Our vision is to provide superior distance learning programmes which enable adults to earn an income and/or express their creativity

Postal address: P O Box 51811 Pakuranga Auckland 2140 32 Orangewood Drive, North Park, Auckland 2013

Telephone: 09 532 9059 Fax 09 535 3621 Email: registrar@nzibs.co.nz

LEARN HOW TO BECOME A FREELANCE SPORTS JOURNALIST

A distance learning course conducted by correspondence.

We’re a sports-mad country, in love with all forms of sport. To most of us, heaven-

on-earth is going to sports games, mixing with the players, coaches and

administrators, getting the inside news, then reporting it to an audience who

appreciate every word you’ve written or spoken.

Tutorial 1:What it means to be a journalist. Journalism versus Creative Writing. SPARC defines a sports journalist. A ‘fast-paced, upbeat’ writing style. All about readers and their emotions. Some vital NZ sports statistics. Are you ready to become unpopular? Sports journalism’s 4-tier readership. Establishing goals and setting targets. Your goals will dictate your style. Good journalists write good English. The road to getting published. The market potential is everywhere. The rewards of freelance journalism. Tutorial 2: The importance of good English . . . and of commitment. Why editors need reliable freelancers. Sports facts, figures and fantasies. Ten virtues of the sports freelancer. Social and family considerations. Time and space requirements at work. Why you need an office How to keep track of your work. . . and of your finances. Income tax and GST issues. Letterheads and business cards Hardware and equipment needs. Clothing and other gear. Photography as an income booster. A basic sports library Tutorial 3: Six main areas of sports journalism. What makes sports news. News is information, not comment. Packaging the facts with interest. A sports news story example. The structure of a sports preview. Bread-and-butter sports reporting. Fans want to hear from the stars. How house style affects your style. Round-ups favour the freelancer. Which sports make good round-ups. Interviews are prime story material. The road to becoming a columnist . Tutorial 4: The secret of good sports journalism. Why people skills are important. Fast sports need quick thinking. Confidence comes before experience…and enthusiasm before expertise. The right way to ask a question. . . and the right questions to ask. Quotes offer more than information. The after-match/after-event interview. How to conduct a formal interview. When to ask the ‘hard’ questions. Yes/no answers reveal little . . . but sometimes they are necessary. Making use of media conferences. Interviewing by telephone. Writing the interview story. Tutorial 5: Sports writing starts with statistics. . . but you have to make them interesting. Skill comes before style. Ways of beating the Writer’s Block. The ‘inside-out’ starting system. Using the four Ws to get started. It’s time to be an entertainer . . . but not to break the rules . Start rough, then add the polish. Be critical but not caustic. Stories depend on keeping in touch. Editing with your computer. Pare, don’t pad, for perfection. . . and beware of repetition. Luring readers in and guiding them out. Popular story-ending techniques. How to impress with presentation. Four ways to submit your story. When there’s no margin for mistakes. All about type fonts, sizes and spaces. When your package includes photos.

Tutorial 6: In writing, ‘style’ has two definitions. Your writing style comes naturally. Style matters – but so do the rules. . . but your subject is what matters

most. Good sports writers shun formality. Some examples of stylish sports writing. House style and other technicalities. A recommended style manual. Correct use of names and honorifics. Common comma conundrums. Stop capital punishment. Is it them or are they it? Dealing with unwelcome relatives. . . and apostrophe catastrophes. Minor errors can be major disasters. A 10-question self-assignment. When one word makes a difference. When less is fewer and over is more. Using direct and indirect quotes. What sub-editors want from you Tutorial 7: It’s who, not what, you know that matters. When competition isn’t sport. SPARC’s 22 “official” NZ sports. Check your interests on this 62-sports list. . . why you don’t need to know all the rules. In sports writing, the stars don’t always shine. Ten NZ sports you must know. . . and where to find out about them. Books and websites of sporting rules. Horse racing is for specialists. Facts and figures to beat the bias. Do the facts sustain your story? Starting a story with SPARC. Five home-based research resources. There’s sporting gold in the Yellow Pages. CDS give you a lot for a little cost. Using the Internet for sports research. . . and knowing how to use it. Short-cutting the search process Beware of crims, cranks and pranksters How to check website reliability. Some sports sites worth sighting. External research resources. Using the library for sports research. Help from the Halls of Academia. Tutorial 8: Laws that matter to journalists A definition of defamation. Defamation and the Internet danger. The all-important ‘right-thinking’ reader. Even a Barmy Army can be defamed. Lack of names is no defence. What the plaintiff has to prove. Four defences to a defamation writ. Confidentiality mixes law and ethics. Seven basic rules of court reporting. What copyright protects. How to copyright your work. Assigning your copyright to others. Photographers have different rules. What and how much you can copy. Ethics and courtesy count.

Tutorial 9: How newspaper sports teams work. Freelancers must be salespeople too Multiple markets boost your income. Your by-line is a powerful sales tool. Don’t set your first targets too high. How sports editors use their stringers. Getting a foot in the door. Be persistent but don’t be a pest. How to seek a ‘stringer’ contract. Keep your comments to yourself. What overseas editors want. Where to find overseas publications. Six freelance query rules A query letter example. How and when to submit ‘on spec’

Tutorial 10: Three types of newspaper editorial . . . and their two essential elements. Facts are straight, ideas need angles. How to check if your idea is original. Accessing Index New Zealand. Targeting the right person, right paper. When a paper has no sports editor. A comprehensive media directory. NZ metropolitan, provincial, national, … Sunday and community newspapers, Selected overseas newspapers.

