The Role of a Photo Editor

The Role of a Photo EditorThe Role of a Photo EditorPhoto editors oversee the photography that appears in a magazine, primarily working as a point person for communicating with, and hiring, photographers. Photo editors also work for newspapers and other publications which feature photography. But thejob of a photo editor is more important than meets theeye, because whatthey do is subliminal. A photo editors real job is to create a full, rich experience for the reader or customer- to enhance the customer experience visually. Its no different than the world of the culinary arts the best chefs will tell you that you eat with your eyes first. The Role of a Photo Editor A common misconception about photo editors is that they act as photographers. Unlike magazine editors, who may often write for a magazine, photo editors very rarely take pictures for their magazines. Instead, photo editors conceive of the visuals. What that means is that they hash out ideas with editors about what phot os will be used and how they will complement the text theyll accompany. Then they go about hiring the right photographer for the job. But it doesnt end there. The job of a photo editor also includes allocating andcoordinating assignments and approving images. They are also tasked with selecting, editing and positioning photos, as well as negotiatingfees and rights to photos and obtaining permissions to shoot photography. For example, if a photo shoot were to take place in Strawberry Fields in New Yorks Central Park, it would be the job of the photo editor to get permission from the VPs at Central Park. The Skills Youll Need Although photo editors arent actually shooting the pictures, they need to know everything there is to know about photography. They must have a good business sense (to negotiate contracts), and its imperative that they have extensive contacts within the industry. Thats because theyneed to know what kind of photographer will be the best one for each particulars hoot. For example, if the shoot calls for various photographs of a family, that will likely require a family portrait photographer which is quite different than a beauty shoot of a consumer product like shampoo. A consumer product shot is very different than a high-fashion photograph that will appear next to a story about Chanel. Also, while you may know the best fashion photographer in the business, they may be booked on another assignment so you need a big arsenal of names to draw upon. What It Takes to Excell as a Photo Editor A deep-rooted passion for photography and the industry is a must, because it can be a highly competitiveindustry and its easy to get burned out if your hearts not in the game. One also needs to be flexible and have tough skin because sometimesyour concepts may not be to the liking of your editors. You may have a great vision but will need to re-evaluate (or change) when necessary.