David Fenner
PARTIAL ARTIST
Going ‘Round the Bend’.
RNOV Shabab Oman, at the start of the 2006 race
In the process of looking through my back catalogue, an exercise I perform at least once a year, I thoroughly enjoyed reliving a sailing race which I took part in a number times between 2002 & 2008. Each time with some of my closest friends in the world.
This is a tale about the 2008 race but I’ve added a few shots taken, and marked as such, at the start of the 2006 race because it started beautifully with the wind allowing us all to set off with spinnakers raised.
‘The Dubai to Muscat Offshore Sailing Regatta‘ is an annual event held every January. Boats set sail from the Dubai Offshore Sailing Club (DOSC), sailing up the coast of the United Arab Emirates passing through the Straits of Hormuz, sail around the Arabian Peninsular, ending their quest at the Bandar Al-Rawdah Marina in Muscat. I wasn’t sailing on the Shabab Oman, pictured above at the start of the 2006 race. Instead, I was one of 6 crew, under the command of ‘Der Schkipper’ (in cap rear centre), on the wonderfully appointed ‘SV Wanderlust’ a 38 foot Catalina. That’s me rear left . . .
Crew: Rear left to right . . . me, Phil (Der Schkipper), Will (1st Mate). Front left to right . . . Andy, Paul (XO) and Kate.
The race lasts about 5 days. However, we also need to sail back home to Dubai, so in all it’s a round-trip of about 10 days.
One of the most challenging legs is the push around the top of the peninsular where the Arabian Gulf meets the Indian Ocean. The currents of both Gulf & Ocean meet here and conspire with the wind to bring misery to many who attempt to sail through them. Our GPS actually plotted us sailing (and I use the term loosely) a 30 nautical mile figure-of-eight during the worst 36 hours of the race, for us.
Image courtesy of Google Maps
The image above shows the start, Dubai, and finish, Muscat, the figure-of-eight which occurred roughly in that area. I’ve also marked Sufhar Port, and Khor Khassab, but more about them later.
All spinnakers up as we head to the first marker buoy, 2006.
The Omani team’s spinnaker (center) displays Oman’s national emblem, a sheathed Khanjar dagger superimposed upon two crossed swords, 2006.
It begins to get crowded as we near the first maker buoy, 2006.
The sponsored Red Pepper bears down on us, 2006.
SV (Sailing Vessel) ‘Joss’ to port-side, 2006.
SV Joss on the port-side stern leaving the skyline of Dubai behind us, 2006.
Friend Johnny’s trimaran lifts off the swell, 2006.
After an uneventful yet very pleasant sail up the North coast of the Emirates, past Sharjah, Hamriya, Umm Al Quwein. Then beyond the northernmost Emirate City of Ras Al Khaimah we sailed into Omani territorial waters past Khassab and into the mouth of the Persian Gulf. This is where we did the collosal figure-of-eight.
We eventually made headway around the peninsular on day 3 and what followed was probably THE BEST sailing I have ever experienced. Will and I took the helm and eventually the last of the crew slipped below deck to their respective bunks leaving us to take Wanderlust ’round-the-horn’. I put a couple of stiff rum and cokes together and we set to keeping us on course towards Muscat. The wind, tide, and swell could not have been better. We enjoyed hours of fun surfing down 15 to 20 foot swells all night and well past dawn, and with a good wind with us we made up for the time lost in the doldrums at the cape. It didn’t last . . .
Sunrise reflects on the very calm & wind-free Indian Ocean
On the 4th day the wind dropped and the ocean becalmed. So much so that we spent another 36 hours gently drifting North and ever closer to the Iranian coast. I don’t recall exactly how close we came to Iranian waters, something like 12 miles, but we REALLY didn’t want to get any closer. The image above was taken at sunrise on the 5th day. As beautiful as it was out there, we were getting uncomfortable with our proximity to the renowned unfriendly coastline. Tales of boat seizures and diplomatic incidents came to mind and Der Schkipper contemplated throwing the towel in and starting the ‘Tonk’ (engine).
Will looks hopefully for the slightest breath of wind.
Fortune smiled on us though and the wind picked up and stayed with us all the way to Muscat and to within a few hundred metres of the finish line, which was actually the mouth of the Marina Bandar Al Rowdha where it dropped off so completely that we were left wallowing helplessly within hailing distance of the clubs’ breakwater. We know this because the manager of the marina was stood on the breakwater shouting an offer of a tow into harbour thinking that we’d come unstuck & had no means of propulsion. This wasn’t the case, we’d come this far & wanted to sail across the finish line. While we flapped the main sail back and forth in a vain attempt to make some headway the quick thinking club manager summoned a staff member to bring the klaxon horn which he gratefully blew signalling to us that we’d finished the race.