Tutorial 11: A big market for sports freelancers. The magazine editor’s role. Pay is not relative to circulation. Establishing a readership profile. Titles can be misleading. Where to look for magazines. Supermarket researching. The rules of freelance submissions. When you don’t get a response. Keeping track of what you submit. Contact details of sports magazines. Selected New Zealand magazines … that carry sport-related articles.

Tutorial 12: The two-level electronic media market. State TV functions and responsibilities. A Government charter for TVNZ. What TVNZ aims to offer its viewers … and how many viewers it reaches. The role of TV2, 3 and 4 ... and of SKY. A hard market comes with high pay. TV calls for extra perseverance. What TV programmers want. Independents welcome freelancers. Radio: A vast but volatile market. How TV/radio writing is different. Why spoken words require simplicity. Some TV/radio writing techniques. When facts don’t always come first. Further learning resources. A directory of TV and radio stations.

Tutorial 13: Why sport and PR were made for each other. Sport’s big publicity spenders. Top sports journalists who make PR pay. What PR writing can do for you… and what PR writing does for sport. Breaking into the PR market. First steps on the ladder to success. Why it pays to be a publicity officer. Taking the PR path to the mainstream. Your PR clients and where to find them. Sell a solution, not just a service… but research your client first. How to write a good PR press release. Using email as a PR tool. Keeping the client happy. An example of a sports PR release. The all-important sports club newsletter. Programmes and brochures need writing. Press kits for the professionals. What a press kit should contain. Top pros pay top dollars to project image. Charge a fee, not an hourly rate. Three haunts of the ghost –writer. Books make you famous - not rich.

Tutorial 14: Handling rejections with humour. Editors can be constructive or cruel...they can also make mistakes. Why editors rarely explain. Rejection does not signal failure. The two main reasons for rejection. Market alternatives are a ‘must’. The need to read – extensively. Where and how to market research. Know ‘how’ as well as ‘what’. Avoid this beginner’s mistake … or it’ll cost you. Tilting the odds in your favour. How to beware of technical hitches. How editors deal with new writers… and how to get ‘the nod’ early.

Tutorial 15: Three essentials for your success. Now you are a journalist, not a diarist. Readers are your market’s consumers…so write what they want to read. Good writing is interesting writing. The editor always knows best. Why ‘presentation’ matters. The journalist’s most important word. Give editors facts, not your opinion. Your readers’ have a right to decide. Is he Thompson, Tomson or Thomson? Journalistic terms and jargon explained. A sports journalist’s mantra. The benefits that come with graduation. Each tutorial has its own assignment for evaluation by your tutor.

COURSE OUTLINE

The Freelance Sports Journalism Course is about writing for profit. Each week, local and international publishers buy hundreds of thousands of words from New Zealand based freelance journalists.

Why are these writers successful? Stated simply, because they know how to go about it. Newspapers, magazines, blogs and other electronic media are in constant need of the written word. There are literally hundreds of other income-producing opportunities for the knowledgeable freelance writer.

At the outset, it is important for you to understand that this course is not simply about the theory of freelance writing. It is also about being published and paid for your writing efforts.

In presenting this course, the New Zealand Institute

Of Business Studies has created one of the few

chances for those not currently involved in the industry to become paid professionals with a range of practical writing opportunities at their fingertips. In short, the Freelance Journalism Course takes you through every aspect of the profession – from developing story ideas and turning them into saleable material through to the business of selling what you write. We would like you to regard this course as a partnership. You provide the ambition and willingness to learn whilst NZIBS provides the practical knowledge and teaches you the skills. In this way, you will soon take your first steps into the exciting and challenging world of the freelance journalist. Enjoy the journey!

Of Business Studies has created one of the few

The Freelance Sports Journalism Course is conducted by correspondence, comprising 15 lessons over 12 months. During this time you will be instructed in all aspects of freelance sports journalism by a leading freelance journalist and former editor.

You receive regular lessons and assignments by post. At the same time, you will be learning about the actual marketplace for your writing, how to go about selling your material and every trick of the trade to ensure your success. From your first lessons you will be working with your tutor towards having your material published - that means being paid for your efforts.

Allowance is made for you to proceed with the course at your own pace. If other matters are intruding upon your time, the facility exists to delay lessons until you are ready to continue.

Reply paid envelopes are included for each assignment to assist in regular communication between yourself and the Institute. For questions that won’t wait, assistance and advice are available by telephone, fax or email or the student common room on the Internet.

