Want Your Photos Published?

While I don=t claim to be an expert on the subject, I have had quite a few photos published in The Boundary Waters Journal magazine, Nature Photographer magazine and many calendars.  Seeing your image published is a real thrill and it is addicting.  A lot of planning is necessary so I will describe the process I go through before making a submission.

First, you will need to carefully examine and edit your photographs.  They must be properly exposed, critical elements of the photo must be tack sharp, and it should have a pleasing composition.  I use an 8 power loupe (magnifier) on a light table to review my slides - it=s not unusual for me to throw away half of the photos on each roll.  The more slides I examine on the light table, the more I=m convinced that a sturdy tripod is necessary, especially when using a telephoto lens.  Proper long lens technique is also critical - here is a link that describes it:  http://www.moosepeterson.com/techtips/longlens.html

Now, assuming you have carefully edited your slides, it is time to consider where to send them.  A very valuable book to have is The Photographer=s Market is updated yearly and it is available at most local bookstores including Barnes and Noble and B. Dalton (about $25).  The Photographer=s Market lists thousands of photo buyers from across the country, it includes greeting cards, calendars, books, magazines, etc.  There is about a paragraph written about each photo buyer detailing payment rates, special requirements and the address of the Photo Editor.  Most publications have a photographers guidelines available (free with a SASE), which gives detailed information about what their specific needs area and how to submit images to them.  Another book that should be required reading for anyone serious about marketing is John Shaw=s Business of Nature Photography.  Even though it is geared for nature photographers, is has lots of valuable information for anyone wanting to submit photos for publication.

Most publications will only accept slides and not color prints or negatives.  Also, editors prefer slower speed slide film (ISO 100 or lower).  Another reason I like slides is that they can be easily categorized.  I insert each slide into an 8 2 by 11 inch plastic sleeve which holds 20 slides.  It is easy to locate a particular photo by reviewing 20 slides at a time.  Digital submissions are becoming more widely accepted.  This again depends on the publication, but most prefer photos taken with a 6 MP digital camera or greater.  Some also want a printout of the images on your CD – usually 6-10 images on each page.

Do your homework.  If you think a certain publication might be a good market for your photos, find a copy of it at the newsstand or library and study it.  Carefully note the types of photos they use.

Before sending your original slides to a publication, it is usually best to send a query letter first.  This letter will describe your photos and how you think they will fit into the publication.  Sometimes including an ink jet print of some of your images can be an effective attention getter.  If they request to see your material, they will then be liable for your slides.  Most publications will state that they are not responsible for unsolicited material.

To package your submission, it is best to insert your slides into plastic sleeves then sandwich your slides between pieces of cardboard, with a rubber band to hold it in place.  This approach is simple, protects your slides and is easy for the editor to get into.  You should include a letter describing exactly what you have included with your submission and a stamped self-addressed envelope for the return of your material.  All publications are different on how they handle your work.  Some will hold all of your photos until publication (I had 22 slides at Nature Photographer magazine for about 1 2 years).  And some will only keep the photos they are interested in and quickly return the rest.

Payment varies greatly with the size of the publication.  The smallest ones will maybe pay $10 to $50, the medium sized magazines (circulation 30,000) will pay from $50 to $150 and the largest magazines will pay anywhere from $100 to $1000, depending on how the photo is used.  Many people start out by donating their work to local publications.  I donated several slides to the Linn County Conservation Commission which they used in a promotional brochure and a learning center display.

This is really a brief overview of the process but it should help get you started.  Especially if you take a look at the books listed above.  If you have any questions, email me, I=ll be glad to answer them if I can.    Good luck!    ghamers@fmtcs.com