Cheers were cheered and beers were quaffed. We started the Tonk for the first time in 6 days and quickly berthed the boat. Once ashore the Marina Manager informed us that not only had we come first in our class and 3rd overall but our GPS beacon had stopped working mid-ocean making it appear as though we were stranded. Apparently there was serious consideration of an all-out air-sea rescue mission and if we hadn’t crept in within their agreed time-frame we’d have probably been an international news event. Needless to say there was a great deal of relief sighed when we appeared wallowing around outside the breakwaters ignorantly yelling at the wind for leaving us stranded so close to the coldest beers we’d seen in a few days. Still, it was comforting to know that there was a team of people looking out for us. So, following a few more beers and a trip to the local supermarket to restock for the journey home we collapsed into an inebriated slumber. The hospitality at Bandar Al Rowdha was second to none but we had to make a quick turn-around.
Refueling at Marina Bandar Al Rowdha, Muscat, Oman.
Next morning we heard a report of bad weather closing in so the restock the night before proved to be a good strategy and made for a quick getaway. We were heading for the port of Fujeirah on the east coast of the U. A. E. where another friendly marina awaited and also where we would pick up John (2nd 1st mate) who would aid the now weary crew back to Dubai, and where Will, Kate and Paul would leave us to return to Dubai by road.
However, getting to Fujeirah wasn’t going to be easy . . .
Muscat, a vital and picturesque port in the Indian Ocean.
Looking back at Muscat as we head to Fujeirah on the East Coast of the U. A. E.
Kate contemplates the return as we pass one of the many small islands around Muscat.
That night the weather intensified. Heavy wind, made worse by the fact that it was hitting us head-on, forced us all into heavy-weather gear, the temperature dropped dramatically, and the rolling 10foot swell became vicious waves that broke over the boat’s nose drenching us in cold water and almost halting the boat before dropping us down into the narrow trenches between them before hitting us again. And again. And again. It was relentless and pretty tough on us all. We headed closer to the lee of the shoreline but there was little respite from the howling offshore wind, which I recall was hitting us with gusts in excess of 40 knots. This combination of wind and waves hitting us nose-on had the effect of slowing us down dramatically, the Tonk was working hard to make headway and we soon realised that we needed to find shelter before we ran out of fuel. A look at the chart and we headed to Sufhar Port where we’d refuel and rest until the worst of the weather had passed. The Harbour Master and his team were very accommodating. We were safe, reasonably dry, and we refueled without incident in a port designed for merchant shipping, not 38 foot sailing cruisers.
Gulls fly past the rigging as we laid-up in Sofhar Port.
Later that day we made off again, if a little battered and worn by the night before. We were refueled, drier, and full of renewed vigour for the arrival in Fujeirah which marked the next stage of our journey home. We arrived that evening at Fujeirah Marina, berthed, and headed to a bar in a local hotel for a team drink before Kate, Will, and Paul headed back to Dubai the quick way; one and a half hours by road versus our 4 days of sailing.
One of the many rewards for participating in this amazing race is the opportunity to spend some time moored up at Telegraph Island, (AKA Jazirat al Maqlab, situated in the Elphinstone Inlet <source: Wikipedia>), in the Khor Khassab. Pronounced ‘core’ and referred to as ‘The Khor’, this is a very special place. Greeted by a small pod of dolphins every time I’ve been, now 3 times, we sail about 6km into a fjord in the Arabian Peninsular – how cool is that? – before reaching this strategically important little island In the 19th century, it was the location of a British repeater station used to boost telegraphic messages along the Persian Gulf submarine cable, which was part of the London to Karachi telegraphic cable. It was not an easy posting for the operators, with the severe summer heat and hostility of local tribes making life extremely uncomfortable. Because of this, the island is, according to some travel agents and journalists, where the expression “go round the bend” comes from, a reference to the heat making British officers desperate to return to civilization, which meant a voyage around the bend in the Strait of Hormuz back to India. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telegraph_Island
Der Schkipper and Andy chill out up front as John steers us into ‘The Khor’.
Unfortunately, due to the weather delay, we had less than 24 hours to rest up before heading on to Dubai but we made the most of the break in a sheltered, pristine, but somewhat colder than normal natural harbour. During one particularly comedic conversation that night, the ‘Round the bend’ topic was discussed and it was agreed among us that one would have had to have seriously ‘pissed off’ one’s superior officer in order to be posted to this beautifully barren rock and that like the Eskimo’s fabled ’100 words for snow’, you would probably leave it in a straight-jacket with a new-found vocabulary of 100 words for rock.
A traditional Dhow ferries tourists from a nearby hotel past Wanderlust at anchor in the Khor.
The view from Telegraph Island looking back toward the mouth of the Khor.
One of the dolphins from the local pod escorts us as we leave The Khor.
Thankfully, the next two day’s sailing were incident free. However, not without something memorable. On the second night of a couple of unexpected visitors arrived at the boat.
