Despite the afternoon storms and crazy traffic, there were 22 women in attendance, including 3 guests.
Our speaker was Sonja Sommerfeld, Photo Editor for Texas Parks & Wildlife Magazine. Sonja started her presentation by sharing what her job involves, then provided tips on nature photography and how to become a contributor to the magazine.
Sonja’s job description:
Sonja is one of three Photo Editors for the magazine and the only woman, so she is sent out on all of the women’s events. As Photo Editor, she spends 75% of her time in the office and 25% out in the field doing photo shoots. Her assignments are mostly at state parks, and she often is required to hike, paddle and camp out in tents (which she loves) to get her photos. Currently there are 91 state parks, with more in the works. Editorial scheduling is done 12 months in advance, and manuscripts are due 3 months prior to the month’s issue. The magazine’s Editor, Louie Bond, comes up with a theme each year. 2016’s theme was State Parks, featuring iconic state parks. The theme for 2017 is the 75th Anniversary of Texas Parks & Wildlife Magazine.
Sonja is responsible for:
– Sending out photo assignments to contributors (240 current contributors),
– Searching for specialty photos from various sources, including social media,
– Doing page layouts 2 months prior to monthly issues,
– Establishing and maintaining relationships with photographers,
– Selecting photos for publication (sorting through 100’s of photos to select a few to use),
– Sending out “photo wants” list to interested parties,
– Enhancing photos using tools like Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom,
– Going out on assignment to shoot photos (the fun part!).
Tips for improving outdoor photos:
*Rule of Thirds* – divide your frame into thirds and capture the image on 1/3 of the frame, rather than straight in the center.
*Leading Lines* – angle your shot using something like a railing or a road to draw the viewer’s eye through a photograph. Strive for movement.
*Viewpoint* – shoot at ground level, or below or above an object. It’s more interesting than standing and shooting at normal height.
*Depth of Field* – use aperture setting on the camera to focus on objects and blur out the background. Close in on the subject.
*Monthly Tips* – Earl Nottingham, Chief Photographer for TPW magazine, provides monthly photo tips in the magazine.
How to become a contributor:
Anyone can contribute articles and photos to the magazine. Contact Louie Bond or Sonja.
Here’s a few helpful tips for contributing:
– Assignment Relationship – Let them know your style and establish a relationship. Get on “Photo Wants” lists for your particular specialty.
– Photos are paid for at the rate of $40 for small photos and $700 for covers.
– Check submission specifications – see what is required regarding format.
– Check art direction of assignment to make sure your photo is the right fit.
– Go for creating emotion and making the photo interesting by using the above photo tips.
– Avoid over staging a photo – it should look natural.
– Check for rules regarding copyrights, private property, famous landmarks.
– For cover shots – vertical image, need space for title placement and captions.
Sonja ended the presentation by giving all of us a copy of the July TPW magazine. She welcomes emails if you have any photo questions .
Have fun outdoors!
Carolyn Doolittle, Publicity