You can learn how sports journalists do their job. How they interview players. How they get lively “quotes”. Where they find exciting fresh faces with talent. How they write exciting match reports. What did they do to get that job? Simple. They trained for it. First, let’s see if YOU have what it takes to be a sports journalist. Q1 Do you enjoy writing? Q2 Do you enjoy meeting people? Q3 Do you enjoy playing or watching sports? Answer “yes, yes, yes” and you’ve got all the basics already. This home-study course will show you how the sports journalist goes about what he/she does. Soon, you’ll be doing the same things

One of the most important aspects of the course is its New Zealand flavour. Although the principles of journalism are similar the world over, this course concerns itself specifically with all the local aspects of freelance sports writing. It is this local direction and emphasis that will greatly help to ensure your commercial success. Our Principal is Brian Morris, also a working writer for 40 years. He is responsible for the progress and satisfaction of all students.

INTRODUCTION

ABOUT THE COURSE

The Institute was founded in 1991 to solve a huge problem. At that time there were polytech classes in journalism, but nowhere someone could learn freelance writing. (There is a significant difference.) And nowhere to learn by correspondence from a local organisation teaching to international standards. Now there is. New students often ask “What’s the difference between NZIBS Freelance Journalism and other journalism courses?” Even now, in the 21st century, other courses are designed to meet the needs of publishers with daily/weekly/monthly deadlines. Their journalists are trained to write about road crashes, drainage board meetings and court cases. They also cover major events, specialised ‘rounds’, and contentious

issues where they need lawyers to protect their journalists. But the special needs of the freelance writer, who usually works solo at home to earn money from articles and features sold around the world, are best met by this course. The freelance writer is a business owner as well as a creative person. Writing efficiency is just as important as writing excellence. Another significant difference is the calibre of the specialist support team you will work with. These people are dedicated to helping YOU become a freelance journalist who enjoys writing, does it well and earns a respectable income from it. David Pardon, our senior tutor who wrote this course, served his apprenticeship in England at the Sheffield Telegraph,

covering all aspects of journalism, including sports. Later he became a features writer at NZ Woman’s Weekly, then editor of Sea Spray and NZ Business magazines. Finally, he became a full time freelance journalist and learned through trial and error all the techniques, methods and best practises he now passes on to you. In less than a year you will learn what David took 40 years to accumulate. Should you need to discuss a writing or freelance business problem with David or Brian, you will get genuine support and experience unmatched by any other education service anywhere. This extra service is part of our uniqueness. You have access to hugely talented creative people - all based in New Zealand.

You’ll learn:

How to capture in words the magic of the incident that turned the outcome of an exciting game.

How to inject excitement into your report of the under-9s match.

How to weave together the information you researched with your observations on the day.

How to discover true personality in an athlete who mostly grunts. Sports writing is not about ranting like a lunatic fan. It’s not about memorising a zillion statistics. It’s not about barging into places where you’re not invited. It’s a professional job, with a professional’s pay. Your task is . . . to give your readers / listeners / viewers the benefit of your personal knowledge. Convey to them the excitement of sport through your words. Readers or listeners will feel they were at your shoulder when you saw what you saw. Nothing beats preparation. You’ll know what editors want from you. Once you’ve learned how to be a sports journalist you’ll enjoy the confidence of knowing exactly what to do, what to expect, how to behave at a big game or in the press conference. Your preparation means knowing where to find background information before you interview people. This gives you extra confidence. You’ll also know what kind of sports writing earns the most money. Part of your course material includes a STUDENT PASS. This offers many benefits including access to press facilities at sports venues and functions, professional/trade discounts on journalism-related products such as cameras/film, travel and accommodation, and most importantly- recognition as a bona fide freelance journalist. You’ll be known as ‘So’n’so, the sports journalist’. If you can already write well, imagine how much more sparkle your COPY will have when you’ve learned how to be in the right place when exciting news happens, how to get access to key people with a breaking story, how to sniff the air and know what’s about to happen. Your tutor is also your personal mentor. This course contains what sports writer, magazine editor, freelance journalist David Pardon took over 40 years to learn - the hard way. You can learn it in one year.

NEW ZEALAND INSTITUTE OF BUSINESS STUDIES

Freelance Sports Journalism Course

Sports journalists are usually passionate, insightful, clever people. They’re noisy, energetic and aware they have the best job in the world.

You’ve just left Dullsville As a trained sports writer you’ll be encouraged to develop your own style. You’ve seen and heard the ones with style. They bring sport to life. OK, no student goes straight from this course to cover Wimbledon, tour with the All Blacks or ghost-write a celebrity’s next book. First you master your craft by reporting local matches for community newspapers. You’ll fill your portfolio with pre and post match reports, player interviews and PR promo pieces. This course shows you how to do all this.

You’ll learn how to branch out into Public Relations work, how to write product reports, club newsletters, equipment, road or field tests.

“Sports writing is the most pleasant way to make a living man has yet devised” said US sports writer Ed Smith. He’s right. Even when it’s too hot or too cold, too crowded or you’re there alone, it’s always EXCITING.

Warning: Not everyone will make the decision to become a sports journalist. But that’s OK. Great sports journalists are a special breed.

Congratulations on taking the first step. You’re considering the merits.

Now you need to make a decision. To stop or go on? To stick to your current job or start a new career? It’s your choice. We promise the Freelance Sports Journalist course will help you to produce quality writing and be successful financially as a paid freelance journalist.