An unexpected visit from a weary traveler.
Two small weather beaten gulls appeared low above the water just off the stern of Wanderlust. One landed on Der Schkippers’ shoulder, the other landed on the rail to the rear left of him. They both stayed with us for about 6 hours before hopping off and continuing on their own journey. A very special moment for us. What an honour to have been visited by these wonderful wild seafaring creatures. They showed no fear of us and we bothered them not.
My main mission as crew on this trip was to ensure that we were all well fed and watered, and for water see rum, vodka, beer and assorted mixers. We’re a well-fed crew, even if I say so myself. So I continued my duties, in between spells of coma-like sleep, ensuring Der Schkipper and our new 1st Mate ,John, were well catered to. Andy and I provided nutritional support for the remainder of the journey and they took us safely home.
The final morning, I lose count of the days now, was a moody, pensive looking start but the cloud broke as we neared Dubai. The clouds parted and the sun illuminated the skyline beautifully welcoming us back in true Dubai style, and we were none the less grateful for seeing it.
Sunrise over Dubai as we head home on the last day of our adventure.
The rest is an exhausted blur but I assume we made it back to DOSC, berthed, drank a few cold beers, yawned, muttered, mumbled, and said our cheerio’s before dragging ourselves home for much needed sleep in big comfortable beds to dream about adventure at sea.
A few days later, I went online to track down what I could of the storm that hit us. The details are now lost in the ether, but I do have this image saved from some weather sat page somewhere . . .
The huge wind storm, or ‘Shamal’, that had battered us into submission ripped dust out of the deserts of Iran and Afghanistan and blew it miles out into the Indian Ocean.
In comparing the map I posted with the image above, it’s clear to see how the wind interfered with our course home. That was a night I will not forget in a hurry. I’m just happy that we had such experienced sailors at the helm.
Around the bend and back again, I would repeat this experience at the drop of a hat . . . thank you Der Schkipper, Kate, Will, John, Paul, the management and staff of Bhandar Al Rowdha Marina and the Harbour Master at Sufhar Port. Without you I would not have this wonderful memory.
Aardvark! (Private joke amongst the crew).
Where to make your first $ Million as a Travel Photographer?
According to Sarah Coles at Money.AOL and the lovely researchers at Bing, Microsoft’s search engine, as many as 60% of people in the UK rate being a photographer as their number 4 dream job.
<http://money.aol.co.uk/2012/05/10/the-uks-top-ten-dream-jobs/>
Having spent the past 8 years practicing the steps and getting my image right, I am stoked to discover that listed up there with Rock Star, is ‘Being-A-Photographer’.
I guess that I’m as ready now as I’ll ever be to step out on the ‘X-Factor’ stage & show Simon Cowell a photo I took of ‘sunset, junk, Hong Kong, South China Sea’.
Surely a sure-fire route to the mega-stardom of ‘Dream Job Number 4′?
Of course, it’s always good to have a back-up plan.
So, failing a drama-filled glamorous short-cut, soaked in the potential of national embarrassment, I’ve prepared the following list of other prospects that might appreciate the hard work I’ve put in, just in case the panel of X-Factor judges aren’t as excited about my junk as I am.
1. National Geographic Traveler - http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/traveler-magazine/
Online and print magazine published in over 35 countries. “The National Geographic Society has been inspiring people to care about the planet since 1888. It is one of the largest nonprofit scientific and educational institutions in the world. Its interests include geography, archaeology and natural science, and the promotion of environmental and historical conservation.”.
“The world’s most widely read travel magazine”, focuses on culture, authenticity, and sustainability while attempting to incorporate local editorial flavour. Overall good freelance potential. Fees by negotiation.
Editor In Chief: Chris Johns.
UK Editor: Pat Riddell. Art Editor (UK) Chris Hudson.
Submissions: Send details of experience and coverage to the art editor in the first instance.
2. Real Travel - www.realtravelmag.com/
Online and print magazine published by Create Publishing, Bristol, UK.
Editor: Hfu Reisenhofer. Art Editor: Dave Partridge.
A magazine for ‘active travellers’ rather than holidaymakers.
Good freelance potential for the right sort of material as described. Pictures of real people experiencing the world on career breaks or gap years, adventure, charity work, sporting activity, etc. Also stock pictures of less ‘touristy’ destinations.
Fees by negotiation.
3. Traveller - http://www.realtravelmagazine.com/
Online and print magazine published by ‘& Publishing’, London, UK.
Editor: Amy Sohanpaul. Deputy Editor: Duncan Mills.
Published three times per year, contains narrative features on unusual and adventurous travel in developing countries.
Good freelance potential but limited by its’ frequency. No tourist brochure-type shots.
Fees for photographs; from GBP 50, full page GBP 80, cover GBP 150.
