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Jennifer Stevens, author of The Ultimate Travel Writer’s Program defines a round-up article as nothing more than a collection of short snippets about places linked by a common thread. You write a few paragraphs that introduce your "collection," and then you simply launch into each of the elements you're profiling, addressing each one in a paragraph (or two or three) and then moving on to the next.  In this type of article, you don't have to worry much about coming up with lots of language to connect the various parts of your article. You've established the connection in your introduction. The rest of your piece, then, can be fairly formulaic.  Now, if you read Jennifer's program on travel writing - The Ultimate Travel Writer's Program, www.thetravelwriterslife.com/sh/escape- you'll find that she usually comes at this article-first. Meaning, she comes up with an idea for a particular piece, she writes her article, and then she picks (or lets the editor pick) the photos that best illustrate it. As a photographer like me, however, you might consider coming at it from the other direction. I find that starting "photos-first," letting my photos define what I include and say about a place or item is often less intimidating than staring at a blank page.  And editors like nothing more than to have a good-looking spread to entice readers into their pages. So if you can provide a package with really compelling pictures, your piece is likely to catch an editor's eye. Here's how it's done... The Photos-First Approach I think shooting for round-up photographs is one of the easiest -- and most fun -- jobs for making money in photography. Your selection of subjects is as big as your imagination and interests. Do you like boat races? How about baseball parks or landmarks?

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For example, you might love fishing around the Great Lakes area. Photograph the best locations that you personally know. Be sure to gather as much information as you can about the area while you're at it. This information you will use to write your very brief article. Really, it can be nothing more than a collection of photo captions (a few sentences each), which follow an introduction of a few paragraphs. Your images are what will stand out in telling the story.

The Great Lakes idea is an example of photographing similarities, in this case fishing spots. Another example might be historical homes. I did one photo round-up in similar shots entitled, "Orchid Bouquets for Weddings." All the images were of different bouquets from simple to extravagant. 

However, there are other kinds of round-ups that will make a saleable package to the right editor. You might shoot chronologically. Perhaps a major attraction or landmark is under construction in your local area. You could capture the very first stone laid all the way through to the ribbon-cutting event. 

Or you could shoot the highlights of a rodeo event, where you capture action shots of cowboys riding and falling from their bucking broncos.

Another round-up would be a smaller portion of a larger event. Say, for example, there's a hot dog eating contest at the State Fair. Shoot the event from the beginning to the end, capturing the eager contestants, to the pile of hot dogs, to the grand prize, and everything in between. 
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In round-ups it is important to shoot everything that captures your eye. Editing can come later as you sort, selecting the best shots that capture the subject, location, or event. And always gather as much information as you can about your subject - brochures, flyers, even business cards. These will be very helpful when putting words to your images.  A Quick Word About Taking the Kinds of Photographs Editors Like to Buy When it comes down to it, what will make each of these "collections" a saleable package is what you are actually capturing on film. Remember: pay attention to details (no garbage, no unnecessary objects). Crisp, clear, and unique shots - that is what will attract an editor's eye.  And don't forget: editors like color, people, and action. They also look for images that show a center of interest and, in some cases, selective focus (like a plate full of hotdogs for that hot dog eating contest piece).  Keep in mind: you should not even consider sending in any photo that is not focused, exposed, or flashed properly, or a photograph that does not relate to the subject. Your hard work can be passed over very easily when it shows you're not paying attention to details such as this.  [EDITOR'S NOTE: Carol Shields has a Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts, majoring in photography. During college, she had a lucky break and got a job in the photography department of a Fortune 500 aviation corporation. She picked up many more "hands on" skills there and eventually worked into the staff photographer position, which she held for almost 10 years. Working for a Fortune 500 corporation gave Carol the opportunity to see many of her photographs on the cover of trade magazines. Today, most of Carol's photo sales are accompanied by articles.  If you’d like to learn how to travel the world as a travel photographer… enjoying freedom & independence to travel where you want… when you want… and get paid to do it… here’s your chance to do it: http://www.thephotographerslife.com/phc/ea Or sign up for The Right Way to Travel FREE e-letter. In it you'll hear from seasoned writer and photographer colleagues, professionals ready to share with you their in-the-trenches know-how… Plus you'll get profiles of publications looking for contributors, places you can land a by-line and a check… and more: http://www.thetravelwriterslife.com/eletter/ea ]

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