Does anyone have any magazine contacts?

[samthaman]

I'm curious about what it takes to get into the ski media industry, or at least get something published?

thanks for any help.

[Doremite]

Sam:

May help to PM MD9 (a/k/a MeatDrink9 a/k/a Jared) over at tgr. I know he's been working at this and has had some minor successes in getting photos published. Apparently its a bit of a *****. He also works with some photographers trying to break into the game as well. I've skied with Jared a few times and he seems like a great guy. Think he'd be happy to help and share any advice he can. Know him through my buddy criscam out in Utah if you want to let him know who sent you. He knows Chris a lot better than he knows me but he should pull it together if you drop my handle. Good luck.

[surfsnowywaves]

I know/have met some folks who do that sort of stuff. I know both Josh Madsen and Ryland Mack-Dauff through friends of mine, but I wouldn't say I've got solid contact with either of them. It strikes me that a lot of the time, actually working for the mags is achieved through a lot of luck and chance meeting of folks. However, if you want to get photos published, I'd recommend just sending them some of your shots, watermarked, and saying "hey, i've got high-res versions of these if you're interested." Also, check out smaller, local mags first. One of the guys over on T-tips has gotten pictures of his published in Vermont Life (actually made got a cover), and there's local ski rags as well.

[samthaman]

I know/have met some folks who do that sort of stuff. I know both Josh Madsen and Ryland Mack-Dauff through friends of mine, but I wouldn't say I've got solid contact with either of them. It strikes me that a lot of the time, actually working for the mags is achieved through a lot of luck and chance meeting of folks. However, if you want to get photos published, I'd recommend just sending them some of your shots, watermarked, and saying "hey, i've got high-res versions of these if you're interested." Also, check out smaller, local mags first. One of the guys over on T-tips has gotten pictures of his published in Vermont Life (actually made got a cover), and there's local ski rags as well.

interesting about vermont life. what local ski rags were you thinking of?

[surfsnowywaves]

interesting about vermont life. what local ski rags were you thinking of?

Uh, sadly, the main one I was thinking of is this one free one that I can't for the life of me remember the name of. It's printed on newspaper material, and I know that the Hermit Lake Caretaker has a STACK of them. I think you might be able to pick up a copy at OGE, but I'm nowhere near 100% on that.

There's also N'EAST, which doesn't appear to have a website/contact info, but is a pretty cool rag.

Also, keep in mind that Height of Land Publications (Backcountry Mag) is based out of Jeffersonville, VT. They often run pictures from in the notch, taken by locals.

Vermont Life: http://www.vermontlife.com/about_vl/guidelines.htm

[Justin]

I can offer a lot of info on this subject, most of which will almost certainly be disappointing. Sorry, but it's the truth. Especially in this economy. I've been shooting as a pro since 2003 FWIW - and what i mean by "PRO" is I make a living exclusively of taking pictures. I've shot sports for local Portland Publications but mainly i work in the commercial field. That translates into a lot of catalog work, think LLbean, EMS, and just about any other company that puts a packet of paper on your doorstep every few weeks. Work isn't as interesteing, but the money is much better. But, alas i digress...

The sports publication field is HIGHLY competitive. Mostly because every tom, dick and harry goes out and takes pictures of the things they enjoy, thinks "hey, this is fun, I'd like to get this published!" And their right, and many do it well, and many more do it very well. Making a living out of it It boils down to a huge effort in marketing yourself, knowing the right people, starting with smaller avenues, patience and a little luck. All that for very very marginal pay. A select few can make a decent living, but generally it's not so great. But hey, if yo just looking to get some stuff published and take it from there, there is really no reason to send some low-rez stuff along. Like others said, start with the smaller guys. ****ty thing is, in the economy, a lot of mags (big and small) are striking deals with photogs to ensure work at a lower price. Kinda limits the freelance avanues. I've got friends in NYC that have been out of work since the new year - in NYC!

Feel free to contact me with any questions...

Oh and BTW, N'east was located here in Portland last i knew. Just around the corner in what seemled like a closet. Just a few folks really. They had a few usualy photogs but it can't hurt contacting them.

http://www.maineyellowpages.com/779193/N-East-Magazine-Portland-ME

[samthaman]

I can offer a lot of info on this subject, most of which will almost certainly be disappointing. Sorry, but it's the truth. Especially in this economy. I've been shooting as a pro since 2003 FWIW - and what i mean by "PRO" is I make a living exclusively of taking pictures. I've shot sports for local Portland Publications but mainly i work in the commercial field. That translates into a lot of catalog work, think LLbean, EMS, and just about any other company that puts a packet of paper on your doorstep every few weeks. Work isn't as interesteing, but the money is much better. But, alas i digress...

