How to pursue your dream of being a travel photojournalist

So, you’re thinking about becoming a travel photojournalist for a magazine like “Getaway.” Sounds like the ultimate dream job, doesn’t it?

For many people, the idea of getting paid to travel and document their experiences is the stuff of dreams. If you love writing, photography, and of course, traveling, this could be the perfect career for you.

However, there’s a challenge you’ll need to face. With so many aspiring travel photojournalists out there, how do you stand out and land a job at one of these coveted publications or websites?

Well, the truth is, it takes more than just talent and enthusiasm. While those are essential qualities to have, there’s also a lot of competition. Many others share your passion and talent, so how can you make yourself stand out?

So, you want to kickstart your career in travel photojournalism? Well, I’ve got some tips to help you get started. Let’s dive in!

1. If you feel like your writing skills need a little boost, consider taking a course. SA Writers’ College has an awesome online travel writing course, taught by none other than Don Pinnock, a former editor at Getaway magazine. Having a qualification in travel writing can definitely add some credibility to your CV, but it’s not a must-have. There are plenty of other courses available, so find one that fits your budget and schedule. Of course, the best way to improve your writing is to practice. This is where blogging comes into play (we’ll talk more about that in point three). By having a blog, you’ll have your very own platform to showcase your writing and it’ll motivate you to write more. Don’t forget to ask your friends and family for feedback and constructive criticism!

2. So, you want to get better at photography? Well, let me tell you, it’s all about practice, practice, practice! But, I understand that you might not know where to start. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. First things first, you’re going to need a decent camera, preferably a digital SLR. Once you’ve got that, there are a couple of ways you can go about learning the ropes.

One option is to reach out to a friend who’s already skilled in photography and ask them to give you some lessons. Trust me, having a mentor can make all the difference. Another option is to enroll in a photography course. If you’re looking for a recommendation, I personally went through the beginner’s DSLR course at the Cape Town School of Photography a few years back, and it was fantastic. They really gave me a solid foundation to build upon.

By the way, if you’re looking for a more hands-on approach, you might want to consider working as a photographer’s assistant. Not only will you gain valuable experience, but you’ll also get paid for your work. It’s a win-win situation!

Now, here’s an exciting opportunity for you. Getaway, the renowned travel magazine, often hosts travel photography workshops in different parts of South Africa, such as Gauteng, Cape Town, and Durban. These workshops are a fantastic way to improve your skills, learn from professionals, and connect with fellow photography enthusiasts. Be sure to keep an eye on our website for details on upcoming workshops. Believe me, you don’t want to miss out on this!

3. If you want to get into travel writing and make a name for yourself, blogging is the way to go. Start your own blog on WordPress, my favorite blogging platform. It’s free and easy to use. Once you’ve got your blog set up, you can start writing! The most important thing when it comes to blogging is quality. You can’t just throw up any old post about whatever pops into your head. If you want to land a job in travel journalism, you need to produce top-notch content. Take the time to edit your blog posts carefully. Think about your style, tone, and blogging voice. And don’t forget to include great photos with each post!

Hey there! I’m always on the lookout for awesome people who love food and travel to blog for me on my site. If you’re interested in becoming a Getaway blogger, all you need to do is email me at [email protected] and send me some examples of your incredible writing and photography.

4. Social networking is an amazing (and free) way for you to get yourself out there. Share your blogs with your friends on Facebook, or create a Facebook page just for your blog and attract fans. Be a Twitter superstar and use the platform to connect with publications, media organizations, editors, publishers, and journalists that you admire.

If you want to join us at Getaway, connect with us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to become an active fan.

5. Doing an internship is a fantastic way to gain experience and get your foot in the door of a media company. Reach out to media companies to learn about their internship programs or directly email editors with your resume, expressing your interest in working as an intern. While the pay may be minimal or non-existent, I can attest that, from my own experience, it’s the best way to start a career in travel journalism.

Looking to work at Getaway? We frequently have openings for short-term interns on our digital team. If you’re interested, email us at [email protected] with your resume and samples of your work.

Freelancing

So, here’s the deal. Most publications these days don’t have a bunch of full-time journalists on staff. Instead, they rely on freelancers like me to write the majority of their stories.

If you’ve ever dreamed of being a freelancer, listen up! I’ve got some advice for you straight from Cameron Ewart-Smith, the editor of Getaway magazine:

1. When you’re starting out as a freelancer, the biggest challenge is getting your foot in the door. But here’s my advice: while it’s important to consider your rates, don’t be so stubborn that you push away editors and clients. The most successful freelancers excel at providing excellent client service. As you become more and more busy, it becomes easier to decline work and raise your rates. However, in the beginning, be willing to do whatever it takes. I once did a freelance job for a publisher without getting paid because they didn’t have the budget. But I had been to the place they needed to cover. Two months later, the editor of that same publication left, and they offered me a contract to edit the publication. So always keep the future in mind!

