"Published Photographer"
It’s quite common these days for photographers to use the term “published”, so what exactly does that mean? Looking into it we find people can use the term to represent different things
There was a time just a few decades ago when being published meant just the one thing, having your image printed as a physical object such as a magazine, poster, advert etc. However things have changed and the term “being published” is now being applied to a variety of different scenarios. Leaving aside the discussion about the correct application of the description, I want to look at the different ways I see it being used, which I personally see being broadly divided up into four categories. The following is based on the definition of published being the transfer of an image into another medium to facilitate its distribution to a wider audience.
Self Publication
Sometimes referred to as “vanity publishing”, modern technology allows anyone to publish their own material with many companies offering this service. The motives for doing so can vary from having a personal collection of images in a convenient printed form, through giving as gifts, all the way to selling as a product.
Whilst this idea might seem enticing, one has to take on board a number of factors such as the initial work involved putting it together. Print runs, a large number = cheaper unit costs but more upfront costs and risk, or print on demand where you only print as each is bought but it will make each item far more costly. Finally there are things such as marketing and distribution which generally needs to be undertaken by yourself.
The choice of images used is down to the individual photographer and as such, (outside of personal use or gift) success relies on their ability to select subjects with a wide appeal to others.
Online Magazines
The latest form where the term “published” is used is in connection with the vast number of magazines that have appeared on the internet. Many of these are accessed via a subscription and/or by purchasing a printed copy and from what I can make out most don’t pay (or even supply a copy) for using pictures that are submitted, I even found a few that require you to pay!
It can be a contentious subject and before going any further I should point out that I regularly submit pictures to an online publication. HOWEVER this is very much an aid to my business. It is very much targeted at and received by my clients (and potential clients) and usually results in additional orders coming in to me after each issue is released. In addition I get free advertising in it and always receive a printed copy (oh and the tin of chocolates they send every Christmas makes it all worthwhile! lol).
Your own point of view will probably depend on how much value you put on having your work in such a publication and what it can do for you in addition to bragging rights. Some would argue about the exposure it gives, however apart from the promotion you give it (which is also doing their marketing for them), I’m skeptical about the amount you really receive, and that it will be reaching an audience of benefit to you.
Personally, having others profit from the time, effort and money that I (and my other collaborators) put into producing an image very much goes against the grain. However I know from experience how much of an ego boost and a possible marker of your progress it can be having something “published” to a wider audience and for that alone it can be worthwhile.
Traditional publishing
This is the origin of the term and is as old as photography itself. ‘I’m using it to mean the reproduction of a picture as a print, in an advert, book, poster etc. As I outlined at the start, for over a century this was about the only way to be “published”, and despite the diminishing number of magazines and other publications, it is still a huge market. One only has to look around in daily life to see pictures being used everywhere, adverts, newspapers, shops the list is massive. Although not always the case, this is usually accompanied by a payment to the creator for the use of their picture.
The magazine world used to be (and to an extent still is) a very lucrative market for photographers but over the last decade it has definitely diminished. There used to be an annual publication called “The Freelance Photographer’s Market Handbook” which listed hundreds of different magazines along with info such as how to submit, what they were looking for and most importantly what they paid! Unfortunately this no longer seems to be available as a quick search only flagged old copies. An indication of the decline in this sector is comparing the various entries from a 2007 edition to the 2015 one (the latest I have) shows no or little increase in the fees paid.
Having work commissioned or accepted and paid for by the likes of a national magazine, book, advert etc should (in my opinion) be regarded as a higher accolade. Someone has deemed your work worthy of investing their money in it to enhance their publication.
Fine Art
This (in my mind) is the highest form of printed publishing. Unlike photos used in advertising or magazines which depend on the ability to show off a product, or illustrate an article/story, this is purely down to the image alone and your vision.
Those old enough to remember the Athena chain of shops of the 70s & 80s will be familiar with the golden age of fine art posters and prints. Iconic images such as L'Enfant and Tennis Girl sold in their millions and adorned the walls of homes throughout the country. Unfortunately the days of “art” having such a prominent position on the high street are over, but it still exists, with much having moved online. Sites such as Etsy and on demand printing allow photographers to market and sell their own work directly. There are also still companies that will licence work to sell and obviously their reach and possibilities are more extensive.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day the term “published” can mean many different things to different people and just how much extra kudos that implies is really just up to the reader and their experience.
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