While the course focus is on sport, the skills you acquire are applicable to all areas of journalism and non-fiction writing. Each week, local and international newspaper and magazine editors, TV and radio stations and book publishers buy thousands of sports reports, sports news items, feature stories about players, match previews, player profiles, product-test reports, etc. Many of these are provided by New Zealand-based freelance journalists.

Writing for world markets is a profitable aspect of this business. Writing one match report and getting paid by 3-4-5 different publications is called leveraging your efforts. Welcome to multiple income streams. You’ve also learned the power of working smarter instead of harder.

How to earn an income from writing This course is about writing well and writing for payment. But if payment is not your main concern, if writing is your hobby, if you are publicity officer for your sports club or some other organisation, the course will add a professional polish to your writing which will add considerable zest to your enjoyment in doing it.

There are dozens of ways a freelance sports journalist can earn money. You will learn about them as you work through the course. No, you don't have to do them all at once. Having discovered the options available, you can pick those which interest you most or which are best suited to your personal circumstances, interests and ambitions.

New students always ask "Why are some sports writers so successful and others not?" The answer, stated simply, is because the successful ones know how to go about it.

Theory of writing v practical writing It is important to understand that this course is not about the theory of journalism. It is a practical how-to-go-about-it guide to writing about sport.

You'll learn about interviewing, researching, writing for TV and radio, newspapers and magazines. You will also learn, for example, about writing sports books, or ghost-writing autobiographies for famous sports personalities. In short, how to get published - and paid - for your sports writing skills.

Multiple income streams You'll be introduced to the well-paid public relations market and shown how you can meet the demand for good sports writing from advertisers and sports sponsors, for newsletters and promotional material, speeches, policy documents, instruction manuals, event programmes, catalogues, web sites, product-test reports, submissions for funds, event proposals and much more.

Remember, even the words on a bottle of energy supplement had to be written - and somebody got paid for writing them!

By the time you complete this course you’ll have a working knowledge of all aspects of freelance sports journalism, from developing your own ideas through to the important business of selling WORDS for money.

What’s our point of difference? New students sometimes ask "What is the difference between your NZIBS Freelance Sports Journalism and other journalism courses?" The answer is that even now, in the 21st Century, other courses are designed to meet the staff recruitment needs of newspapers and other media with employees. They train journalists to meet daily/ weekly/monthly deadlines with reports of road accidents, disasters, drainage board meetings and even more, court cases. They cover politics, big business, celebrities and sometimes contentious issues for which journalists need lawyers to protect them and their employers from costly legal action. We say there is no fun in working like that!

The Institute teaches you how to operate as a successful freelance journalist in a competitive business. It also teaches you how to enjoy making the most of your creative talents and how to work from home in your own time.

Most students graduate within one year. Our Diploma in Freelance Sports Journalism is awarded to successful graduates of this course. This has a recognised standing in the business community. Your Diploma is the official recognition of your successful completion of your course of studies. Also of great importance, is the practical experience you will have acquired throughout the course and the range of commercial contacts you will have made. Your Diploma will be posted to you or may be presented personally, by appointment At the end of this 15 part course you will have reached a level of skill where you can competently handle all freelance writing assignments and realistically expect to be well paid for your efforts.

Freelance Journalism can take you into any area you choose … writing about sports’ health, even fashion, farming, entertainment, technology, internet, politics, business or finance to name a few. You will find an ongoing demand for your skills whether you decide to work full time, part time as a profitable sideline, or purely as a non-commercial hobby.

It is also interesting to know that the freelance writers who are most successful and happy in their work are usually the ones who combine their writing with a subject for which they have a passion or particular interest. That’s why this journalism course is directed to sports and sporting ancillaries such as fashion or food at sporting events. During the course, you pick your own topics to write about. By the time you get your Diploma you should already be a published writer. This Diploma is a useful addition to your CV. Hang it on your wall with pride.

Once graduated, you may join the Graduates Club and obtain your own Press Pass. The Institute will also place you on our Register of freelance journalists, photographers and photojournalists and this can lead to job opportunities, or valuable commissioned writing assignments. Having said this, there is no substitute for building your own important contacts. You will find your pass can open many doors for you. For example, if you are going to a sports venue you will often find yourself with one of the best seats in the house. You can also expect professional trade discounts on many of the materials used in your work, including trade rates for travel.

Freelance Journalism Modern Day Communication Digital Photography for Travel Writing & Photography Life Coaching Compact Camera users Writing Your Family History Poetry Writing Writing Your First Novel Rhythm and Rhyme Freelance Photography for Murder and Mystery Thrillers Writing Stories For Children DSLR Cameras Creative Writing Writing Short Stories Romance Writing English Language Writing Skills How to Write Your own life Story Proofreading and Editing Advanced Digital Photography

New courses are being developed all the time. Please call the office for the latest details. The FREEphone number is 0800 80 1994

AT COMPLETION

OTHER COURSES BEING OFFERED

PRESS PASS

Our vision is to provide superior distance learning programmes which enable adults to earn an income and/or express their creativity.

“It was really good to be able to talk to the

principal personally last Friday.

This gave me the confidence I needed to

approach people for an interview that I

wouldn’t have had otherwise. I was

delighted to see reference in the Graduate’s

Club newsletter of Arthur Pengelly, our

local boy who did so well with his

freelance photography.

