There are ways for an amateur photographer to get recognition and financial reward and that's by selling photographs. Publications are always in the market for appropriate photographs, colour or black and white. The major national and international magazines usually pay the best rates for pictures. But they are the most difficult to sell because you have competition from staff photographers and professional free-lancers who are hired on a regular basis.

Fortunately, many regional, specialty, and company magazines, as well as area newspapers, are glad to have colour transparencies or prints, or black and white prints submitted for publication. Payment can range from only a photo credit line mentioning your name to a check for hundreds of dollars. Contact the publications and ask for a copy of their guidelines for submitting photographs.

The most valuable source for finding publications that buy photographs is Photographer's Market, a book that is updated and published annually by Writer's Digest Books. It describes hundreds of publications, including their addresses and telephone numbers, the types of pictures they use, rates of pay and the name of the photo editor or art director to whom you should submit your photos. Copies of this exceptional photo market guide are available at libraries and bookstores. Be certain to use only the current year's edition, because publications frequently change their picture requirements.

Pictures bought for advertising rather than editorial use pay the most money. However, use of a photo in an advertisement requires model releases signed by all recognizable persons. These releases give the photographer permission to use the photograph and help avoid any subsequent lawsuits by persons in the picture. Advertisers may also require property release if a building or other identifiable property is prominent in the picture. Standard release forms are sold at many camera stores; carry some in your camera bag in case you come across a subject you think might eventually be sold to an advertiser.

One of the best publications with down to earth advice is the ASMP Professional Business Practices in Photography, 6th edition, published by the American Society of Media Photographers, Inc.. Copies are available at some bookstores and camera stores or directly from ASMP.

If you are thinking about becoming a professional photographer, it