you’ll need. Otherwise, read the Guide and then take it to your tax professional and say, “Save me some money!” He or she will take it from there. For more information on this subject, go to: http://www.photosource.com/reducingyourtaxes PS: Did you know that you can hire your teenage son or daughter in your photo marketing business? They can also become a tax deduction for your stock photography business, plus earn extra money while learning a photography skill. -RE ``````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````` MARKETING TIP: As an editorial stock photographer, you will rarely need a model release when taking pictures of people in public. Book and magazine use of photos – i.e. editorial use that informs, educates or entertains, seldom requires model releases (some exceptions: extremely sensitive situations). Our First Amendment rights allow us to know what's going around us, via the printed word and the photograph. Don't be confused by service photography, which does require model releases: advertising and endorsement use. ADS WE’VE READ `````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````` Make Money Online With Your Digital Camera by Brian Moore. If you have a digital camera (or you are thinking about getting one) and you want to make extra money, you can make hundreds or even thousands of extra dollars taking pictures and submitting them onto the internet in your spare time! This guide introduces you to several photography opportunities that are so easy - even "newbies" can make money with them. These powerful and genuine photography opportunities require no need for expensive photography printers or machinery. Discover how to put yourself in a buyer’s shoes and always shoot to sell – find out what buyers are looking for and the easiest ways for you to deliver exactly what they need. Information on how to ensure you are getting the best fee possible for each photo you upload online, how to ensure you are paid what your photos are really worth, and much more. Make Money Online With Your Digital Camera LOVE NOTES `````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````` I’m one of those stock photographers who has been a subscriber to the PhotoDaily since AD (Ante Digital). The PhotoDaily has brought me sales, introduced me to clients I hadn’t heard of before, and even when I don’t have the photos asked for, the listings in my interest areas give me ideas for photos to take. It’s been a great ride and still is! - Beryl Goldberg, Photographer, NY, NY “Thank you, Rohn. You’ve been my inspiration and staying power all these years. You’ve helped a lot of people along this journey on the stock photography road, and I’m one of them. Thank you so much.” - Steve Bourgeois, Photographer, Weston FL GOODSTUFF ```````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````` by Joseph Stanski The Best of Portrait Photography – Techniques and Images for the Pros, second edition, by Bill Hurter and published by Amherst Media, Inc., marketing@AmherstMedia.com . http://www.photosourcefolio.com/bookstoreone.htm#1584282231 . The moment you open this book, you realize it’s the real thing. What a portrait photography book should look like. Well-written and very well illustrated (lots of photos), in a meaningful, well-thought-out workflow of subject and chapters. The subject matter is organized into 6 sections: What is a Great Portrait?; Posing Elements; Compositional Elements; Expression and Retouching; Lighting; and finally, Types of Portraiture. In the first section, Mr. Hurter comments, with illustrations, about what goes into a “Great Portrait” by showing us images by great portrait photographers. From “Classic Styles,” by Bill McIntosh, to illustrating Portrait as Memories, as Storytelling, and as Idealizations. In the second section, he bring us face to face with Posing Elements, beginning with “Evaluating the Subjects Face,” with such considerations as flattering angles, different eye sizes, face shapes, and features that might need changing, in examining all aspects of the face to determine the most pleasing angle to view a person. He continues with how much of the subject to include in an image, with consideration for Head-and Shoulders, Three-Quarter Length, and Full Length, illustrating these “posing elements” with lots images as well as comments. You’re gaining Hurter’s knowledge through lots of example images. The next section is on Compositional Elements. Here, Hurter introduces us to such classical compositional elements as The Rule of Thirds, Direction, Lines, Shape, Tension and Balance, Pleasing Compositional Forms, and Subject Tone, well illustrated by targeted examples. The fourth section deals with the basics of Expression and Retouching. Here again Hurter uses excellent examples, but coverage of these subjects is limited The fifth