2. Never miss a deadline. This business thrives on punctuality. If you consistently deliver late, you’ll end up being left behind!

3. Stay in touch with your favorite editors and don’t take rejection personally. For every story I accept, I reject about a hundred.

4. Sub-editors always, always enhance your work and you should trust their expertise. While remaining mindful of changes to meaning and facts, be open to the sub-editor’s suggestions, as they often have valuable insights.

5. Build relationships with multiple editors. We all face the same challenge – lots of blank pages. However, we also want a variety of perspectives from our freelancers. So you won’t always get consistent gigs with the same publication.

6. The ultimate prize for freelancers is consistent work. It’s much easier to start each month with steady contracts in place instead of starting from scratch and not knowing your income. If you have the opportunity to secure a permanent or regular contract – like a column, for example – it’s worth adjusting your rates accordingly to increase your chances of getting the job.

7. Make sure you thoroughly understand the assignment and follow it diligently. Don’t waste everyone’s time by submitting an excessive word count. If we ask for 1500 words, we expect exactly that, not 3000 words.

Guideline Source: 8. Refer to recent copies of the magazine to check for style and the nature of material.

Guideline Source: 9. Freelancers need to research their clients’ needs before submitting work. There’s no point offering me a story on a place I have just covered. One look at the archives or, even better, back copies of the magazine will tell you a lot about where it is headed.

Guideline Source: 10. Story research is critical. You’re unlikely to get your story published if you’ve done sloppy research and there are glaring mistakes. In-depth research makes for in-depth, fascinating reading.

Reference the Latest Issues:

When you’re trying to determine the style and content of a magazine, it’s crucial to refer to recent copies. By doing this, you can gain insight into the direction the publication is taking. Take note of the general themes and topics covered in those issues too. This will help you not only match the style of the magazine but also provide content that is fresh and relevant.

Know Your Clients:

When working as a freelancer, conducting proper research on your clients is a key step before submitting your work. It’s essential to understand their specific needs and preferences. There’s no use offering a story on a subject that the magazine has recently covered. To avoid this mistake, take a look at the archives and back copies of the magazine. This will give you valuable information about what the magazine is currently focusing on and what they’re likely to be interested in.

Thorough Research is Vital:

If you want your story to have a chance of being published, it’s crucial to conduct thorough research. Avoiding sloppy research and glaring mistakes is essential. In-depth research not only ensures the accuracy of your content but also adds depth and fascination to the story. Remember, the more effort you put into your research, the more likely you are to create compelling and engaging reading material.

11. Get a good accounting package like Quick Books Simple Start (for PC), which is free and does accurate invoicing. You need to be able to focus on your work, not the admin. Quick Books lets you create statements, see who has paid and who hasn’t, and it’s a blessing when tax time rolls around.

In short: Keep it concise and take great photos.

And don’t forget to enjoy yourself. What we do – travel journalism – is incredibly rewarding, even if it won’t make you rich. If you’re not having fun and your trips aren’t an adventure, it will come across in your writing and photography.

Getting published in Getaway is no walk in the park. It’s a tough gig that requires exceptional photos to support your writing. Not to mention, your writing needs to be top-notch – informative, entertaining, and of world-class quality. It’s highly competitive, and unfortunately, it’s a buyer’s market, so you’ll face rejection after rejection. But don’t lose hope. Keep pushing, and eventually, you’ll make it.

If you want to submit your work to Getaway: Email your story in a Word document and attach a couple of your best low-resolution photos to [email protected].

If you’re interested in freelancing, read The Seven Myths of Being a Travel Writer before you dive into this seemingly glamorous and easy job. It’ll demystify the misconceptions and give you a realistic understanding of what it takes to succeed.

Need some inspiration? Here’s how our editors and journalists landed their dream jobs at Getaway:

Hello there! I’m your friendly web and food editor. Ever since I was young, I’ve had a burning desire to become a writer. This led me to pursue a degree in English literature at the University of Cape Town. After finishing my studies, I found myself in London, working as a legal journalist. While it may not have been my dream job, it was a fantastic opportunity to kickstart my career. During my time in London, I had the chance to explore Europe and satisfy my wanderlust. However, my thirst for adventure grew even stronger, so I decided to embark on a three-month journey throughout South East Asia. Seeking a different experience, I made my way to Taiwan, where I taught English for five months. As much as I enjoyed my time there, spending my days with a classroom full of energetic five-year-olds wasn’t exactly my cup of tea. That’s when I made my way back to Cape Town and started working as a digital intern at Getaway. It’s been over a year and a half now, and I have absolutely no intention of leaving anytime soon!