4. Wanderlust - http://www.wanderlust.co.uk/
Online and print magazine published by Wanderlust Publications, Windsor, UK.
Editor: Dan Linstead. Art Director: Graham Berridge.
A magazine for the ‘independent-minded’ traveller, published 8 times per year.
Excellent freelance potential for complete packages of words and pictures but will not consider unsolicited contributions. Detailed notes and guidelines for contributors are available on the website.
Fees by negotiation.
5. The Sunday Times Travel Magazine - http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/travel/
Published by Times Newspaper Ltd, London, UK.
Editor: Ed Grenby. Picture Editor: Polly Teller.
Monthly glossy aimed at up-market travellers published on behalf of The Sunday Times.
Good potential for freelance material. Will always consider high-quality travel material on spec, including especially striking images for use in double-page spreads. Lists of stock material always of interest.
Fees negotiable and according to use.
6. Business Traveller - http://www.businesstraveller.com/
Published by Panacea Publishing International Ltd, London, UK.
Editor: Tom Otley. Art Editor: Annie Harris.
Monthly consumer publication aimed at the frequently travelling international and domestic executive.
Very good freelance potential, over 65% of the magazine is contributed by freelancers. Images to illustrate destination features on a wide variety of cities – request a features list of upcoming destinations. Submit low-res digital or dupes in the first instance.
Fees from GBP 50 up to GBP 180 for full-page pictures, covers GBP 250.
7. 21st Century Adventures - http://www.21stcenturyadventures.com
Online magazine published by 10E Design, Indiana, USA.
Editor: Jennifer M. Tenney. Assistant Editor & Photographer: Catherine E. Madsen.
Geared towards exotic locations and/or adventure travel, the magazine is read by people who are active and have a love of nature.
Fees are low; US$20 for an article with pictures.
8. Pology Magazine - http://pology.com/
Blog.
Editor: Neil Schwartz
Started with the hope of sharing the exciting potential this world holds for everyone, regardless of their current station in life. It’s hoped that their stories and pictures will inspire people to get out and see the world.
Good freelance potential for the right material although written articles supported by images are probably preferred.
No fees but a good place with a respectable purpose. Somewhere to hone submission skills, perhaps.
9. Conde Nast Traveller - http://www.cntraveller.com
Print magazine & website published by The Conde Nast Publications Ltd, London UK.
Editor: Sarah MIller. Director of Photography: Caroline Metcalfe.
Top quality photo-feature material covering all aspects of travel, from luxury hotels and food, restaurant interiors to adventure travel, ecological issues, etc.
Very good potential for high quality material with an original approach, particularly from photographers who can produce excellent work but who are not necessarily travel specialists.
Fees are variable but top rates paid for suitable material.
10. Food and Travel - http://www.foodandtravel.com/
Print magazine & website published by Green Pea Publishing, London UK.
Editor: Alex Mead. Creative Director: Angela DUkes.
Up-market monthly for affluent people interested in food, wine and travel.
High quality food and travel photography.
Good freelance potential for specialists.
Fees are negotiable.
So, there it is!
The money’s in the bag!
If I don’t cut it at the auditions, all I have to do is shoot about 20,000 high-quality sell-able images.
Piece of cake!
Right?
Back to the drawing board?
I was recently asked, “Which five blogs in your geographical area interest you the most?”. “What do you like about them visually, design and content-wise, navigability, links, and added information, and how would I make them better?”.
Part of being a savvy social media user is beginning to discern what techniques — visual, content-based, and otherwise — draw readers in and keep them returning.
I’m new to the blogging phenomena. Until I recently started the MatadorU course I’ve avoided subscribing to any. But I understand now that blogging is a tried and tested method for sharing the work of others that interest me and relate to my work. It has enormous potential for generating interest in my own work and of course, there’s scope for generating income by attracting advertisers to sponsor my pages and / or website.
After giving this some thought and doing some homework, I’ve listed below some of my new favourite travel-focused blogs along with their ‘Alexa’ ranking <http://www.alexa.com/>.
Some of these can be found here; http://www.asiatravelblogs.org/
“Alexa is the leading provider of free, global web metrics. Search Alexa to discover the most successful sites on the web by keyword, category, or country. Use <their> analytics for competitive analysis, bench-marking, market research, or business development. Use Alexa’s Pro tools to optimize your company’s presence on the web.”.
I’m not experienced enough to comment on how I’d make improvements to these sites, each blog is as different as the individual writers who prepare them. What would appeal to me may not peak the interest of others. That said, having now set out into the blogger-sphere (did I get that right?), I do hope to strike up a few connections.
http://www.apairofpantiesandboxers.com/blog/ - Monica Wong’s quirky blog about her travels and volunteer work around the world is easily navigable and her posts are short, fun, and informative. I would like my blog to attract advertisers. I expect that to be easier said than done. I would attempt to clearly credit any photographer’s work that I posted, including my own, with the artists name and link back to their website. Fewer RSS Feed icons would keep the pages cleaner but it is easily navigable with a strong links bar across the top of the page.
