Hi,

I'm currently in the process of getting a little deal in which I need to write a column every month to go onto the internet. Now i'm alright at english, I can get a point across fairly well, even though I do ramble on a bit.

I just need some tips for writing an article, that people can read and take something from. It doesn't need to be long, I don't intend on writing a novel on a small subject.

The articles will be based on photography in general, possibly including some tips for beginners and little hints throughout.

Any advice will be taken fully and will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Jack

Write, walk away and re-read later - usually helps to create better "sounding" language

Write what you know, too.. don't bluff to fill space. T'internet's a big place, and there'll be some git out there just waiting to trip you up and call you on something questionable!

There are quite a few photographers on this forum.. you could do worse than run articles by them first, before going to "press".

Quote from mcintyrej :

...

Apologies for the bulleted list, I'm tired. These are the points I generally keep to when writing articles, reports, essays, the lot.

• Don't ramble - it's the absolute worst thing you can do when writing.
  
• Don't use extra words - padding things out with lots of words is pointless (unless you're trying to meet a report's minimum word limit...), and everyone hates reading it. Re-read your sentences 5-10 times, and go through deleting words that don't add meaning - you lose a lot of words this way, but you also create more succinct and pointed writing (which people prefer).
  
• Keep the reader engaged. To see how well you're doing at this, hand what you've written to someone who knows nothing about the domain you're writing in, and then ask them if they'd want to know more.
  
• I'll think of something more when I'm actually awake enough to think

Wot he said!! ^^^

My sister is a photographer, and she reads a lot of books to improve her abilities and understanding. Photographers are obviously very visual people so you'll need visual language while including technicalities such as ISO, aperture, lense type etc, and try to include...if you can some visual pieces in your column.

I am into design myself and when I look for advice on how to improve my creative aspects I don't look for long winded paragraphs that ramble on, because I lose interest...its just how my brain works

Anyway good luck

As others have said. Write, walk away and then edit edit edit. Remove words that add nothing or waffle.

In the end, just write an honest piece and if possible do not add bias.

Writing articles about photography?

Never give a straight answer to 'which brand you prefer'. If your readers find out, you'll never get the Nikon/Canon fanboys off your back and your fancy article succumbs to copypasting "kill me kill me kill me" to your editor.

However if brand X takes a dump on his opponents, acknowledge it.

Thanks for all the advice guys, i'll let you know about any published articles should the deal be approved.

Always read it to yourself out loud in a normal speaking voice.

You'll more readily notice poor phrasing when it's spoken.

Get to know your target audience well and tailor what you say to what you think they want to read. I don't mean in terms of opinions, I mean at what level and on what subject matters.

Know your audience. You will lose readers if you insert unnecessary explanations, or if you use slang that only experts are familiar with.

Ask for feedback. And be selective in who you're asking it from.

Keep the reader in suspense. Announce some kind of "mystery" in the first paragraph, and reveal its details near the end of your article.

Be concise. Don't ramble. The more words you use, the more doubt is being cast on your expertise.

Work in advance. Don't wait for the deadline. Some writers even keep a couple of articles in stock, in case they catch a flu or run out of inspiration.

Quote from SamH :

Write what you know, too.. don't bluff to fill space. T'internet's a big place, and there'll be some git out there just waiting to trip you up and call you on something questionable!

In the words of Morrissey, "There's always someone, somewhere, with a big nose, who knows."