How prevalent is it to assign the freelance writer the additional task of collecting the images needed to illustrate the article?

We will often put this task to the freelancers. With our book, suppliers can supply beauty images of products that go along with a topic, or the freelancer is in contact with a retailer that can provide images of their operation. It typically comes with the territory of freelancing for our magazine, but we've had instances where the freelancer could not produce valid art to run with the story. If that's the case, then it comes back to the Editor or Managing Editor to find something usable. But we want the freelancer to at least give it a go -- it's their story and they're familiar with the material and what would be a complement for the text.

If product shots are appropriate for the article, it is generally quite simple for the freelancer to request these from sources. However if the article does not lend itself to this, the freelancer can be asked for input and recommendations on the type of photos and/or graphics to best accompany the article and even potential sources if applicable. But unless being compensated for extra time, the freelancer should not be expected to provide non-supplier/source-generated photos.

It depends. When we assign "place" or "people" features, we generally expect artwork from the freelancer. They know this going in, so it's not a surprise.

For general-interest or topic articles (like wind chimes or garden art), it depends. We do not compensate for the artwork either.

I think it's common practice to ask freelancers to submit art for their story, if it's easy to obtain. I have had freelancers ask for extra payment if they actually take the photos, for example, of interview or profile subjects. But if they are just asking their sources to submit a few photos, extra payment isn't usually justified.

Pro photogs hate this, but we started buying images from writers who take them as they report with digital cameras. We make no promises, but for the writer it's a no-brainer. Take the camera, point and shoot. If it flies, the commission is better. If not, you tried.

Most do, and our magazine is full of original, quality, relevant images at a cost that is, while not cheap, competitive. We still buy pro images of famous faces, and of highly editorial work like travel features. But a factory floor is a factory floor already. Point the camera, press the button, get paid.