When I spoke to Arthur he was very

enthusiastic about his NZIBS course and he

said how much help he had been given by

his tutor.”

Marion Martin of Taumaranui

“ ‘At 62 I’m too old to start training for a

new career’ was my favourite

procrastination excuse. Now my first book

Ships, Sharks and Pirate Gold will be

published this year.

The NZIBS course is comprehensive and it

gets results. My tutor was a practising

journalist so the training was real world

stuff. There’s an on-going involvement

with each student and success is virtually

assured. If my Freelance Journalism

course made all this possible for me, they

can do it for anyone.”

Graeme Wise of Orewa

“Your comment regarding my financial

position being unlikely to change unless I

made some radical changes was just the

wake up call I needed. I have been

tiptoeing around this decision for some

time, being unwilling to face the truth.

Winter is such an unproductive time for

me so I really do need to find another

source of income. It’s strange how things

fall into place. My eldest daughter was

visiting me and she read your comments.

‘I’ve got a typewriter you can have’ she

said. So that’s one less hurdle to clear.

Herewith my enrolment application and

fees cheque.”

MM. Name withheld by request

Brian,

The thought had slipped my mind for many

months now but I’ve finally got around to

writing a note to pass my thanks onto NZIBS for

giving me my kick-start in sports journalism.

After David’s expert tutelage, I found a full-time

role almost immediately at the Howick

Pakuranga Times and would not have been able

to do so without my recently gained

qualification. I had almost 12 very enjoyable

months there and moved into a sole role as sports

editor, also working part-time for the Herald

doing NRL reports on Saturday nights. From

there, I got my big break. In meeting with Lynn

McConnell about a part-time role, a full-time

position became available at Sportal New

Zealand where I am now a writer/editor. To get

this far in 18 months since passing the Freelance

Sports Journalism course was beyond even my

wildest dreams so I wanted to let you know of

my good news story after gaining my Diploma.

If you could pass this on to David as well. I

would like to send a huge thanks for his help.

Regards,

Dean Wedlake of Auckland

“Aspects of the course I liked best were the clear

and concise instructions which didn’t get

bogged down in trivial aspects. The tutor

feedback was honest and helpful and even

though circumstances prevented me completing

the course as quickly as I intended, the course

directors put no pressure on me.

Thanks to the Institute for making this possible

and a big thank you to David Pardon for his

professional tutoring.”

John Watson of Fendalton

David Pardon

Senior Tutor of

Journalism

Travel Writing

Sports Writing

English Language

writing skills

WHAT FREELANCE JOURNALISM STUDENTS SAY ABOUT THIS COURSE

Grad Club Newsletter 109

7 Important tips from a great

sports photographer… Sports photographer Rob Tringali

has covered several major events

including the US Baseball World

Series, US Track and Field Olympic

Trials plus several Superbowls. His

work has been published in

Newsweek, Boys’ Life plus many

international magazines. His images

appear in advertisements on major US

television networks and his

photographs of sports greats are

featured on baseball and football

cards.

All this by the time Rob Tringali was

23 years old.

Rob's father, Bob Tringali senior, is

especially proud of his son since he's

also right at home with sports

photography. Bob is co-founder of

SportsChrome, one of the few US

photo stock agencies devoted entirely

to sports. SportsChrome is selective,

working with only 20 photographers.

According to Bob senior, "Rob got

where he is by himself. At the

Goodwill Games people were saying,

'Hmmm, you've got your son for an

assistant.' But by the fifth or sixth day

people were looking at Rob's work

and saying, 'Hey, he's a serious

shooter.’ He never would have had a

credential if he wasn't qualified. He's

been on his own name since he

started. That's why I'm so proud of

him. "

Rob buys his own film, pays for and

plans his own trips and splits the

profits from each sale 50/50 with the

stock agency.

Although he's been an avid sports fan

all his life, Rob only began serious

photography about four years ago.

Good action sports photography

requires fast reflexes and technical

confidence.

Some key questions for Rob Tringali...

Q: What was the first major

sporting event you covered?

RT: The 1988 Track and Field Trials

in Indianapolis. SportsChrome agency

had an extra credential and I borrowed

some of my father's cameras and

lenses and hopped on a plane.

Q: What was it like to be

a photographer at such a well–

attended event? RT: It was pretty intimidating. When

Florence Griffith-Joyner was running,

the finish line was packed. I was

hanging around with guys from Sports

Illustrated and Newsweek. But I got

some nice stuff. I was there when

Florence Griffith-Joyner broke the

record. When she came across the

finish line she was coming straight at

me and had her finger in the air—

number l — and I got it! It was the

best shot I ever made. The same

picture, taken by someone else, was

on the cover of Sports Illustrated the

next week.

Q: What kind of shots do you try

for when you're covering a football

game?

RT: The shots that tell the story. The

shots that show the moves that

actually made a difference to the

outcome.

Q: In a great sports moment, there

are opportunities for both close-ups

and crowd shots. How do you decide

which to go for?

RT: I guess I'd rather be loose. You

don't want to be too tight, because

you'll miss something. But you don't

want to be too loose either because the

people will look like dots. So go

somewhere in-between.

Choose a shooting angle that

expresses your own vision of the

sport.