Alexa ranking: Global @ 629,550.
http://www.darngooddigs.com/asia.html - Allison Kwait and Michael Gonchar aim to “create a world-wide community of travelers to share amazing, unique, and affordable accommodations”. Where it lacks in sponsorship it probably makes up for in discounts, if not comps, from a number of the Digs reviewed. This is, of course, an assumption, but I’d like to think that those accommodations that make it to their pages would show their appreciation for the additional free marketing. Another aspect I like about this site is the potential to contribute words and images. So if on an assignment and staying at digs worthy of this site, an additional bit of work could provide a little extra exposure if accepted. Easily navigated with links to countries where accommodation has been reviewed, it’s simple and informative.
Alexa ranking: Global @ 964,696.
http://www.nerdynomad.com/ - Kirsty’s Rwanda-based posting spans 3 blogs of her own plus a number of websites she owns. By a wonderful stroke of coincidence, this months leading post, at the time of writing, is aptly named, Facebook Pages & Experimenting with Ads wherein she describes her own experience with social media and the results she’s produced from placing Facebook ads. I enjoy Kirsty’s honest approach to blogging, in particular her open statements about her online financial performance which she reports on each month in her ‘Recent Earnings Updates‘. A clean and simple scrolling page with a comprehensive yet uncomplicated navigation bar on the right hand side make this an easy site to explore.
Alexa ranking: Global @ 101,619.
http://www.photojbartlett.com/blog-2/ - Jeff Bartlett’s blog posts are the work of a professional. Period. He’s an adventure photographer, wedding photographer, writer, interviewer and, in my book, pretty much an all-round photographer’s photographer. His site is clean, well presented, displays his ability to develop advertising relationships, and has an element of fun with a highly visible link to Instagram app ‘Followgram’. I like Jeff’s work. The very bold RSS Feed icons top right make it simple to follow updates, a medium green background is gentle on the eyes, some advertising down the right hand side all make it clean and simple.
Alexa ranking: Global @ 1,359,144
Saving the best ’til last, Dream a Little Dream is a blog by married couple, Deidra and Scott Vanderlee They love traveling together and “hate the grind of 9 to 5″. I like this blog because it reminds me of my wife and I, and that we (and that’s all of us) should never stop pursuing our dreams. Leaving the rat-race, travelling the world, and managing to make enough income to enjoy some creature-comforts along the way? Who wouldn’t be content with that? It’s a site with heart and soul, which is something that I believe we should all consider as an important element of our work. Easy on the eyes, fun, interesting, strong links across the top, lots of images, uncluttered RSS Feeds, some advertising down the right side . . . have I said clean and simple yet?
Alexa ranking: Global @ 605,735.
So, keeping things ‘clean and simple’, if I can combine the quirkiness of www.apairofpantiesandboxers.com, the openness of www.nerdynomad.com/, the professionalism of www.photojbartlett.com, and the spirit of Dream a Little Dream, not only would I be a happy blogger but I should be able to peak someone’s interest and report to www.darngooddigs.com somewhere along the way.
Failing that, it’s back to the proverbial drawing board!
Don’t give up your day job! Well, not yet . . .
I work full-time in the service industry and I get paid regularly. Making the move to full-time freelance travel photographer, while very, VERY, scary, is a transition I’m preparing for. Cautiously.
Not yet ready to make the leap into the full-time freelance market, my plan is evolving. I’m currently spending my free time organising my huge collection of image files using and adopting the systems outlined in Peter Krogh’s, ‘The DAM Book’ <http://www.thedambook.com/>.
Key-wording and critically reviewing my back catalogue is a major element of becoming organised, not a quick job with over 17,000 images to filter.
Armed with a revamped website (coming soon) and, thanks to MatadorU and a better understanding of which social media platforms to use, I aim to streamline my workflow from shutter-release and post-processing through to sales and blog-news updates in order to maximise my online presence and increase sales of my work.
Having a fully supportive partner I plan to take advantage of living in Hong Kong and focus on building my stock of images of mainstream and off-the-beaten-track local sites and attractions, and begin offering my work to publishers.
I read with interest some of the comments posted in reply to Jeff Bartlett’s post – on MatadorU – about this topic, wherein he suggests retailers as an option. Unfortunately, the original piece has since been deleted from the forum where it’s posted but the strategy is sound and with some research into travel-related retailers, this may bear some fruit. <http://www.photojbartlett.com/>
I’ve yet to begin researching paying blogs and haven’t gone into detail about paying online magazines, but they’re out there. With a current 10 hours of commuting time each week and armed with an iPad, I not only aspire to finely tune my workflow but continue searching for prospective buyers for my work.
