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Shooting for Publication
There is something thrilling about having your photograph(s) being published in print. Web site publishing is also exciting. The professional photo edi |
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: Dale Sheckler |
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Date |
: December 06, 2009 |
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There is something thrilling about having your photograph(s) being published in print. Web site publishing is also exciting. The professional photo editor validates your skills as an underwater photographer.
To increase your chances of having your photo published there are a few steps you can take to dramatically increase your chances.
MASTER THE FUNDAMENTALS
Nothing will get your photos thrown in the trash quicker than a shot that it out of focus or over or underexposed. Your material needs to be crisp, clean, full of color and pop and properly exposed. To accomplish this, you need a full understanding of your camera and what it can and cannot do (and, no, it need not be big fancy rig). A class is going to get you off to a good start and if you are struggling, a solid workshop by a noted pro will be most helpful. Then it is a matter of practice. Become obsessed with your photography. Shoot, shoot, and then shoot some more. But always make a mental note of what you did when things come out well.
ATTACH A STORY
If your writing skills are good, go for a full-blown article. Get the writers' guidelines from the publication first and find out what they need and want. Don't forget, you can get published in non-diving publications and websites as well, so broaden your horizons.
If your writing skills are only so-so, still include some basic information on what was photographed, how and where and with what. The editor may ask you to elaborate, use the photo solo with just the basic information, or may bring in a pro writer to do the story. It depends on the publication.
SHOW THE UNIQUE
The spectacular shot of a passing gray whale would be good but you will likely never have chance to take such a photo. Of course try to capture the rare and curious. Animal behavior shots are always fun (again, try to attach a story). But even the mundane and everyday can be photographed in unique and special ways. Try different angles, extreme close-ups, juxtaposition of colors and contrast, combination of two or more animals, etc. Give the photo a 3-D look with a proper understanding of how to use depth of field. Sorry, a straight on flat shot of an anemone or starfish alone just does not cut it. Make the shot dynamic by capturing implied motion.
THE HUMAN FACTOR
Properly photographed animal life is great and all but put a person and the photo and you have something special. A diver in your shot allows perspective. While the wide-angle lens can distort perspective a diver can help keep this in balance. Speaking of balance, the human factor can balance the animals.
Go for proper eye contact, not with the diver staring starkly into the camera or blindly off into the distance but rather the diver looking over the main subject of the shot. Better yet, submit a shot with eye contact between a fish and a diver.
Another good human shot is the diver in a silhouette cruising over the reef or next to a wall. For the California diver, a silhouette of a diver in kelp forest, properly exposed, while not unique, is a classic.
NEGATIVE SPACE
Negative space is the area in a photo that is not filled by the main subject. It can be a black background, blue or green water, or a kelp forest. Negative space is useful to the photo editor as it allows for the photo to be properly cropped or framed. It also allows for photos to be overlapped or text. Basically, it gives the magazines or webmaster more flexibility on layout. While your basic rule of getting close to your subject and fill the frame with your subject still applies, give negative space a consideration in your next photo shoot.
VERTICAL VS. HORIZONTAL
Most photographers have the habit of shooting their photos with horizontal composition. The cameras are, after all, pretty much set up this way. But for publication you have to be open to the vertical format option. With the vertical option it is often easier to give the shot a dynamic look. If possible, shoot your subject in both the vertical and horizontal format. Of course, some subjects like kelp forests and pier pilings naturally lend themselves to the vertical format.
Do you want to see you photos in print or on an independent website? A few adjustments will get you photos recognized as quality work worthy of publication. And you will feel a sense of accomplishment that your efforts are something to be appreciated.
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