Q: What do you think about when

you see some action coming right at

you that you know you want to get?

RT: The first thing I think is - don't

screw up. Then right away I think

about getting it SHARP. The next

thing is to be sure the EXPOSURE is

right. There aren't too many chances

in a game where you can get a really

great shot. When it comes at you, you

don't want to miss it.

Time your shot perfectly.

Q: What characteristics do the best

sports photographers share?

RT: You really have to be into sports.

You have to know who the top players

are, even in the less well-known

sports. You have to know who to go

after, especially when you're shooting

stock. I read every sports publication I

can get my hands on.

When you go to a big game, you have

to want to be there more than any

other place. If you don't have that

feeling, your work will show it.

Know the sport well enough to

anticipate the action.

Q: How hard is it to get started?

RT: It costs a bit of money if you want

to be serious. Just buying the

equipment and traveling is expensive.

But you have to travel to the events to

build a portfolio that's worth looking

at. It's pretty difficult.

Q: What equipment do you use?

RT: I have three Nikon F3 cameras,

each with a motor drive. At a football

game I usually have a monopod, a

600mm f/4, a 400mm f/3.5 and a 50mm

lens on a camera hanging around my

neck for when the action gets closer.

For day games, I use Kodachrome 64

and 200 professional films. Those are

all you need. The 64-speed film is for

a bright day. When it gets darker or

cloudy, I go to the 200-speed. When it

gets really dark I push this film 1 ⅓

stops to EI500, and sometimes even to

EI800. That can cover anything at a

game. (translate this to digital today. Ed)

Q: What advice do you have for

people starting out in sports

photography?

RT: I think it's important to keep your

mind open. To follow your own ideas

and not to try to copy other people.

You can copy other people your

whole life instead of saying, "I'm

going to do it my way."

Do whatever it takes to be in the right

place at the right time.

Q: What really separates a good

sports photographer from a great

one?

RT: The key is to be different from

everybody else. You might be where

the best pictures are, but you don't

want to be with the pack.

The shot that looks different is the one

clients will buy - especially in

advertising.

When I cover a sporting event, I know

that's the best place for me to be at

that time. More than anywhere else,

I'm glad to be there. I think that's the

core attitude. If you feel that way

about sports, you just might have a

chance at becoming a

great sports photographer.

This interview took place when digital cameras were still big bulky items and not popular. Today’s technologies have

advanced the DSLR camera to a super professional level.

Our vision is to provide superior distance learning programmes which enable adults to earn an income and/or express their creativity.

Student fees are for the duration of the course which is deemed to be one year following your start date. If you have not completed your course by this

time, a further one-year of studentship can be granted at the discretion of the Principal without further fees being required. Fees do not include

computer or photographic equipment. A GST receipt will be issued for all fees paid.

Terms & Conditions It is mutually agreed:

1. You may examine the first tutorials of the course for 28 days.

If you decide for any reason whatsoever not to proceed you will receive a refund less $300 initial pack costs, if you have paid your fees in full.

If a deposit only has been paid the student will keep the supplied pack and no more fees are payable. The studentship contract will be deemed cancelled.

2. NZIBS reserves the right to decline this application in which case all money paid will be refunded.

3. If your application is accepted by the Institute, you undertake to make full payment of course fees in the manner described.

4. At the successful conclusion of this course, provided you have met the required standards of tuition, you will receive your graduation documentation from the Institute.

5. If the Examining Board decides that graduation standard has not been achieved, the course will be extended at no cost for a further period of tuition determined by your tutor.

If even after further tuition the Examination Board determines that graduation standard cannot be achieved, your course fees will be refunded in full.

It is agreed that to be eligible for a refund, students must complete the course and demonstrate that they have made a reasonable effort to their tutor’s satisfaction. The Institute cannot accept responsibility for any changes in personal circumstances, including work commitments, once the course commences.

Course fees and deposits are not otherwise refundable.

6. It is mutually agreed that upon the refund of course fees the Institute has no further liability or obligation to the student.

7. Student fees are placed in a Trust Account for your

protection and are released to the Institute in arrears.

8. It is agreed that students must submit their own work. Any form of plagiarism found will incur a written warning. Should the plagiarism continue, the student will be excluded from the course with no entitlement to a refund.

9. These Terms & Conditions supersede all previously published by the Institute.

1st October

OUR MONEY BACK GUARANTEE IS FOR YOUR PROTECTION

Our vision is to provide superior distance learning programmes which enable adults to earn an income and/or express their creativity.

The New Zealand Institute of Business Studies was founded in 1991. The Institute is a New Zealand

organisation teaching to international standards and recognised as a leader in the field of distance learning.

The Institute welcomes students from all over New Zealand and students studying from overseas.

All student fees are protected by a Trust.

