In times gone by, the only way to get your photos seen by the masses was to publish your work. With the rise of self-publishing social media platforms and personal photography websites, the number of ways to show your photos to the world has increased dramatically. It has now been made accessible to practically everyone. 

In our view, whilst there are new avenues to explore with self-publishing options, publishing your work is still incredibly beneficial. Publications (both in print form and online) include magazines, websites, blogs and elsewhere.

Why is it important to get published?

Whether it’s your dream or you just long for the satisfaction of seeing your work in your favourite magazine, getting published can add real value to your work and brand as well as help to raise your profile.

Some of the key benefits of getting your photos published include:

  • Add credibility to your brand and image. Like a stamp of approval for your work and can build your reputation in the industry.
  • Give you confidence in your skillset and abilities.
  • Allow you to reach a broader audience. Increase your exposure and help promote your work.
  • Get more paid assignments. Opens the door for paid commissions with publications and others. 

When your work is published somewhere, you align your name and brand with that publication. You are drawing parallels between your style and theirs, increasing the strength of your profile and brand. 

Putting their brand next to yours, in turn, allows some of their credibility to flow over to you. Not to mention that it validates and increases your confidence. 

You can't deny the emboldening power of positive feedback. It also galvanises you to continue to make great work. Having goals such as getting your work published in your favourite publications will propel you to make better and better work. 

How to find publications 

You will have a higher chance of being considered and your photos accepted if you choose the right publication, so it’s essential to consider this carefully. But where should you look? And how will you know which is the right publication to choose?

Discover where your peers are published

A top way to identify potential publications to approach is to look at who has already been published in your competitors and people in your niche who shoot similar stuff and of similar quality and ask your photography peers about their successful publications. 

This information may be listed in a section on their website where they will talk about the places their work has been published (usually called something like “Features”, “News” “or “Press”). On PurplePort.com, this information will almost certainly be in their portfolio notes.

Check whether the publication’s image aligns with yours

Look at the style of images the publication uses. It’s no good submitting content that is irrelevant. You wouldn’t submit your landscape photos to a food magazine.

All publicity affects your brand (for better or worse). Be choosey about which publications you pursue and which photos you submit. Look for places, that fit your style, type of photography or brand. A publication will only publish content that complements its brand’s look and feel.

Find out what the publication's submission guidelines are

Many publications out there will accept submissions. Each one will have submission guidelines that they expect you to follow. 

These submission guidelines may include things like:

  • Method to submit content to the publication (e.g. email), which may include how to share photos (e.g. Google Drive, Dropbox, direct link)
  • Content they are currently looking for (including the type or style of photos to submit)
  • Number of photos to submit
  • Restrictions for editing/postprocessing/image manipulation
  • Technical requirements for your image file (e.g. file type, file size, file name format, image size, etc.)
  • Word count and other requirements for written content (to accompany your photos)
  • Other information you should include in your submission (contact information, links to your online portfolio, website, social media channels, etc.)

Submission guidelines may also state whether the publication demands exclusivity (this may prevent you from submitting your content elsewhere). If you want to submit content to a publication, it is vital that you read through their submission guidelines first. 

How to contact publications

The general approach to getting your work published is by contacting publications directly. Their coming to you first is rare. Below are some tips to help smooth the way for you.

Choose appropriate photos

This should go without saying, but first and foremost, ensure your photos align with the publication’s image, and you only submit your absolute best, top-notch photos.

Top tips for writing to publications

First impressions are almost as important as your photos. You want to show that you are informed and well-researched. Master the art of composing a compelling email. Remember, the person you're writing to probably receives many pestering emails.

Improve your writing skills today, don’t rely on photography skills alone. Don't be lazy and copy and paste your text, or use a flurry of emojis and abbreviations. Your photos, coupled with a solid and passionate writing style, will give much more weight to your submissions to publications. For some publications, photography alone simply isn’t enough. 

Below are some tips to help you:

  • Find out who you need to contact. Look on the publication’s website, use a search engine or find them on social media. Now, you can address them by their proper name when you write your submission.
  • Be professional and courteous. Use a proper greeting (avoid "Hey there"), and avoid ‘text speak’. A polite, well-written submission will go further than a poorly written one.
  • Be relevant and select your photos carefully. You want everything you send, from your photos to your writing, to be top quality and relevant to the publication.
  • Proofread your submission. Avoid any spelling and grammatical errors. Read your submission repeatedly; don’t just rely on a spell checker. Try using Grammarly.com, a free writing app that helps make sure all of your written work is mistake-free.
  • Avoid copying and pasting written content to publications. Don’t send the same message to half the industry!
  • Paint a story. Magazines sell stories. Write the story behind your images (literally or metaphorically). Create a page mockup in the style of the publication. Don’t be afraid to send a couple of variations. Make it easy for them to visualise what your work will look like in their publication.
  • Include links to your website, social media, etc. Don't forget to give links to your photography website and social media accounts.
  • Include your contact details. Show all of your contact information in a clear and orderly way.

You may consider writing an article with your selected works, which you can submit with your engaging and concise email. This way, whoever you’re contacting won’t need to come up with as much original content of their own, and they may be grateful to you for making their lives easier. Whatever you do, keep it relevant and polite.

What to do after you’ve submitted your photos

Resist the urge to call unless explicitly asked to do so. Harassment will not get you anywhere with editors. Be professionally persistent. This means waiting a couple of weeks and then sending a follow-up email. 

One technique for getting noticed is to follow and interact with the editors and their publications on social media. Try to put yourself at the top of their minds subtly.

Dealing with rejection

This industry is competitive, and naturally, you will experience rejection. If a publication declines your submission or doesn’t get back to you, move on to the next publication to contact. Don’t give up! 

Below are some potential reasons to consider for not hearing back from a publication (or their declining your submission):

  • Your work was not good enough
  • Your work was not relevant (you sent fashion shots to a food editor)
  • Your email was full of spelling and grammatical errors
  • You caught them at a busy time, and they didn’t read your email
  • You emailed the wrong person
  • They recently covered a very similar body of work and didn’t want to bore their audience

You could always ask for feedback if your submission is rejected. This feedback may be crucial to whether your next submission (with that publication or elsewhere) is successful.

Become a published photographer  

Getting your photos published can be beneficial to your work and your brand. Research which publications you think are best suited to your work, choose your best and most relevant photos, improve your writing skills and start contacting publications. 

Here are some useful links to get you on your way to becoming a published photographer:

  • Get Published: 38 Websites to Submit Your Work: Browse this informed and lengthy list of popular, potential publications to submit to.
  • Kavyar.com: Kavyar is a network for creatives in fashion, beauty, and art. They specialize in helping artists get published in magazines and other outlets.
  • Grammarly.com: A free writing app that helps make sure all of your written work is mistake-free.

What is PurplePort

PurplePort is a modelling website that brings models, photographers and other creatives together with one fantastic service. We provide the tools and help you need to get together and create amazing photos.

Established in 2010, PurplePort has grown from strength to strength and now has 40,000+ active members worldwide. With features such as integrated messaging, calendar, shoot plans, image albums, references, credited photos, busy member forums, hundreds of articles, and dedicated full-time staff to help you, it's easy finding the perfect creatives you need for your next photography project. It's a fresh, fast, and feature-rich alternative to ModelMayhem.

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