The following list is drawn from ‘The Freelance Photographer’s Market Handbook 2012′ <http://www.thebfp.com/> & the ‘Travel Publications Update 2011′, and represents the publishers who openly publish their pay rates for travel photography.
Business Traveller - http://www.businesstraveller.com/ Published by Panacea Publishing International Ltd, London, UK. Editor: Tom Otley. Art Editor: Annie Harris. Monthly consumer publication aimed at the frequently travelling international and domestic executive. Very good freelance potential, over 65% of the magazine is contributed by freelancers. Images to illustrate destination features on a wide variety of cities – request a features list of upcoming destinations. Submit low-res digital or dupes in the first instance. Fees from GBP 50 up to GBP 180 for full-page pictures, covers GBP 250.
CNN Traveller – www.cnntraveller.com Dan Hayes, Editor, 1/7/2010, Bi-monthly, British publication combing travel and current affairs. Photos: state availability., 120-400 British pounds. OTR.
Cruise Industry News – www.cruiseindustrynews.com Oivind Mathisen, Editor, E-mail: oivind@cruiseindustrynews.com, 2/27/2008, “For all those those who work in the industry whether aboard ship or ashore.” Editorial focus covers all aspects of cruises from brand strategies to ship operations, shipbuilding and destinations. Also produces Cruise Industry News Annual, an annual report on the state and future of the industry; Cruise Industry News, the inside news, a bi-monthly newsletter; and Cruise Industry News Executive Guide, covering cruise line management teams worldwide. Photos: $200 for covers and $50 for inside.
Environmental Magazine – www.emagazine.com Brita Belli, Editor, E-mail: info@emagazine.com, 9/19/2009, 60% FL written. Articles dealing with environmental issues, currents of environmental thought and action, and the dynamics of the movement. Also articles that explore the connections between environmental and other social change and humanitarian issues. Going Green section (750 words) follows the eco-tourism industry and highlights notable trends and destinations. Q first by snail or e-mail mail. POP. Photos: All photographic needs are based on editorial content. Prefer 35mm slides or transparencies, TIFF, JPEG at 300dpi. Do not send originals unless requested. Buys FNASR. Photos pay up to $1,200 for cover; up to $300 inside.
Eating Well – www.eatingwell.com Lisa Gosselin, Editorial Director, E-mail: editors@eatingwell.com, 9/2/2010, Covers nutrition, healthy cooking, recipes, and occasional food travel items. QWC by snail mail only. Photos: 35mm or larger preferred; prints sometimes considered. In the culture/travel articles we are looking for intimate portrayals of how food is woven into the culture of a region. Cover photos $500; inside color $100-325. Buys All Rights including web rights.
Endless Vacation – www.endlessvacation.com Clark Mitchell, Sr. Editor, E-mail: clark.mitchell@storywide.com, 9/2/2010, Bimonthly. 99% of readers own a timeshare condominium. Readers rank most important activities while on vacation (in descending order) as: leisure time, visiting local tourist attractions, dining, shopping, swimming, sports activities, cultural activities and entertaining. Focus primarily on domestic vacation travel, with some mainstream international vacation articles. Editorial mix is 90% domestic, 10% international. Features should cover new and interesting vacation options and should have a solid angle. Although limited, international features cover easily-accessed areas of Europe, South America, Africa, and the Pacific. Not looking for Nepalese mountain treks or hiking the wilds of Vietnam – however, the romantic towns of Bavaria or shopping in Singapore might turn their heads. Department topics accepting some FL contributions (500-1200 words) include Family Vacationing, Healthy Traveler, Cruise Currents, Value Travel Destinations., Features including sidebars pay $500-$1500; departments $100-$800. Pays from $300-1300 per photo. Buys FNASR. Pays on acceptance.
Filipinas – www.filipinasmag.com Greg Macabenta, Editor, E-mail: g.macabenta@filipinasmag.com, 1/7/2010, Consumer monthly published for all Fililpinos with an emphasis on those in North America. Covers politics, business, travel, personalities, history, culture, food and leisure. QWC by e-mail or snail mail. Response in 2-3 weeks. Photos: reviews 2 1/4 x 2 1/4 and 4 x 5 transparencies., Articles pay $50-75. Photos pay $15-35. Pays on publication.
Golf Magazine – www.golfonline.com Eamon Lynch, Travel Editor, Two Park Ave., New York, NY, 10016, TEL: 212-779-5227, FAX: 212-779-5522, 11/2/2007, Written for golf enthusiasts from beginners to pros. Covers golf resorts and travel opportunities. $80-650 for photos.
