May 1, 2013

What can a Good Editor Do For You?

I find that a lot of photographers who have a good relationship with their stock photo editors blossom under their tutelage and make a better living doing the thing they love to do, create great photos.  I think the reason for this is that they feel more committed to do the real work of photography by first understanding that his/her editor has information that can guide them in producing images that are needed by clients.  And that is key to Stock Photography.  Images that are needed.

Some photographers always have a knack for creating contemporary imagery that will sell.  Especially photographers that are commercial shooters.

A good editor will:

Be honest with you on how the market works.  Give you the low down on the different pricing models RF, RM, RM Exclusive, Micro Stock,  etc...  He might suggest that certain types of images would do well in the Rights Managed arena or in Royalty Free licensing model depending on your volume output and subject matter.

They give their photographers the best advice on where the image market is heading and where you can get the best return on your time, travel and money.

They can help you recognize a style in your work and then push you to expand your horizons which will increase your image base.  As you try different lighting techniques, photograph different subjects, this experimenting builds confidence as you advance through your career.

An editor knows that some image buyers are looking for a certain style, maybe a more straight forward approach to capturing their subject needs. Sometimes an image that was rejected by one editor and picked by another editor sells because the latter saw a clients need being fulfilled.  I have submitted images that were rejected by one editor, but were picked by a different editor/agency and  ended up selling.  I trust my editors to know more than me what their clients needs are.

And finally, the great thing about editors is that they become friends.