I recently starting sending images to different Magazines in hopes for a feature online or (fingers crossed) in print. Its my first time doing so, so I didn't have any high hopes. I heard back from a smaller mag and bigger mag looking to pick it up. Of course I figured its better to go with the bigger of the 2 but they asked for an "advertorial fee"
Shooting for free is not something I do anymore, but paying for a feature in a mag doesn't sit right with me....Is this the direction the industry is heading or is this just another case of photographers being taken advantage off?
Depends what you want for your business, brand, marketing, etc. Some photogs will do this, but most won't. I know I won't and rather work harder on magazines/networking with them at the right places and time to get their attention to ask me for an assignment or offer them some current images I already have in stock. I know Kendra Paige would be the perfect person to answer your question, if she doesnt here I'd recommend PMing her! Especially reading her articles posted on Fstoppers tons of help.
https://fstoppers.com/profile/kendrapaige
I'd def like the exposure but theres no way I'm paying a magazine for a feature. I'm not that desperate yet lol. I agree, I'd rather spend more time working to get into the right places and meet the right people then paying my way in.