Meet our people:

Principal Brian Morris AFAINZ, MNZIM, CTM

Registrar Carol Morris CTM

Office Manager Anne Hilton AAIBF, B.Bus, Dip. Life Coach, Dip.Edit

Administrator Carly Hilton Dip.Sci

Tutors:

David Pardon Freelance Journalism

David Pardon Sports Journalism

David Pardon Freelance Travel Writing,

David Pardon English Language Writing Skills

Tina Shaw Creative Writing

Tina Shaw Writing Short Stories

Tina Shaw Write Your First Novel

Tina Shaw Mystery/Thriller Writing

Joan Rosier-Jones Write your Family History

Brian Miller Digital Photography for Beginners

Paul Wheeler Digital Photography for Beginners

Robert van de Voort Freelance Digital Photography

David Ewing Advanced Digital Photography

Janice Marriott Writing Stories for Children

Janice Marriott Writing Poetry

Bartha Hill Proofreading & Editing

Dick Ward Proofreading & Editing

Phil Linklater Modern Day Communication,

Phil Linklater Life Coaching

Jean Drew Write Your First Romance Novel

Wendy Kissel Student Advisory officer

Administration:

Postal address P O Box 51811, Pakuranga, Auckland 2140

Registered office 32 Orangewood Drive, North Park, Auckland 2013

Telephone 09- 532 9059

Fax 09- 535 3621

Email registrar@nzibs.co.nz

Bank Bank of New Zealand, 262 Queen Street, Auckland

Accountant M J Whittle & Associates, New Lynn, Auckland

Affidavit All testimonials are genuine. Originals held at our office

Visitors Student visitors are welcome. By appointment please.

ABOUT THE INSTITUTE

New Zealand Institute of Business Studies

Enrolment Application Form

Postal address: P O Box 51811, Pakuranga, Auckland. 2140 Tel 09-5329059. Fax 09-5353621. Email: registrar@nzibs.co.nz

New Zealand Institute of business Studies P O Box 51811, Pakuranga, Auckland 2140 Free phone: 0800 80 1994

SJ

Student’s full name:

Preferred first name:

Address:

Home telephone: ( ) Work telephone: ( )

Mobile number: ( ) Occupation:

Date of birth: / /19 Sex: Male / Female Email:

Please enrol me in the Correspondence Course: Freelance Sports Journalism

For next course start date please call 0800 80 1994 or email: registrar@nzibs.co.nz

Course Fee = $1995 including gst

PAY NOW: $1800 incl gst at commencement & SAVE

Please make cheques payable to NZIBS, or charge my credit card as follows:

Please one of the following: [ ] Visa [ ] Mastercard [ ] American Express

Credit Card Number ________ _________ _________ __________Expiry date ______/______

Signature ___________________________________ Name on card ___________________________________

PAY BY INSTALMENT: $300 deposit, and $169.50 per month for 10 months = $1995

By Credit Card Payment

Please one of the following: [ ] Visa [ ] Mastercard [ ] American Express

Credit Card Number ________ _________ _________ __________Expiry date ________/_______

Signature _____________________ Name on card _______________________________ Or Automatic Payment – enclose deposit of $300 to hold a place

A payment schedule will be sent out with your course acceptance letter for you to arrange

an automatic payment with your bank.

Or Internet Banking Please phone 0800 80 1994 for NZIBS bank account number and to HOLD a place.

See next page for Terms & Conditions

New Zealand Institute of Business Studies

Terms and Conditions

Postal address: P O Box 51811, Pakuranga, Auckland. 2140 Tel 09-5329059. Fax 09-5353621. Email: registrar@nzibs.co.nz

Terms and Conditions

Student fees are for the duration of the course which is deemed to be one year following your start

date. If you have not completed your course by this time, a further one-year of studentship can be

granted at the discretion of the Principal without further fees being required. Fees do not include

computer or photographic equipment.

A GST receipt will be issued for all fees paid.

Terms & Conditions It is mutually agreed:

1. You may examine the first tutorials of the course for 28 days.

If you decide for any reason whatsoever not to proceed you will receive a refund less

$300 initial pack costs, if you have paid your fees in full.

If a deposit only has been paid the student will keep the supplied pack and no more fees

are payable. The studentship contract will be deemed cancelled.

2. NZIBS reserves the right to decline this application in which case all money paid will be refunded.

3. If your application is accepted by the Institute, you undertake to make full payment of course fees

in the manner described.

4. At the successful conclusion of this course, provided you have met the required standards of

tuition, you will receive your graduation documentation from the Institute.

5. If the Examining Board decides that graduation standard has not been achieved, the course will be

extended at no cost for a further period of tuition determined by your tutor.

If even after further tuition the Examination Board determines that graduation standard

cannot be achieved, your course fees will be refunded in full.

It is agreed that to be eligible for a refund, students must complete the course and

demonstrate that they have made a reasonable effort to their tutor’s satisfaction.

The Institute cannot accept responsibility for any changes in personal circumstances,

including work commitments, once the course commences.

Course fees and deposits are not otherwise refundable.

6. It is mutually agreed that upon the refund of course fees the Institute has no further liability or

obligation to the student.

7. Student fees are placed in a Trust Account for your protection and are released to the Institute in

arrears.

8. It is agreed that students must submit their own work. Any form of plagiarism found will incur a

written warning. Should the plagiarism continue, the student will be excluded from the course

with no entitlement to a refund.

