Before venturing into content marketing, I was a newspaper gal. I’m not sure many have heard the story of how I transitioned from photojournalism into newspaper feature writing.
It was simple.
I submitted a photo to my publisher/editor, and he paused. He liked the image, but then commented on the detail, writing quality and flow of the photo cutline.
Hey, have you ever wanted to write a feature story?
Hmm, maybe? I could give it a try.
My First Writing Bylines
This parlayed into a series of two-word assignments. I’d be given the first and last name of someone in the small community we covered, and was asked to go discover their story. I wasn’t given any background, direction or parameters.
Just discover and create.
What unfolded were front-page behind-the-scenes stories of active retirees, insider looks at the hobbies of CEOs and philanthropic musings of award-winning professionals in the Midwest. I had a blast, and more importantly, this work nourished the dormant writing seed in my brain.
Kid-me, who proudly had a poem published in the local newspaper’s kids’ section, was now a real writer. I had a byline—Angela Tague— printed next to my collection of words on soft newsprint, just like I did with the poem.
Cool.
While working at the newspaper, I started to freelance on the side to make extra money. I landed in marketing circles and grew a career in content marketing drafting blog posts, landing pages, newsletters and more for businesses. I still do this, and love every bit of research, interviewing and revisions.
I’m continually honing the craft that kid-me was enamored with at such an early age.
Disclosure: This blog is reader-supported, which means this post contains affiliate links and advertisements. I earn a small commission if you shop through them, which helps fund this website so I can continue to bring you amazing content. Thank you! ~Angela
Adding Photography Back Into My Workflow
But the desire to work visually again has been top of mind.
I miss playing with color and lenses and angles. So, I dusted off my camera bag and shot “real photos” with my D-SLR camera several months ago on a little road trip. It was like getting back on a bike, with a scraped knee or two (I bumped the bracket dial, and DARK pictures emerged. Oops!), but feeling the ride of making pictures with my “big camera” again was wonderful.
A few weeks ago, I dove headfirst into bringing this passion back into my career path, with a twist. I’ll be offering editorial photography again for newspapers and magazines, but also slowing down and documenting the beautiful back roads of the Midwest and sharing my adventures publicly. And, some of the images will also be for sale.
This month, I’m launching two new websites and a photography blog. It feels cozy, familiar, new, exciting and expressive. My career has always been a mix of imagery and words.
Curious to learn more? Follow my revived photography Facebook page, Angela Tague, Photographer – Backroads Blog, for updates. I’ll also share more about this adventure across all of my social media in the coming weeks.
Update: All the new websites are LIVE! Take a peek!
New website –> https://www.angelatague.com/
Learn about all of my writing & photography services.
New photography website –> https://angelatague.smugmug.com/
Browse and buy photo prints and framed artwork.
New blog –> https://angelatague.com/backroadsblog/
Backroads blog. Read about my travel adventures and enjoy photos too!
Do you need a reliable writer on your team? I collaborate with marketing and advertising agencies to create content for blog posts, web pages, social media and newsletters. Learn how I can help your clients. Oh, and photography? I’m happy to help with that again, too!
