How to get my pictures published?

[CrazyManda]

I LOVE taking pictures and horses and nature seem to be what I am best at and several people have suggested I get my pictures published in magazines or used in calanders,etc but I have no clue where to even start:rolleyes: I have well over 100 great quality pictures of horses, flowers, clouds, stormy skies,landscapes,etc but does anyone have any suggestions on how I could start doing this?
My camera was a Sony Cybershot DSC730 but has been lost or possibly stolen since Thanksgiving Day and it'll be a while before I can afford to replace it:cry:
I have some examples on my pictures here but there are so more....and sunsets and storm clouds are pretty popular with me lol.
Any ideas?

[alittleoffkey]

I have absolutely no idea, but you could probably find a book or two at your library on the subject. :) Google might help too... but unless I'm looking for a book or movie I can't ever find anything helpful there. :rolleyes:

[doc_western]

hmm...i really have no idea. :huh: sorry, lol. i think you could totally get some of your pictures published, though, they are ah-mazin'

[shewasmyshadow]

Well, here I go... My brother is a professional free lance photographer that has his work published in Art Shows all over the country. I think your biggest problem will be that with a digital camera almost anyone can take high quality photos of sunsets, clouds, animals, etc. That means you have to have something more, something different. You need to get some classes (if you haven't already), get a great camera(not just a good or average camera), then work on your "perspective". You have to take pictures that are unique to you and maybe show parts or perspectives of things that no one else sees or notices. Also, taking classes will help you see how other local photographers are getting noticed.

I looked at your work and it's good, but it could be better. You have potential, but you need a "signature look". I guess it depends on exactly what or how you want published. I mean if you're just looking to get a photo entered in a photo contest in Hobby Farmer Magazine, then you probably already have some good stuff. But, if you're looking to become a well-known and loved photographer, then you have to start small. Get some good framed work (maybe 3 from the same photo set) and bug the local coffee shops to let you display your work. Get your name out. Get noticed. Send a good set of some excellent quality prints to local city magazines.

I guess what I am trying to say is if you want to make a go of it, then you have to be better then all the rest of the hobby photographers. That how my brother did it. :D

[Equine_Woman]

As a photographer just starting out I have to say you have to find your own niche. Find something you're passionate about shooting and try and do it better than anyone out there. Develop a style. Get a mentor. Take classes. Read everything and learn lots. Always keep your eye open for inspiration. Don't make it about being published, make it about being good at what you are doing. Join photography groups and get to know some photographers that inspire you. I am inspired and challenged by participating on Flickr. I've met a lot of great photographers through there and I've learned a lot. I will say that every photographer out there can shoot sunsets and flowers. If you're going to go that route do it better and different than anyone.

As far as publishing goes you can enter contests to be published but it's unlikely you'll be paid. In fact I have a photo in a big calendar here in the DFW area (it's the NBC 5 Weather calendar) and my photo is on every other commercial right now as they are pushing the calendar. (I'm the January photo). It's fun to see my photo flash across the big screen but it doesn't pay the bills. What it did do was allow me to meet several other photographers in my area that I find inspiring and I've networked from there. I also got a free calendar out of the deal. Funny thing is I didn't think the photo they approached me about was one of my best, but it suited their purpose. So if you want to be published, cater to your audience.

PM me if you want me to reccommend some groups to hang out with on Flickr. Good luck!! When it comes time to buy your next camera look for an dSLR and don't get discouraged in the mean time!

[CrazyManda]

Thanks everyone...and nope I've never taken any classes but I'd like to take one or two as an elective if I can. I'll PM you for the folks on flickr. I really like taking pics of clouds..especially storm clouds. I've always loved storms but I also really like the misty mornings, just unique shots like the clouds' reflection in the rain puddle. What type of camera would be good for amateur photography? Mine gave good shots that hardly needed touched up but not much as far as zoom goes.

[Equine_Woman]

Thanks everyone...and nope I've never taken any classes but I'd like to take one or two as an elective if I can. I'll PM you for the folks on flickr. I really like taking pics of clouds..especially storm clouds. I've always loved storms but I also really like the misty mornings, just unique shots like the clouds' reflection in the rain puddle. What type of camera would be good for amateur photography? Mine gave good shots that hardly needed touched up but not much as far as zoom goes.

Sorry I missed your answer!!! You should look into getting a DSLR of some sort. I recommend the Canon Rebel series, XT or XTI, or XSi. I'm a Canon girl though so others would recommend the Nikon entry level dSlrs. You can't go wrong with either imo. Those are pretty inexpensive for the quality and really you should focus any funds you have on buying nice lenses. Thats where the quality comes from really. I wouldn't count on a point and shoot camera to be able to get you far enough to get published. There will be an occasional lucky shot but it's not often. If you are interested in clouds you really will have to learn everything you can about exposure since you will really have to understand it to be able to take photos of what you want. I recommend the book Understanding Exposure by Peterson to help you with that. It's wonderful. Photography is a GREAT hobby and very rewarding because people like to look at pictures generally and you can share them.

[shewasmyshadow]

Sorry I missed your answer!!! You should look into getting a DSLR of some sort. I recommend the Canon Rebel series, XT or XTI, or XSi. I'm a Canon girl though so others would recommend the Nikon entry level dSlrs. You can't go wrong with either imo. Those are pretty inexpensive for the quality and really you should focus any funds you have on buying nice lenses. Thats where the quality comes from really. I wouldn't count on a point and shoot camera to be able to get you far enough to get published. There will be an occasional lucky shot but it's not often. If you are interested in clouds you really will have to learn everything you can about exposure since you will really have to understand it to be able to take photos of what you want. I recommend the book Understanding Exposure by Peterson to help you with that. It's wonderful. Photography is a GREAT hobby and very rewarding because people like to look at pictures generally and you can share them.

Good info! I learned some stuff too. I'm saving for a DSLR right now. I'm starting a small business within the year and will need a good camera. I plan on doing my own marketing, so good pictures are a MUST.