The Journey To Full-Time Travel Writer (In Five Steps)
Testifying before important legislative committees, meeting with politicians, organizing grassroots activists groups… when I first became a lobbyist, it was exciting. But as the years wore on and I got a peek behind the curtain, I didn’t like what I saw; politics is not pretty. I wanted a way out. I wanted to follow my…
Become A Successful Travel Writer, Baby Step By Baby Step
When an infant finally lets go and walks on her own for the first time, she gains a sense of confidence and independence. She’ll get better and steadier in time. Then she’ll move on to the next challenge. It’s not so different in the world of travel writing. In fact, taking baby steps has helped…
Great Escape Radio Episode 98: First-ever Livestream Event
“Supporting another’s success won’t ever dampen yours.” — Anonymous Great Escape Radio host, Jody Maberry, talks with Photographer and Instructor, Bonnie Caton about a new livestream event taking place in April. The Ultimate Photo Workshop in Baltimore is sold out; you can’t attend live. But this year, we’re going to record the whole workshop and…
Work The Shot: 8 Tips For A Successful Photo Shoot
When you’re working on a travel article, it’s always a good idea to take some photos to go along with your writing. Editors love being handed a polished piece, complete with interesting images that help tell the story. If the idea of taking publication-worthy photos seems a little overwhelming, here’s a simple thing you can…
Capturing The Color Of The Year In Your Stock Photos
Every year, Pantone selects a Color of the Year. This is the color that’s supposed to dominate the hottest trends for fashion, home décor, and graphic design. And the chosen shade for 2018 is Ultra Violet! I love purple, so I’ll be keeping an eye out for it whenever I’m out shooting. Recently, I set…
Rejected Stock Photos? Don’t Let It Stop You!
If you’ve started signing up for stock agencies and submitting photos, be prepared for a few of those photos to get rejected. The first time I submitted photos to a stock agency, they got rejected for being “too similar in content or subject matter.” It wasn’t a big deal… but I made the mistake of…
Stock Photo Success Story: This Single Image Earned $26,000
Before retiring, I made my living as a registered nurse and surgical instrument sales rep for more than 40 years. Along the way, photography became my passion—with a focus on farm and ranch photography, and, more specifically, horses. I began selling my work to books and magazines and uploaded my photos to online stock agencies.…
How To Take Real Stock Photos This Valentine’s Day
Search for “Valentine’s Day” on pretty much any stock photo website, and you’ll likely be inundated with hearts, candy, red wine, and couples smiling at each other in a staged, cheesy sort of way. Clicking through page after page of these types of photos gets monotonous. From a stock photo perspective, Valentine’s Day shouldn’t be…
Taking Advantage Of Natural Light In Photography
Back when I was shooting with studio lights, my living room would go for days (ok, weeks…) cluttered with light stands, cords, a background, reflectors, and a stool. Anyone who came through the front door had to run the gauntlet, risking the possibility that I’d make them sit for a few quick shots. Here’s a…
The Power Of Color In Photography
Usually, when a photo buyer is looking through images in a stock photography agency, they know more-or-less what they want. Sometimes it’s a certain concept, like “freedom,” “togetherness,” or “strength.” Other times, it’s more specific, like, “young, ethnic, middle-class family happily unpacking boxes in their new home.” And sometimes, a buyer needs photography featuring a…