If you’ve ever wondered how long it takes from shoot to publication for a major national magazine, here’s one answer. On June 17, 2009, my post, Assignment Day!, shared great news from photographer Dr. Susan K. McConnell, who had just landed her dream assignment to document bull elephants in Namibia. That was almost 17 months ago.
Fast forward to November, 2010:
Dear Jain, Well over a year after I shot the elephant pictures, Smiths has scheduled the story and gave it the cover on the November issue!! Fascinating to see the art editors at work. **Thank you** for your help — practical, strategic, and emotional — in making this happen!!! I *do* remember our conversations about shooting covers!! And I’m pleasantly surprised by the image they chose — I do see how it suits the text they needed to add. It’s all soooo interesting… More soon and once again, thank you for all your help and support! — Susan
Cover image © Susan K. McConnell.
I am so happy for Susan! She advanced her idea, used all of her talents in the field, understood how much there was to learn, endured the long editorial process incredibly well and by doing all this and more, she achieved the top reward. To see more of Susan’s photos from her assignment, visit the gallery on Smithsonian’s site, How Male Elephants Bond.