Oprah Spots Struggling Photographer’s Tweet, Offers Him a Job
A struggling photographer recently published a Tweet in a last-ditch effort to find some work, and the Hail Mary paid off in a big way: Oprah Winfrey saw it and Tweeted him a job offer.
The Coronavirus Pandemic has had a major impact on photographers, many of whom have found it incredibly difficult to find work. According to NJ.com, Malcolm Manning was considering taking a break from the industry, even going so far as to tell his mother as much. Halfway through his final year at Rutgers University, Manning likely considered focusing on his major: exercise science with a focus on physical therapy.
Still, he held out hope that his social network would help him keep working as a photographer.
Hello 👋🏾 I am a 23 year old photographer from Newark, New Jersey eager to create. You never know, 1 retweet could help me grow my business or secure my next client 🙏🏾much love🤞🏾 pic.twitter.com/hNBjHDqQ2k
— Malcolm Manning (@MassacreMAL_) December 10, 2020
A few days after posting the tweet, Manning was wrapping up a shoot when his phone started vibrating vigorously. In what can only be described as a dream scenario, Oprah Winfrey saw Manning’s tweet and publicly offered him a job.
I’m relaunching @oprahmagazine’s website in 2021. How about you come shoot one of our stories? 📸📸📸 https://t.co/bmkDVtlbeK
— Oprah Winfrey (@Oprah) December 15, 2020
“I was in complete shock,” Manning said. “What do you say to Oprah?”
According to her tweet, Winfrey is planning to relaunch the Oprah Magazine website in 2021 which will now feature work from Manning.
A public job offer from Oprah Winfrey is nothing short of a windfall for the struggling photographer who will no doubt see many more opportunities presented to him as a result. NJ.com reports that he booked five more jobs in a single day after the publicity.
Wow Ms. Winfrey! Thank You so much for this opportunity. I am humbled and it would be an honor to create for you.🙏🏾 https://t.co/gXilJdkC9B
— Malcolm Manning (@MassacreMAL_) December 15, 2020
According to Fox 10 Phoenix, this particular job offer was one of several acts of service that Winfrey surprised unsuspecting Twitter followers with over the Christmas holiday. So while the situation was the result of incredible luck, Manning promises he won’t disappoint.
I won’t disappoint 🙏🏾
— Malcolm Manning (@MassacreMAL_) December 15, 2020
If nothing else, stories like this should inspire those who want to follow their passions with photography: do good work, and even if you don’t have a huge social following, there are still chances for incredible opportunities.
