What sells?
QUALITY. The better the pic - the better the cash! Although the quality of cell phone cameras are improving - they do not produce the same quality and resolution of a digital camera, which makes it easier to sell to magazines.
Unless it's a truly exclusive picture or ground breaking story - as in the kate moss cocaine pics. But if you have nothing else - its still worth snapping away on your mobile!
EXCLUSIVITY on a picture or story will always earn you more money - the more people that have pictures - the less chance yours will be the only ones to make it to print - so less money, if any at all
Exclusivity creates demand!
TIME IS MONEY! The sooner your information or pictures reach us - the sooner we can start selling worlrwide before anyone else gets the scoop!
POSED PICS ARE NOT HOT NEWS!
HOT OR NOT? A-list celebs, rock stars, sports personalities, actors and models that are constantly in the news. Think Paris Hilton, Brad and Angelina, Lindsay Lohan, Madonna, Tom Cruise, Posh and Becks
WHAT ABOUT LOCAL CELEBS?
Although there is obviously a limited market, but the interest is growing in our home grown talent and celebs. A pic of Ryk Neethling walking in the street is ok, but a pic of him with a hot new girlfriend is even better!
Also achieving celeb status by association with the rich and famous - Chelsy Davy is huge because of her romance with Prince Harry, as is Charlene Wittstock who is dating Prince Albert of Monaco.
Don't forget the international reality series winners - Big Brother UK, Survivor USA - they get more celeb coverage than our local winners do, so if you see them, sms us or snap them!
PHOTO TIPS
Keep the camera steady - motion=blur! Especially when shooting in low light conditions.
To flash or not to flash......celebrity minders (or bodyguards) often try to avoid anyone taking any pictures - so if they see a flash going - it will only draw attention to yourself. However - if you are in an open public space and the pic is worth the scoop and you have no other choice - then go ahead. Its not a crime to take a photo of a celeb in a public area. Some venues may have strict policies on taking photos - so check first before you flash away. Use the flash if you have to!
Be sure to have the whole subject framed and that you havent chopped off any limbs or heads . Half a picture won't sell!
Digital zoom on cameras do not deliver good quality pictures - rather try to get a few steps closer. Optical zoom on cameras usually work better. But remember to keep as still as possible. The slightest movement will create blur.
If your phone camera has a sequence mode (rapid fire of about 5 or 6 pics in a row) - use it - especially if the person is running past you or there is some action involved. Once again try to pan with the subject but minimize camera shake.
Practice practice practice!!
IMAGE QUALITY
The higher the resolution on your phone or camera - the better the quality. This takes up more space on your memory, but will ensure a more usable or printable photo. Low resolution pics are difficult for magazines and newspapers to print. Don't waste an exclusive pic on a low res shot!
Please do not enhance or adjust your pictures. Send them as is. If need be, we will crop, sharpen and adjust colour where necessary. We do not alter images to change the look of the photo - only minor quality adjustments may be done.
Celebs usually try to blend in with everyone else - so be aware of the person next to you in the street, on the beach or in the shops!
Try your best to get the shot - but please do not invade privacy rights, tresspass or break any laws to get the picture. Also - remember your own safety - a high speed chase putting your life and that of others at risk is not worth it!!
Send the pic anyway - even if you think its not worth it - we can decide and let you know.
Step by step guide
1. You spot the celeb or have info on a celeb
2. SMS us right away or take the pic yourself
3. Send us the pic
4. We start selling them.
5. You get the cheque
GENERAL GUIDELINES
Try your best to get the shot, but not at all costs. We don't want you committing a crime or risking your own health and safety for it!
Stay focused on the shot you're taking, but be aware of your surroundings too.
Be subtle . The best pics are often the ones taken without the celeb even being aware of it.
No posed photos of you and your fave movie star! Please. Unless you're having an steamy affair with them...
Exclusivity and quality determine price.
Please send as much information as you possibly can. Details on where, when and how the pic was taken. Full names of the celebs, who they were with. What they were doing etc.
Or if its info you're sending, exact names and addresses.
STILL UNSURE? EMAIL YOUR QUESTIONS.