9. These Terms & Conditions supersede all previously published by the Institute.

1st October 2012

I agree to the above terms and conditions:

Signed _______________________________________________ Date______/________/_______

New Zealand Institute of Business Studies

Tutor Information Form

Postal address: P O Box 51811, Pakuranga, Auckland. 2140 Tel 09-5329059. Fax 09-5353621. Email: registrar@nzibs.co.nz

OFFICE USE: Tutor Assigned: ______ Student ID: SJ ________________ Start Date: ______________

My name is: ______________________________________ I am male female

My date of birth: ___ / ___ /__ My age is: ______ Occupation: _________________________________

Daytime Phone: ( ) _____________________ Email: ______________________________________

This is my brief personal background:______________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

This is what I enjoy most about the writing I do now:____________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

These are the goals I wish to achieve:__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

These are the special skills, strengths and experiences I have:______________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

My highest level of formal English language training is:__________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

The aspect of sports journalism which interests me most is:_________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

When I graduate I plan to use my skills in this way:______________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Our vision is to provide superior distance learning programmes which enable adults to earn an income and/or express their creativity.

Adam Pretty Sports

Photographer Graduates Club Newsletter #896 Reproduced

for educational purposes.

You’ve seen his photos in the papers,

courtesy of Getty Images. Adam Pretty

answers some questions.

What started you off to be a sports photographer?

"Well, I was really into my sport at

school and had got into taking pictures

of the school matches. But the catalyst

was an exhibition of sports

photography at the Sydney Opera

House by two Australian

photographers: Tim Clayton and Craig

Golding. I went in there twice

actually. On the first Sunday I met

Tim and he said, 'Come back and

show us your pictures.' So I went back

a week later, when they were both

signing copies of their books, and they

critiqued my work. I was sixteen then,

so I had another two years of school to

go.

"It's great because I now see these

guys on photo shoots. It's a

competitive but friendly atmosphere,

which is one of the reasons I think

Australian sports photography has

been so successful in recent times."

What's the most demanding shoot you've ever done?

"I'd say winter sports are always

tough. I shot what is now called a

Free-Skiing event in New Zealand.

Back then it is was classified as

Extreme-Skiing, but now everyone's

using 'extreme' for everything, the

term's become uncool. I was on a

mountain from 7am 'til 7pm working

in high winds and intense cold; it was

so exposed. And as the guys just go

and do want they want down the

mountain -there's no course - it's much

harder to pick the right spot to get a

good shot.

"Its always difficult working in

snow with all the camera gear and

extra clothing you need to keep warm.

You're constantly moving around on

the side of a mountain trying to get a

better position; it's really physically

demanding."

"In terms of technical

challenges, one sport I really like

is water polo. That is a tough sport

to photograph! You never seem to

get much from it, but I think it's

one that's going to produce some

great pictures in the future.

“I find cricket can also be tough,

as you have to maintain your

concentration for such long

periods."

What’s your favourite picture, yours and/or someone else's?

"When I work I try to produce a

portfolio for each year, and I think my

favourite year would be 2000, when I

got five or six pictures I was really

happy with. Some were taken during

the lead up to the Sydney Olympics.

This was the period when the venues

and staff for the upcoming games

were assessed by a series of test

events designed to pull a crowd. The

media were also invited to these,

although no one wanted to do it. But

I said, 'I'll do it. I'll do everything!'

“That worked out really well for me

because by the time the Olympics

came I already had a good knowledge

of all the venues. I knew where the

good pictures would be taken.

"The wrestlers, shot from above was

one of the pictures I got during this

lead up. It was taken from a gantry

that not many guys were using, and

those who were shot it tight on the

action. But I wanted to try something

different, and the way the mats were

configured, it made sense to shoot it

wide. I'd never shot a wrestling

contest before because it doesn't

usually come to Australia, so I came

to it with a fresh eye, which must have

helped."

Who, or what, are the major influences upon your work?

"Craig Golding and Tim Clayton,

obviously. Over the past few years,

they've been at the forefront of

shooting sport in fresh ways

at a time when many photographers

were still trying to get the 'perfect'

straight-up-and-down action shots,

which didn't have much soul to them.

"Then there's Trent Parke; he's just

joined Magnum.

< www.in-public.com/TrentParke

> He used to do sport full-time and

now he's moved on to doing

documentary.

“Some of Trent's work includes

probably my favourite pictures.

When you look at them there are so

many dimensions. You can look and

look, and keep looking, and still,

a week later, there are little things

you notice for the first time. In terms

of news guys, former Magnum

photographer James Nachtwey <www.jamesnachtwey.com>

is an obvious choice. His work has

this same depth. I remember on first

seeing his pictures, I was 18, I

thought they were too wide, that

there was too much information

there. I go back now and think how

did one person get that much

information into one picture and

make it look good.

"I look at a few artists as well, one

of my favourites is Australian-born

realist painter Jeffrey Smart. His

work is very graphical, and I try to

add a graphic element to the

composition of the pictures I shoot. I

try to avoid straight action shots.

"Lastly, I want to mention Stuart

Hannagan, director of photography

here in Getty Images' Melbourne

office. He has always supported my

approach to my work. He gives me

the freedom to try to get a good

picture, rather than directing me to

go and sit at the end of the swimming

pool, or go and sit here or there, or

wherever."

Artistic work usually comes back to

the same thing: trust the operator.

Tip: If you see a photographer’s name

Google search for more info. and see

what you get.