The sports publication field is HIGHLY competitive. Mostly because every tom, dick and harry goes out and takes pictures of the things they enjoy, thinks "hey, this is fun, I'd like to get this published!" And their right, and many do it well, and many more do it very well. Making a living out of it It boils down to a huge effort in marketing yourself, knowing the right people, starting with smaller avenues, patience and a little luck. All that for very very marginal pay. A select few can make a decent living, but generally it's not so great. But hey, if yo just looking to get some stuff published and take it from there, there is really no reason to send some low-rez stuff along. Like others said, start with the smaller guys. ****ty thing is, in the economy, a lot of mags (big and small) are striking deals with photogs to ensure work at a lower price. Kinda limits the freelance avanues. I've got friends in NYC that have been out of work since the new year - in NYC!

Feel free to contact me with any questions...

Oh and BTW, N'east was located here in Portland last i knew. Just around the corner in what seemled like a closet. Just a few folks really. They had a few usualy photogs but it can't hurt contacting them.

http://www.maineyellowpages.com/779193/N-East-Magazine-Portland-ME

Thanks for the help. I had figured as much, but I also figured it could never hurt to give it a shot. At the very least it would help me become a better writer and photographer, and if I'm lucky generate some extra cash.

I guess I felt that Greg and I might have a bit of a leg up on this because we have some pretty unique material. The only other people on the EC that seem to be regularly getting huck shots are the Meatheads and they seem to be moving away from that towards park. Ski mountaineering/steep touring seems to get little to no coverage on the EC at all.

anyway, thanks again for your help

[Justin]

Thanks for the help. I had figured as much, but I also figured it could never hurt to give it a shot. At the very least it would help me become a better writer and photographer, and if I'm lucky generate some extra cash.

I guess I felt that Greg and I might have a bit of a leg up on this because we have some pretty unique material. The only other people on the EC that seem to be regularly getting huck shots are the Meatheads and they seem to be moving away from that towards park. Ski mountaineering/steep touring seems to get little to no coverage on the EC at all.

anyway, thanks again for your help



I've been pretty busy, but i've managed to read some of you trip reports. You're a great writer. If you like writing and taking pictures, i'd very much encourage you to check out the photojournalism field. I'm sorry if my original post is a downer, I just wanted to be realistic. Don't get me wrong, it's a field that I truly love but man can it be frustrating. Ya, most of the glamor shots are taken out west, but realistically the market your shooting for is tiny, and you'd be surprised at how many folks are doing what you are. Not to mention how hard copy print is essentially dying. Newspapers are disappearing all of the country and magazines aren't doing much better. .com's, bloggers and independent media suppliers like you and this very website are to blame. I mean in one way it's sad to see Newspapers struggle, but realistically, other sources are so much more readily available, update and simply more interesting. Not all bad if you ask me. Just gotta know how to take the slander with a grain of salt i suppose. SO in

anyhow, kinda got off track - Didn't want to sound like debbie downer. If you love it, you'll do great. Your website is the step in the right direction and perfect example of what I was referring to above. Keep up the good work...

[M@]

Send a PM to Harkin Banks.

http://timefortuckerman.com/forums/member.php?u=1610

M@

[northeastsurf]

If your looking to just get a foot in the door I am not sure what we have open. But we run a surf sports website, Snow, Wind, Swell, with millions of visitors a year. Send us a message, though I can not promise anything at this time.

http://www.northeastsurfing.com/video_pages/47.html (new tucks video, hoping to hit it again May 1st.

[samthaman]

If your looking to just get a foot in the door I am not sure what we have open. But we run a surf sports website, Snow, Wind, Swell, with millions of visitors a year. Send us a message, though I can not promise anything at this time.

http://www.northeastsurfing.com/video_pages/47.html (new tucks video, hoping to hit it again May 1st.

PM sent

[ILOVE2SKI]

Samthaman, have you ever considered starting your own magazine? Just a small local deal, like a limited release? Maybe one or two issues a season? Check this out:



MagCloud enables you to publish your own magazines. All you have to do is upload a PDF and we'll take care of the rest: printing, mailing, subscription management, and more.