Islands – www.islands.com, Eddy Patricelli, Editor, 9/2/2010, 8/year. Focuses on islands around the world: urban, rural, tropical or windswept, well-known or virtually undiscovered. Focus is on Hawaii, Caribbean, and So.Pacific. Departments of 750-850 words include Adventures, On Island, and Islanders, and cover slices of island life. Front-of-book section, Discoveries, showcases great places to stay, eat, or hike. Will accept Q via e-mail. Allow at least 2 months for reply. Photos: Uses color 35 mm, 2 * x 2 *, 4 x 5, 8 x 10 transparencies. For first-time submissions, send tear sheets of published photos and no more than 40 dupe slides. Include current list of locations in stock library. Also publishes semi-annual magazine on island weddings and honeymoons, Acceptance fee paid within 45 days of acceptance of the ms. If an assigned article is rejected, KF of 25% is paid within 30 days of rejection. Photos: $75-$350 depending on size.
Nature Photographer – www.naturephotographermag.com Helen Longest-Saccone ,Editor-in-Chief, E-mail: nature_photographer@yahoo.com, 4/19/2009, Quarterly. Features informative articles on improving technique for all aspects of nature photography including macro, flowers, wildlife, landscapes, underwater, and travel. Photos: Slides and all images must be taken in the wild; no set-up, computer manipulated or captive photos. Only accepts submissions from editors and those subscribers who are field contributors., Pays $75-150 for article/photo package of 500-2500 words. Photos pay $15-30 for inside, $100 for cover.
Outdoor Photographer – www.outdoorphotographer.com Christoper Robinson, Managing Editor, E-mail: editor@outdoorphotographer.com, : 10/25/2009, 11X/year. For enthusiasts of sports, travel, nature and photography. Encourages photography as part of a lifestyle associated with outdoor recreation and travel. Feature articles include: travel destinations, photo tours, workshops; interviews with accomplished photographers on subjects of nature and outdoor sports; non-technical equipment evaluations; new technologies, photo instruction related to outdoor activities, scenic travel, and outside sports. Majority of features are FL written. Photos: Works with duplicates. Accept all film formats, preferring 35mm, 2 x 2 , 6 x 7, and 4 x 5 for transparencies and 5 x 7 or 8 x 10 for prints, and digital. Responds in 30-60 days., Buys OTR. Photos: Covers pay $350. Color pays $75-200 (full page); b&w pay $25-50.
Pathfinders Travel – www.pathfinderstravel.com Pamela Thomas, Editor, E-mail: info@pathfinderstravel. com, 12/29/2009, Bi-monthly. The Travel Magazine for People of Color. Looking for lively, well-written stories providing a good sense of place with useful information and fresh ideas about travel and the travel industry. Audience is mainly African American, but uses articles relating to Native Americans, Hispanics and Asians. Responds 6-8 weeks. Prefers completed ms rather than query. Photos: Buys only a few. No scenery. Looking for photos of people of color, domestic and International travel. Pays $200. POP. Buys FNASR.
Photo Life - www.photolife.com Xavier Bonacorsi, Editor, E-mail: editor@photolife.com, 1/3/2010, 6 X/year. Specializes in photography. Will review any relevant submissions that include full text or outline. Accompanying photos are necessary as the first decision of acceptance is based on images. Articles should range from 800-1200 words. For the Gallery section, submit a selection of up to 20 photos on any theme. Must be 300dpi, uncompressed TIFF or RGB files on CD. Use Canadian spelling. Preference given to Canadian photographers., Pays $300+ cdn for article and photos.
Sailing – www.sailingmagazine.net Bill Shanan, Editor, E-mail: editorial@sailingmagazine.net, 7/30/2010, 12X/year. Every aspect of sailing is featured with photos complemented by technical articles. Replies in 2 months. Subjects of interest include: cruising/destination articles on either charter or personally-owned boats; sailing/cruising adventures; regattas. No first sail stories. Stories are almost never run without photos. Photos: Color transparencies best submitted in transparency form, 35mm or larger. For b&w, 8 x 10 glossy prints preferred, but contact sheet with the negatives can be submitted. Original digital files only. Color prints actively discouraged. Q first. Buys OTR. Pays $50-500/picture.
Sea Kayaker – www.seakayakermag.com Christopher Cunningham, Editor, E-mail: editorial@seakayakermag.com, 12/15/2009, Bi-monthly. Devoted solely to sea kayaks, their use, design and history. Destination articles are straightforward descriptions of appealing paddling destinations that offer multi-day paddling itineraries and camping options; requires strong familiarity with the area (local knowledge). Interested contributors should review Sea Kayaker’s contributor guidelines at http://www.seakayakermag.com before sending submissions. Submissions accepted via email. Photos: prefers excellent quality, large format digital images. Pays $25-400 for color photos; Buys FNASR. POP.
