how to submit pictures to a magazine

3 min read 24-01-2025

Meta Description: Learn how to submit your photos to magazines! This guide covers finding the right magazine, preparing your images, crafting a compelling cover letter, and following up. Get your work published! (158 characters)

Want to see your photography in print? Submitting your pictures to a magazine can be a rewarding experience, boosting your portfolio and career. But it's more than just sending a few JPEGs. This guide walks you through the entire process, from initial research to follow-up.

Finding the Right Magazine

Before you even think about image editing, research is key. Identify magazines that align with your photography style and subject matter. Consider:

Genre: Are you a landscape photographer? A portrait artist? A photojournalist? Choose publications specializing in your niche.
Target Audience: Does the magazine's readership appreciate your style? A magazine focused on wildlife photography might not be ideal for your street photography.
Publication Frequency: Monthly magazines might have longer turnaround times than weekly ones.
Past Issues: Review past issues to understand their style and photo selection. This helps gauge if your work is a good fit.

Websites like MagPortal and Cision offer comprehensive magazine databases to help your search.

Preparing Your Images

Submitting high-quality images is crucial. Don't just grab anything from your hard drive.

Image Selection:

Strong Composition: Choose photos with strong compositions, compelling subjects, and excellent technical execution.
Variety: Submit a variety of images showcasing your range and versatility. Avoid only sending similar photos.
Resolution: Always submit high-resolution images (at least 300 DPI). Low-resolution images are unacceptable for print.
File Formats: Typically, JPEG is preferred, but always check the magazine's guidelines for specific requirements.
Editing: Edit your images professionally. Ensure proper color balance, sharpness, and exposure. Avoid over-processing.

Image Organization:

Organize your images logically and clearly. This shows professionalism and makes the editor's job easier.

File Naming: Use descriptive file names (e.g., "Landscape_Sunrise_HighRes.jpg"). Avoid generic names like "IMG001.jpg".
File Folders: Organize images into clearly labeled folders. If submitting multiple photos, group them by theme or project.

Crafting a Compelling Cover Letter

Your cover letter is your first impression. It needs to be concise, professional, and engaging.

Introduction: Briefly introduce yourself and your photography style.
Magazine Specifics: State why you believe your work is a good fit for that specific publication. Refer to a specific article or image that showcases a similar aesthetic.
Image Descriptions: Briefly describe each image you're submitting, highlighting key elements and aspects you want the editor to notice. Don't simply list file names.
Contact Information: Provide clear and accessible contact information, including email address and phone number.
Call to Action: Express your interest in future collaborations and thank them for their time and consideration.

Submitting Your Photos

Most magazines have online submission portals. Carefully review their guidelines for submission procedures.

Online Portals: Many publications use online submission systems. Follow the instructions carefully.
Email Submissions: If email submission is allowed, adhere to any file size restrictions. Compressing images might be necessary.
Physical Prints: Rarely requested anymore, but some niche publications might still accept physical prints. Check their guidelines.

Following Up

After submitting, be patient. Editors are busy.

Wait Time: Allow sufficient time for the editor to review your submission. The wait time depends on the magazine's publication frequency.
Gentle Follow-Up: After a reasonable period (e.g., 4-6 weeks), send a polite follow-up email. Keep it brief and simply inquire about the status.
Rejection: Don't take rejection personally. Continue submitting your work to other publications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Do I need to be a professional photographer to submit my photos?

A: No, many magazines accept submissions from both amateur and professional photographers. Focus on the quality of your images and the strength of your portfolio.

Q: How many photos should I submit at once?

A: This varies depending on the magazine, but it's usually best to start with a smaller selection (e.g., 5-10 images).

Q: What if a magazine doesn't have specific submission guidelines?

A: Contact the magazine directly to inquire about their preferred submission method.

Submitting your photos to magazines takes time and effort, but seeing your work in print is a fantastic accomplishment. By following these steps and perfecting your craft, you'll significantly increase your chances of success! Remember persistence and quality are your best allies in this journey.