How much does it cost?
It costs you nothing to publish a magazine on MagCloud. To buy a magazine costs 20¢ per page, plus shipping. For example, a 20-page magazine would be four bucks plus shipping. And you can make money! You set your issue price and all proceeds above the base price go to you.

How are they printed?
MagCloud uses HP Indigo technology, so every issue is custom-printed when it’s ordered. Printing on demand means no big print runs, which means no pre-publishing expense. Magazines are brilliant full color on 80lb paper with saddle-stitched covers. They look awesome.

What do I need to do to participate?
You’ll need a PayPal account or major credit card to buy magazines, and publishers will need a PayPal account so we can pay you earnings. To create a magazine, you’ll need to upload a PDF, which means you’ll have to create your magazine in a program that outputs high-res PDFs like Adobe® InDesign.

During our Beta orders must be sent to a US shipping address.

Do I need to join?
Anyone can browse magazines on MagCloud today. You need an account to publish magazines. Create an account! »


--------- http://magcloud.com/ ------------

[samthaman]

Samthaman, have you ever considered starting your own magazine? Just a small local deal, like a limited release? Maybe one or two issues a season? Check this out:




--------- http://magcloud.com/ ------------

Interesting idea, and worth looking into, but i'm not sure my TR's would make enough content for a magazine worth buying. I feel like half the challenge would be coming up with content... who knows though, it could be an interesting way to bring people together.

My initial reason for trying to get published through normal means was that it would allow me to receive helpful professional critique. I also don't know how much longer I'll be living on the EC, so I'm not sure it makes a ton of sense to start self publishing.

[NtrentT]

, but i'm not sure my TR's would make enough content for a magazine worth buying.
Sam,
Yes it would.
Do it, I'd buy your rag, you put out great stuff man.

If you need graphic development help let me know, I publish advertisements in magazines often and know my way around.

The advertisements are nothing of much interest here, just Solar Thermal, and Thermal Actuator stuff for aerospace and the like.... Not the most interesting.

[samthaman]

Sam,
Yes it would.
Do it, I'd buy your rag, you put out great stuff man.

If you need graphic development help let me know, I publish advertisements in magazines often and know my way around.

The advertisements are nothing of much interest here, just Solar Thermal, and Thermal Actuator stuff for aerospace and the like.... Not the most interesting.

"The new england ski mountaineering and solar-thermal actuator journal" - that has a nice ring to it. I'll look into it, what's a good program to use for publishing? word doesn't handle photos very well.

This actually brings me back to the callendar idea that was proposed in the fall. I'd like to start working on that as well and I might start a voting thread pretty soon to pick the photos. It'll be the best of greg and I

[yuckster]

If you need filler, you could solicit a lot of awful, incomprehensible poetry, ala Vulgarian Digest, and some lewd cartoons. It'll sell like hotcakes.

[samthaman]

If you need filler, you could solicit a lot of awful, incomprehensible poetry, ala Vulgarian Digest, and some lewd cartoons. It'll sell like hotcakes.

its funny you say that, we're already having a blast planning out the calendar along the same lines, not sure how i'll go over there.

"here's that wuss allen about to drop off another effin cliff, yawn..."

[ILOVE2SKI]

Setting up everything in photoshop would probably be your best bet... and yeah I'd buy a mag if you made it. Your photos and TR's are awesome, if you put even mroe time into it for a magazine I can only imagine how geat it would be...

Maybe you could get local ski shops to advertise or something? Don't really know...

[samthaman]

Setting up everything in photoshop would probably be your best bet... and yeah I'd buy a mag if you made it. Your photos and TR's are awesome, if you put even mroe time into it for a magazine I can only imagine how geat it would be...

Maybe you could get local ski shops to advertise or something? Don't really know...

So just to kind of fill everyone in. Greg and I are working on making a website together right now where we'll host all the TR's in the future. It'll also have some weather links, and photo, writing, and video galleries. Our next project will be making that calendar up, and then selling it through the website and then talking to magazines about selling our photos and writing. If that doesn't go well, or were still feeling motivated, I think the self published magazine could be a great idea. For the first one, there would probably be no advertising or anything, it'd simply be a collection of pictures and writing from our (an maybe others) ski adventures around here.

[drewvw]

very cool...

I'm doing something similar for a grad school project but its not quite on the same level I think, been in the works for awhile and first cut will be done soon.

I do however have a kicka$$ domain name...

[samthaman]

very cool...

I'm doing something similar for a grad school project but its not quite on the same level I think, been in the works for awhile and first cut will be done soon.