Traveller - http://www.realtravelmagazine.com/ Online and print magazine published by ‘& Publishing’, London, UK. Editor: Amy Sohanpaul. Deputy Editor: Duncan Mills. Published three times per year, contains narrative features on unusual and adventurous travel in developing countries. Good freelance potential but limited by its’ frequency. No tourist brochure-type shots. Fees for photographs; from GBP 50, full page GBP 80, cover GBP 150.
Wanderlust - www.wanderlust.co.uk Dan Linstead, Editor, E-mail: info@wanderlust.co.uk, 5/4/2009, 8 X/year. British travel magazine with readership in over 80 countries. Mission is to provide readers with the best writing, the best photos, and the most authoritative facts. Features include Destinations covering a specific destination, country, or region; Special Interest Features topics such as palace hotels, safaris, whale-watching and walking holidays; Room Service- 1000 words on a special place to stay. No phone, fax, or e-mail Q. Must include SASE with sufficient IRCs. Receives over 100 mss/week. Photos: Uses transparencies 35 mm or larger; or digital. Likes ethnic people, vertical shots for cover. Pays within 30 days. Photos pay 50 pounds minimum per image, 250 per cover.
Yachting – www.yachtingnet.com George Sass, Editor-in-Chief, E-mail: editor@yachtingmagazine.com, 9/28/2009, Edited for experienced, affluent boat owners — power and sail — who don’t have the time nor inclination to read sub-standard stories. Feature categories include: Adventure-first person travel stories with focused themes; Cruising Yachtsman- family destinations with emphasis on what to do onshore. Photos: Most photographs are shot on assignment by professionals they know, but will review other portfolios. Prefers 35mm Kodachrome 25, Kodachrome 64 is acceptable. Larger-format chromes are acceptable. Photography Art Director: Rana Bernhardt., Pays $250-400 for short pieces (columns) and $400- 900 for longer stories (features of 1200 words).Pays $500 for cover; $350/page for four color inside; $50 for spot art B & W. For assignments pays $400 a day against page rate (whichever is greatest). In most cases a cap is agreed upon beforehand. Photography Art Director: Dave Pollard.
So, “Good Luck!” to any and all who pursue photography as a career, may your bookshelves & walls be filled with your successes.
Peace!
Creating an artistic finish to a simple image..
Pre-process
One of the first camera ‘tricks’ I learned was ‘Vertical Panning’ using a tripod and, of course, a camera.
This involved mounting the camera on the tripod, and using a long exposure – say 2 seconds – moving the camera through a vertical plane to create motion blur. In simple terms, open the shutter pointing at the ground & slowly move the camera upwards until the shutter closed again.
Once perfected the results were stunning & some of my earliest favourite images – since lost in an external drive failure – were taken in nearby woodlands using this technique.
One of my website galleries ‘Forest’ http://www.fotofu.co.uk/gallery_471211.html is an ongoing body of work in that technique and my gallery ‘Horizons’ http://www.fotofu.co.uk/gallery_470971.html is a horizontal experiment of the same process with some photoshop thrown in.
In my continued efforts to improve my skills with both camera and the digital darkroom, I stumbled across a superb tutorial in this technique this morning which takes this process to the next level for me.
The link to the tutorial is: http://sixtyonenorth.com/photoshop-tutorial-digital-panning-blurs/ and is the work of a photographer named David Taylor.
Impatient to try it out, I rushed home tonight to have my first attempt.
I began with the image above.
Shot in my town, it’s a view of a very small public park and looks though a number of palm trees. I actually took these some months ago for this purpose but hadn’t counted on unearthing this tutorial.
The end result, while a bit rushed, is pretty cool, below;
Now the question is, do I revisit every ‘Forest’ shot and rehash, or get out and continue to build?
Where’s my camera?…….
Chi!
Nia Technique
Now the intro’s out of the way I’d like to share and tell you about my most recent gallery post, Nia.
<Carlos Rosas, joint founder along with Debbie Rosas, leads ‘The Heart of Nia’ playshop in London in 2009.>
A few years ago, when we were living in Dubai, I stumbled upon an article in a local health mag that described an emerging health-in-movement technique named Nia.
I showed this to Tracey and she filed it for later reference.
Tracey is a highly-trained classical ballet teacher and at the time we were both looking for a change in direction.
A number of months later and we had left Dubai, travelled via Greece (Plan ‘A’), and ended up in the West Midlands of the United Kingdom. Yeah, no one was more surprised than we were.
Faced with an unexpected plan ‘B’, we scratched about for ways to earn an income, I chose photography & Tracey retrained in the Nia Technique.
Fast-forward five years and Tracey has progressed from level to level in the practice and I’ve had the opportunity to photograph that journey.
I now present my images of the Nia Technique in www.fotofu.co.uk/gallery_495258.html
You can learn about this funky mind, body, spirit wellness principal at www.niahongkong.com and www.nianow.com
MatadorU Graduate
