Mistakes Make Magic

008: Jacqueline Tobin – Getting Published and Standing Out in the Industry

October 19, 2017

I’m Catherine.
A New Orleans based wedding photographer and educator. We are excited you are here and cannot wait to connect with you!.
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I am so pleased to have Jacqueline Tobin on the show today! Jacqueline is the Editor and Chief of Rangefinder Magazine, a magazine committed to presenting the most inspiring work, trends and gear in the photography industry. Jacqueline has also authored two books, Wedding Photography Unveiled and the Luminous Portrait. Jacqueline is an amazing leader and is never too busy or unavailable to help photographers who are growing their business. I am so thrilled for you all to hear more about her journey!

WHAT YOU WILL HEAR IN THIS PODCAST?

  • Where did Jacqueline begin?
  • What is Rangefinder Magazine?
  • What are lessons learned as an Editor and Chief?
  • What are pieces of advice on how to receive negative feedback?
  • What is the 30 Rising Stars article?
  • What are a few mistakes photographers are easily making?
  • What mistakes to avoid in an online portfolio?


Tips and Advice with Rangefinder Magazine Editor and Chief, Jacqueline Tobin
Since age 10, Jacqueline always knew she wanted to be a writer and editor. When she was growing up, her father created a newspaper in the attic of their home and each week, her and her three sisters, put story ideas into a box. Her father would then assign a story to each of them to print in their newspaper. From that moment, Jacqueline knew that she wanted to pursue a career in writing. Her father also encouraged her to be a photographer. While she really enjoyed photography, she knew that writing would be her strength. Now, she enjoys writing about photography!

What is Rangefinder Magazine?
Five years ago, Jacqueline began working at Rangefinder Magazine. At that time, the magazine was catering to the 65-year-old demographic and covered topics like fashion. When Jacqueline began, her goal was to gear the topics more towards weddings, portraits, and photography. The magazine now features articles written by photographers, who talk about their photography styles. There is no one better to write about photography than the actual photographers! Jacqueline likes to interview young emerging photographers to get a younger voice for the magazine and to learn what is new and upcoming in the industry today. It is important to Jacqueline to feature industry leaders in the magazine, because they are inspirational! This makes it educational and fun for the readers.

What do you learn as the Editor and Chief of the Magazine?
As a leader, Jacqueline has learned to stay fair and open to other people’s ideas. She has also learned over the years that not everyone is going to like Rangefinder Magazine and the topics are not catered to everyone. She always remains professional and open to feedback, which ultimately helps the magazine emerge and grow.

Advice for receiving negative feedback?Jacqueline says that when you receive negative feedback the first thing to do is realize who the feedback is coming from and what is it referring to. Is it someone who is trying to help you by giving constructive criticism or someone who could be jealous of your success? Ultimately you know yourself best, so check your source and be true to yourself. Always remember, if you are getting negative feedback it means you’re probably doing something right!

What is the 30 Rising Stars article?
Each year, Rangefinder chooses 30 rising stars who have been in the photography industry for five years or less, and then feature these photographers in the magazine. Rangefinder asks leaders in the industry to nominate those who they think are inspirational. From there, those nominated must submit a submission of their best work. They start with over 200 submissions and narrow those down to 30. It is a global competition, so even to be nominated is such an honor!
Rangefinder narrows down their choices by looking for photography that shows how the industry has evolved over the past year! This is what keeps the industry going and growing. When looking through photos, Jacqueline wants to feel like she has been punched in the stomach when she sees them. She wants a photo that takes her breath away. A common trait among the 30 stars is that they have all found their signature style and voice, and their personality and soul are shown clearly in their images.

Mistakes to avoid as a photographer?
Recently, Jacqueline has noticed that photographers easily get caught up in what others are doing and not focusing enough on themselves. Understanding there is a difference between inspiration and imitation is so important in this industry. Today, it feels like so many images look the exact same. Photographers should be thinking of how they can add their own flare to the image in order to make it stand out from the rest…rather than imitating only what they see. Social Media plays a huge part in why many photographers’ styles are becoming so similar.  Jacqueline always recommends photographers step back from social media and find out who you are! Know your own voice and brand!!

Mistakes to avoid in online portfolios?
Jacqueline has noticed that while browsing photographer’s websites, a few of them do not show who they are or what makes them different right away. For photographers, it is extremely important to understand that your website/blog is your #1 marketing tool!! Sometimes, it can be easy for photographers to get mixed up in what to show on their site, but Jacqueline recommends that only your strongest images should be shown. If necessary, ask another photographer to browse your site, and be honest with what they think and feel when viewing your images. Photographers should also make sure that their brand is cohesive and that the images shown on the website are similar to those shown on all social media. Don’t overwhelm people with too many photos, curate your best work and find what separates you from everyone else – create and show images that have the WOW factor!!

Links Referenced:
Wedding Photography Unveiled by Jacqueline Tobin
Luminous Portrait by Elizabeth Messina with Jacqueline Tobin

Connecting:
Email: Jacqueline.tobin@emeraldexpo.com
Website: https://www.rangefinderonline.com

Subscription is free to Rangefinder Magazine! Check it out here!

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