I do however have a kicka$$ domain name...

care to share the details?

[The Lisa]

This sounds like a great enterprise for you and Greg - no point letting all those quality photos and reports sitting idle on a (virtual) shelf.
For graphics and publishing software, Adobe Photoshop is an excellent professional product. Adobe InDesign is excellent for both print and online desktop publishing. I use both at work (architectural firm).

Given the steady decline of printed matter (look at the near-demise of Alpinist) it seems wise to start with the website approach first.

Much as I like flipping through glossy photos of climbing/skiing/whatever on the train in the morning, I also like to receive e-newsletters and e-mags that I can read onscreen or print out on scrap paper, greyscale.

I LOVE calendars - definitely explore publishing those as I would buy a few every year.

[skibumm100]

I'd buy a calendar or two. I would think you could sell a bunch of them through ski shops, outdoor stores and maybe the standard tourist haunts. Maybe some general stores near ski areas. You could plug your website somewhere on the calendar, too.:cooldog:

[petebanta]

One way to get your stuff looked at by a top photo editor is to join BackcountryMagazine.com and submit them via the Media Uploader for consideration into the galleries. I am the webmaster for them, and I send them on to Simon periodically for review. He selects some to go into the gallery, etc.. We want visitors to contribute to the site and share.

Now, you do not get paid for these, but it is a way to get your stuff seen and published, and begin a relationship with the people there. Like in may ways of work, you may have to give it away to break in (think intern).

For the record, I have NO SAY WHATSOEVER in what gets selected/posted. That is the job of the photo editor, and he doesn't even like it when I say "This one is good", because what do I know, right (though I have been involved in winter sports marketing for about 15 years in various capacities)?

You can also just email Simon directly via the site Contacts area. I would post some good stuff to a site somewhere, and send him a link for consideration. We also publish Telemark Skier Magazine and now Alpinist, so there are 2 more places that they need photos for, as well. And with the change in staff for Alpinist, I would say this is a good time to get your foot in the door.

That being said, I have a number of friends who are pro photogs/videogs, and it is a VERY hard area to break through on. Like with most self-employed ventures, it is ALL about networking. Once they buy pics from you once, they often return to you (because it is always easier to go with familiar vs. new).

Another option is ski resorts, if you take pics there. Some will take from the nearby BC, too, others not. ie. I was the media buyer for Stowe for several years and bought all of the pics for marketing materials. We were not allowed by Mgmt/AIG to show ANY pics from off-piste (though we snuck a few in).

Love to see more East BC in there. Wyoming is everything, you know. :doh:

Also, I have gotten sevral PM's about this. Sorry to take a bit to reply, to those that wrote me. But this is what I would tell you (if I had written back sooner). :o

[icelanticskier]

e-mail lesley@lesley.suppes@metrosports.com editor of new england sports and former contributing editor for backcountry/couloir. she's my room-mate and would gladly chat with ya and maybe give ya some work next winter. she's connected in the biz. how's that EMS deal goin? anything?
let me know

rog

[samthaman]

Another option is ski resorts, if you take pics there. Some will take from the nearby BC, too, others not. ie. I was the media buyer for Stowe for several years and bought all of the pics for marketing materials. We were not allowed by Mgmt/AIG to show ANY pics from off-piste (though we snuck a few in).

Love to see more East BC in there. Wyoming is everything, you know. :doh:

o

awesome, thanks for getting back to me (us). Do you happen to know what the intern situation is at Hight of land right now?

That would explain why gpetrics couldn't sell any to them... but seriously no BC photos at stowe? almost every shot on that website with pow in it comes from OB.

[petebanta]

but seriously no BC photos at stowe? almost every shot on that website with pow in it comes from OB.

Like I said, we snuck a few in (from Forehead, for instance), or others we say are in Tres Amigos/Nosedive Woods, when it is trees.

Ski Patrol got their panties in a wad years ago, due to Chin pics getting people in trouble they needed to help themout of, thus the policy. And being owned by the world's largest insurance company doesn't help. :doh:

More frustrations that lead to my quiting after a few years - ie. Not being able to sell the place on it's greatest strengths.

But if you look carefully, there are not that many, and some are re-used from previous purchaes (so technically not new BC pic purchases).

Another thing that is hard for breaking in is pricing. I have passed on many good pics, because the terms were not reasonble. Very difficult to manage all those pics & contracts. So we changed it so that we bought ALL pics at flat rates for indefinite usage in ALL mediums. This is becoming a trnd in marketing for buying pics, as running a pic accidently again when you only paid for one-time-use can be VERY expensive mistake, believe me.