Hey, it’s Cameron Ewart-Smith, editor here! The story of my love for photography goes way back to when I was just a kid. My dad handed me his trusty Nikon F camera when I was only eleven years old, and that’s when everything started. We began capturing moments together, and that passion for photography grew inside me. While studying Marine Biology at UCT, I had the privilege of learning from incredible writers and photographers who had a significant impact on me. It was then that I realized my desire to communicate and share stories. Being a natural storyteller, it was only natural for me to want to reach a wider audience. It’s a combination of storytelling, my love for the environment, and the urge to explore and experience new things that brought me right to Getaway. When Pat Wagner left the company, he suggested that I apply for a position here. David Bristow, the editor at the time, saw something in me and offered me the job. I started at a modest salary, but I cherished every single moment I spent working for this incredible brand. After four years, I left Getaway as a senior photojournalist. I went on a thrilling adventure through South America and then decided to pursue freelance work. Luckily, I was approached by Andrew Nunnelly from New Media Publishing, who offered me the editorship of Mitsubishi’s magazine, Xplore. Not long after, I also took on the role of editor for Wild magazine in collaboration with SANParks. However, my duties at SANParks eventually became overwhelming, and I had to step away from the Mitsubishi position. Then, an amazing opportunity arose at Getaway, and I instantly knew I had to return to where it all began. I adore this brand and its mission to enrich people’s lives through travel. It’s very much aligned with my own beliefs!

Hi there! My name is Justin Fox, and I’m an editor-at-large. I love words and language, which is why I studied English at UCT and even pursued advanced degrees in the subject. After all that studying, I landed a job as a junior journalist at Getaway magazine, and I’ve been here for over 10 years. Time flies when you’re having fun, right?

Alison Westwood here, a digital manager and photojournalist. Let me tell you a little story about my journey in the world of work and how I ended up at Getaway.

So, after spending some time in the advertising industry, I decided to venture into the online travel world. I landed a job at a travel company and spent three and a half years there. It was a great opportunity because it allowed me to combine my love for photography, writing, and travel. I convinced my bosses to let me go on trips, capture beautiful moments through my camera lens, and tell stories through my words.

Eventually, I felt the need for a change and decided to leave the company to explore other web projects. That’s when an old friend, who happened to be the art director at Getaway, told me about an available position there. Excited, I applied right away. Unfortunately, my first attempt wasn’t successful, but I didn’t let that discourage me.

After a few months, I received a call for an interview. During the interview, they mentioned that my writing style didn’t quite fit with Getaway’s unique voice. However, I wasn’t ready to give up just yet. I decided to write a new piece specifically tailored to Getaway’s style. I poured my heart and soul into it, making sure it aligned perfectly with what they were looking for.

And you know what? It worked! They loved my new piece and offered me the job. It was a perfect match, and I couldn’t be happier with the outcome. Sometimes, all it takes is a little determination, adaptability, and a willingness to go the extra mile.

Evan Haussman, a photojournalist, discusses his journey from working in advertising to pursuing his passion for photography. With a background in advertising and a love for traveling, Evan sought a way to combine these two interests. He decided to become a professional photographer and began his journey as a self-taught photographer, fueled by his passion for capturing moments. Along the way, he worked on various photography projects, including location scouting, commercial stills production, fashion shoots, and his own personal photography. Throughout this time, he traveled extensively and documented his experiences through his camera lens.

When a job opportunity at Getaway presented itself, Evan’s friends encouraged him to apply. Out of hundreds of candidates, he was selected for the position. With 15 years of combined experience in writing and photography, Evan brought a unique perspective to Getaway. He believes that his confidence in his skills played a significant role in securing the job.

Dylan Kotze, another photojournalist, shares his story of how his passion for photography, diving, and surfing led him to Getaway. Dylan’s love for these three activities naturally intertwined, as his diving adventures took him to various locations around the world. Along his journeys, he captured stunning photos, which fueled his desire to pursue photography as a career.

After spending three years working at a dive center in Tofo, Mozambique, where he specialized in underwater photography and videography, Dylan realized that photography was the path he wanted to follow. Given his love for travel and the outdoors, applying to Getaway seemed like the logical choice for him. Armed with an impressive portfolio of photos, Dylan approached Getaway and successfully secured an internship, which eventually turned into a full-time position. Today, he travels on assignments, writes articles, conducts studio photography sessions, and contributes to the publication’s ‘gear’ pages.