section, on Lighting, is the meat and potatoes of this wonderful book. Hurter leaves no stone unturned in illustrating how lighting is the key factor in producing a professional portrait. And finally, a section on the different Types of Portraiture. This section and the section on Lighting are alone worth the price of the book. Hurter’s commentary and the illustrations using plenty of professional images, show us just how to incorporate the important elements for photographing: Children’s Portraits, Family Portraits, Group Portraits, Environmental Portraits, as well as Fashion, Executive, Wedding, and Senior Portraits. The Best of Portrait Photography, by Bill Hurter, is well worth the price, and I do not hesitate to recommend it for any aspiring, as well as experienced, photographer’s library. Joseph Stanski has been an agricultural stock photographer for the last twenty-five years. He has published in many ag-oriented magazines as well as national publications.  He retired as a schoolteacher and is currently teaching photography and running his stock photography business in Southeast Iowa. morningstar138@hotmail.com ````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````` Are you receiving the tax deductions that the IRS says you should, if you are engaged in a business that intends to make a profit? Learn how the IRS actually encourages you, whether you are just starting out, - or you are an established website owner of a stock photography enterprise. Here's a report that will be useful to you. http://www.photosource.com/.taxtipsbonus/TaxTipQandA.pdf DO YOU HAVE A COMMERCIAL WEBSITE? ``````````````````````````````````````````````````````` In addition to your photography web site, – do you also own a website that offers information, or a product or service? It doesn’t have to concern photography. How would you like to earn money on every visitor to your site? You do nothing, your visitor does nothing (they don’t have to buy or click on something) – but you get paid, just by their showing up. This is a new Internet program that lets you earn money on 100% of your website traffic. I’ve signed on to use this revenue program. There’s no risk. You can stop the program at any time. Deadline for sign-up is January 31st – the program starts Feb. 1st 2008. You’ll get in on the ground floor of a lucrative Internet revenue program. Sound interesting? Click here for a full report that gives you all the details and how to sign up –- or go to. . . http://www.speakerads.com After you read the above report, I can coach you through the process or answer questions. 1 800 624 0266 – Rohn Engh http://www.speakerads.com Photographers featured next week on PhotoSourceFolio ````````````````````````````````````````````````````````` DENNIS THOMPSON denisthompson@hotmail.com http://www.photosourcefolio.com/1708 QUOTE ```````````````````````````````````````````````````````````` “To know that we know what we know, and to know that we do not know what we do not know, that is true knowledge.” – Nicolaus Copernicus Watch for developments in the field of stock photography in PhotoStockNotes PHOTOGRAPHY IN THE NEWS You’ll be the first to know… `````````````````````````````````````````````````````````` Note: If the URL is long, it may extend to two lines. In that case - clicking on it won’t work. Instead, “copy and paste” the URL. HE (OR SHE) GETS THE BOOT. Alamy has reported they discovered a member who has clicked the “Model Release” box (positive), but it wasn’t so. Model releases are required when the picture is used for obvious commercial use such as advertising, promotion, endorsement. Stick with your editorial stock photography and you’ll rarely need a model release. http://www.alamy.com/Blog/contributor/archive/2008/02/25/2681.aspx GOOD GRANTS. Two photographers each receive a Getty grant of $20,000 to continue their work on editorial photography subjects of their choosing. http://corporate.gettyimages.com/marketing/grants_editorial/pdf/GrantsRelease_Feb2008.pdf   HANDCUFFED! Although this happened last November, it’s a reminder that we do not live in a police state and, we, as editorial photographers are allowed, by law, to take pictures in public places as long as we are not interfering with law enforcement activity or trespassing. http://www.aclu.org/police/gen/32839prs20071108.html   STICK TO YOUR GUNS. Here’s a lesson in copyright infringement. This photographer kept a vice grip on the alleged infringer until he got a judgment for over $19,000. http://www.newrichmond-news.com/articles/index.cfm?id=20199§ion=homepage&freebie_check&CFID=49297988&CFTOKEN=63198268&jsessionid=88307cac1c20584437f6   ARE THERE BUGS AT iSTOCK ??? Is iStockphoto ruining the insect photo business? - The answer, it turns out, is no. http://myrmecos.wordpress.com/2008/02/18/is-istockphoto-ruining-the-insect-photo-business/   