Keep it low & easy and increase your odds.

Charge more as you build up your client list. ;)

[surf88]

I've thought for a long time that your work should be published. I'ld buy it. I already consider myself a fan of your crew.
A mag somewhat similar to ALPINIST with full page photos, great little shorts and few to no ads. That would be great! But, prolly not the best buisness model considering there success.

[Harkin Banks]

Well, I've written three articles for Snow East Magazine in the past five years. It didn't pay much ($50 an article), but it DOES give me the ability to say that I've done it and got paid to do it...big whup. I got to know the Editor/Publisher Bill Jones when I was doing marketing at Ascutney and he came up for each of our annual Vermont Antique Ski Races and he had me write articles about the event two years in a row. Their website is: www.snoweastmagazine.com and you can send Bill an email (tell him I said 'hi') at: snoweastmag@optonline.net.
I've only had one item published in Skiing Magazine (that mag and Ski are the toughest nuts to crack, being the long-established rags that they are). I was contacted by Ben Hewitt (Skiing's east contributor). Somehow he'd gotten wind of my ski archive collection and even made an appointment to come over to my house to look at it. They ended up with a one-page thing called "From the Archives", on page 15E (East edition). It was the cover of one of my Ski Bulletins, dated 3/26/37, with a blurb underneath about the photo on the cover of Kurt Thalhammer, one of Sig Buchmayr's first Swiss instructors brought over to teach at Peckett's on Sugar Hill (just north of Franconia, NH). I got no $ for it, but the exposure and credit was worth it to me.

[samthaman]

e-mail lesley@lesley.suppes@metrosports.com editor of new england sports and former contributing editor for backcountry/couloir. she's my room-mate and would gladly chat with ya and maybe give ya some work next winter. she's connected in the biz. how's that EMS deal goin? anything?
let me know

rog

nothing from EMS, but thanks for the email addy, i'll be sure to send her an email.

[yuckster]

awesome, thanks for getting back to me (us). Do you happen to know what the intern situation is at Hight of land right now?

That would explain why gpetrics couldn't sell any to them... but seriously no BC photos at stowe? almost every shot on that website with pow in it comes from OB.

Stowe won't do it, but you gotta love how, on the I-91 rest stop northbound, there is this big kiosk with a photo of somebody launching a pretty big air in the Mansfield backcountry (possibly Chin area.) I suppose the state is happy to use this as tourist promotion, even if it makes trouble for AIG/Stowe.

[petebanta]

Yeah, Stowe likes to pretend they have no OOB or BC, but that is just as well for the rest of us in there. Crowded enbough already... ;)

If they did promote it more, I would run into more lost skiers on the wrong side (like I did when climbing Sunset Ridge earlier this winter). :doh:

[drewvw]

care to share the details?

Well, I don't really want to get into a long description of what i have in the works, but lets say my project proposal was pretty similar to what you typed up in that one post.

That said, I'm just doing it for fun and don't really have any intention of trying to profit off it or anything like that. I'm not taking it quite as seriously as you guys, nor do I have the time/talent I suppose.

I already have a server where I keep all my media, so it's just a logical progression of that. PM me if you want to talk about it offline.

[petebanta]

Anyone needing help with making kick-ass sites, I am available... :cool:

[samthaman]

Anyone needing help with making kick-ass sites, I am available... :cool:

would you consider working at a discounted rate? we are but poor college kids and surly can't afford a consultants hourly.

maybe meet up for a frosty one in burlington some time? I'd love to get your take on all this and maybe run some ideas by you.

[drewvw]

I got a better idea:

petebanta does some simple web work for you guys and you trade him some beta on some of the secret spots in VT you know, so long as he keeps it to himself...

( light bulb goes on )

[petebanta]

A mix of discounted rates and some beta could work.

Let me know if you want to meeet up to discuss sometime.

Webcam shows still a decent amount of snow at Stowe. Might hike soon...

[NtrentT]

Sam,
I like to use Adobe In-design and Illustrator for setting things up for print, and I work with my photographs in Photoshop.

[samthaman]

A mix of discounted rates and some beta could work.

Let me know if you want to meeet up to discuss sometime.

Webcam shows still a decent amount of snow at Stowe. Might hike soon...

I could be down for hiking stowe today or tomorrow or something. I'll PM you my phone number.