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Zahra Ghafir
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"How do you go about writing a good story proposal and which elements should be in it?" |
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Pablo Corral
Vega |
The answer comes from Pablo Corral Vega, a fine art photographer from Ecuador
whose books include Bare Earth, Silent Landscapes: The Andes of
Ecuador and Ecuador, from magic to horror.
In 1994 he directed the Discovering Ecuador project. Thirty-eight top international photojournalists from eleven countries gathered in Ecuador and their work was later published by the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Journalism and Imprenta Mariscal from Ecuador.
Says Pablo: “The first and the most important rule is not to propose a story that you don't feel passionate about. It's possible you will become interested in the subject as you shoot it, but if your heart is not in it, you will probably do an average job. Don't propose a story to get a free trip to a new place or because you might do shocking pictures. Propose a story that has meaning to you that touches you, that moves you.
In the introduction of my latest book I wrote about this: "A generous gaze is essential if one is to be a good photographer. But more than that, the gaze must be curious, filled with the emotion that the Greeks called thaumasmos — awe, a wonder at the manifest face of nature and recognition of our ignorance and smallness as we stand before it.”
It's quite different proposing a story to a magazine for which you have already worked compared with a magazine that doesn't know you or your work.
For a first-time commission, it might be a good idea to show them what it is that you plan. Shoot part of the story if you can. Build a relationship first.
Don't choose a story on the other side of the planet. Better a subject you know intimately, a subject no one else knows better. That will give you an advantage.
Keep in mind that most magazines will not be interested in showcasing your work. They will need your photography to illustrate an article. In other words, the story is about the subject - not about you as the photographer.
You have to ask yourself the basic journalistic questions. Where and when does this story take place, who is the subject, why is it relevant or current? You should also explain how you’re going to approach the subject, and who you think is going to be interested. Keep it straightforward and short.
There is no standard format for proposals. Ask the magazine to send you their guidelines if they have any, since different magazines use different formats. I have worked a lot with National Geographic, for example, where the proposal has to be short and simple.
But it's best to talk to the Director of Photography first to see if he thinks you are the right photographer for that assignment. If he thinks you are not ready, you will not get the job even if they love your proposal.
Be honest, be passionate, be patient. It takes time to build a good relationship with a magazine.”
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