🚀 go-pugleaf

David Slater wrote:

> Over the past few weeks I've been looking at sending out introduction
> letters to agencies and papers, but one thing I need help in is what to
> actually send.

<snip>

David,
First let me just say that I'm not an editor but I may still be able to suggest
some things.

Editors are VERY busy people. Form a marketing strategy based on the type of
work you want to do for them. If you are freelance looking to work with a
variety of publications I would send some well designed samples of your BEST
work with contact info. Don't discuss rates or anything like that. Keep it
short, sweet and to the point. I like the postcard method myself. This is a
strategy I'm forming now and plan to use sometime in the near future.

The problem with this strategy is that your stuff can arrive at the same time as
tons of other stuff. This can be good and bad. The good thing is your card may
arrive on the day when they need your style. It is hit and miss, and it can go
on for a long time. A friend of mine who shoots for Sports Illustrated got his
chance by doing this same thing.

Have a series of postcards made, (4 color waterless cards are really cheap and
look really good) then send 1 a week to each editor you want to work with. Keep
sending them. When you get no replies keep sending them. Do this for at least
3-5 months before the phone calls start. You may want to contact the department
to confirm names and numbers. You must remember these people get tons of
unsolicited material all the time. The easier yours is to handle the better. The
postcard is simple and provides all the relevant info needed with a fine sample
of the type of work you can provide them. Best of all it's a quick, unobtrusive
way to say I'm here. Just keep the cards going out. Keep track of which images
were sent to which editors, you don't want to send the same person the same card
over and over.

Good luck!

Russ Phillips

Russell E. Phillips Photography, Inc.
Tampa, FL
813-223-0346 pager

visit our website at:
http://www.s2f.com/REPphoto/index.html

David,

A lot of photographers approaching the market have a portfolio of their
best images ready to send to potential clients. Usually this consists of
actual prints, or with newspapers, a 35mm slide portfolio. Four by six
prints are not the standard way to show your work to professional editors,
imo.

I am making my portfolio on an epson printer, 8x10 inkjet prints. Like I
said, other use 35mm slides, and others do use cd-roms. There are
advantages and disadvantages to each method, and there is no _right_ way to
do. These are the most common ways, and a lot of photographers consider
showing 15-20 images in their portfolio.

Letters of introduciton may be good, but calling potential clients is
better, imo. Also, before you call, make yourself familiar with their
publications, so that you can easily tell them how your style of
;photography will benefit their publication. Be polite but persistant.
Editors do not have a lot of time, and their may be a better time of day to
call them. If they are hurried, ask when is a good time to call back. Show
interest and enthusiasm for their publication and your work. Good luck.
~george\
\
At 7:06 PM +0100 5/1/99, David Slater wrote:
>Over the past few weeks I've been looking at sending out introduction
>letters to agencies and papers, but one thing I need help in is what to
>actually send. Do I go for the letter and C.V. or do I put in some small
>6x4 copies of my best pictures or what??

______________
George Gryzenia
gryz@voyager.net