DON’T TRY THIS AT, ANYWHERE. Canyon Lake man charged for improper photography Tips from the public helped San Marcos Police arrest a 23-year-old Canyon Lake man on a felony charge of improper photography without consent. http://www.news8austin.com/content/your_news/default.asp?ArID=201668   THEY’RE GONE. Birmingham police officer 'forced press photographer to delete images' - Lawrence Looi said, "I was unlawfully physically detained against my will and the direction to delete the photographs had no legal backing". http://www.epuk.org/News/818/police-officer-forced-photographer-to-delete-images   MORE DETAILS. Getty Images Agrees to Be Acquired by Hellman & Friedman in a Transaction Valued at $2.4 Billion. http://www.creativepro.com/article/getty-images-agrees-be-acquired-hellman-friedman-a-transaction-valued-24-billion   NEED PICTURES? Using Images Legally on Your Blog. http://technosailor.com/2008/03/01/using-images-legally-on-your-blog/   DON'T SELL PICTURES; SELL WHAT PICTURES DO. A picture isn't worth much. But what a picture does -- what the right picture does -- can easily be worth thousands, tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands, even millions of dollars to the company that uses it. http://rising.blackstar.com/dont-sell-pictures-sell-what-pictures-do.html   WHAT DOES THE GETTY IMAGES SALE MEAN FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS? Few stock photography buyers will hunt through 50 or 100 web sites for an image. However, it is relatively easy to web 50, 100, 200 or even 1,000 web sites together. They don't call the internet 'the web' for nothing. Bringing things together is what it does best. http://rising.blackstar.com/what-does-the-getty-images-sale-mean-for-photographers-2.html   PHOTOS IN THE DARK. New Organization For IR Photographers - The League of Creative Infrared Photographers (www.irleague.com) was officially formed in January 2008. It was established to promote the joy, excitement, and creativity of infrared photography from in-camera capture to enhancing images in the digital darkroom. http://shutterbug.com/news/021208league/   JOSTLE-FREE. Tenba Introduces Skooba Superbungee Shock Absorbing Camera Strap – “After a lot of trial-and-error we attached the camera strap ends to a freely-floating bungee cord loop. Now, as the load jostles up and down, the movement is minimized." http://www.swpp.co.uk/professional_imagemaker/news/skooba.htm   THEY WERE FUN! Photography buffs mourning demise of the Polaroid era. http://www.boston.com/business/articles/2008/02/27/instant_consternation/ IT’S MORE THAN A FLOOD OF PICTURES. Dennis Dunleavy -Redefining culture through the pictures we share. http://ddunleavy.typepad.com/the_big_picture/2008/03/redefining-cult.html NO PHOTOS ALLOWED. At MetroTech, no photography. http://www.nolandgrab.org/archives/2008/03/at_metrotech_no.html    SPORTS GRAB. Sports Media Fighting Baseball Coverage Rules. http://www.pdn-pix.com/pdn/newswire/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003717532   DOCUMENTARIZING PHOTOS. Techniques help spot tampered photos. http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.aspx?articleID=20080301_5_E4_ANUNA78533 CELEB PHOTOGRAPHING CELEBS. Annie Leibovitz photography exhibit opens at Legion of Honor museum in San Francisco. http://www.contracostatimes.com/ci_8437732?source=rss   COMPUTERS AS CAMERAS? Photo industry braces for another revolution. In the last decade, photography has been transformed by one revolution, the near-total replacement of analog film cameras by digital image sensors. Now researchers and companies are starting to stretch their wings by taking advantage of what a computer can do with sensor data either within the camera or on a full-fledged PC. http://www.news.com/8301-13580_3-9882019-39.html?part=rss&subj=news&tag=2547-1_3-0-20   GOING, GOING… Fuji to close Crawfordsville film factory Fujifilm Holdings Corp., said the shift to digital photography is prompting it to close two film-processing plants, including one in Crawfordsville that has 105 employees. http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080303/BUSINESS/80303019   PHOTO CELEB GONE. Theo Westenberger, Magazine And Advertising Photographer, Dies At 57 Over the years Westenberger photographed noteworthy figures including Clint Eastwood, Meryl Streep and three presidents. http://www.pdnonline.com/pdn/newswire/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003718127   DO IT YOURSELF. Google has launched a web-based service that allows you to make your own web page(s). Google Sites you don’t even have to know HTML coding. Some of the features: A person can embed YouTube videos and content from Google's Calendar, and Docs . Also: Picasa the photo site. http://www.vnunet.com/vnunet/news/2210934/google-launches-web-page-editor END.