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Photos-First: Another Easy
Approach to Writing Round-Ups
By Carol Shields for The Right
Way to Travel
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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
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Any subject can be transformed to
a round-up by shooting the right images. And what could be better than
to shoot from your own personal experience on a subject?
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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