louisianadiver
Contributor
Based on the interest in the coffee table book, it looks like several members are interested in getting their photos published. Several members of this forum are regularly published (Mike Veitch and Chris Bangs come to mind), and perhaps they would offer their perspective on the subject as well. Here's a top 10 list of things I've learned about getting photos published in conventional magazines:
1. Write a story. Very few photos are published in and of themselves. If you don't write, team up with someone who does.
2. Query magazines. The mags are always looking for material to publish. Contact the managing editor with story ideas, and actually send the story with photos if possible.
3. Think local. Your photos from Palau are not as likely to get into the magazine as your photos from the area you regularly dive. The editors have many sources for the well-known, exotic sites. However, you might be their only source for your neck of the woods.
4. Shoot wide angle. Most magazines prefer to let their readers see the "big picture".
5. Consider local publishers. Many local newspapers have some sort of weekend entertainment or travel section. Stories or photos that are cliche to dive mags often appear novel to the general public, and they might pique a local publisher's interest.
6. Get your photos on the Internet. It has become increasingly common (for me, at least) for art directors to peruse the 'net for specific subjects. Include the scientific name as well as the common name for all subjects, as most scientific publishers will search only by scientific name. Do your research and make sure your identifications are correct.
7. Photos that tell a story or describe a location sell best. You don't have to have a whale giving birth or a mermaid as a subject. Of course, the photo must be technically good. Resist the urge to manipulate digital photos much. Don't oversaturate. If a photo needs substantial "help" from Photoshop, it's not good enough on its own.
8. Be professional. Meet deadlines. Never promise anything you're not absolutely sure you can deliver.
9. Try. Internet searchers notwithstanding, nobody knows that you have photos to sell unless you get out there and try to sell them. You have to make the first move.
10. Try again. Realize that most ideas will be rejected. Don't take rejections personally. Persistence is key. Don't give up. -Clay
1. Write a story. Very few photos are published in and of themselves. If you don't write, team up with someone who does.
2. Query magazines. The mags are always looking for material to publish. Contact the managing editor with story ideas, and actually send the story with photos if possible.
3. Think local. Your photos from Palau are not as likely to get into the magazine as your photos from the area you regularly dive. The editors have many sources for the well-known, exotic sites. However, you might be their only source for your neck of the woods.
4. Shoot wide angle. Most magazines prefer to let their readers see the "big picture".
5. Consider local publishers. Many local newspapers have some sort of weekend entertainment or travel section. Stories or photos that are cliche to dive mags often appear novel to the general public, and they might pique a local publisher's interest.
6. Get your photos on the Internet. It has become increasingly common (for me, at least) for art directors to peruse the 'net for specific subjects. Include the scientific name as well as the common name for all subjects, as most scientific publishers will search only by scientific name. Do your research and make sure your identifications are correct.
7. Photos that tell a story or describe a location sell best. You don't have to have a whale giving birth or a mermaid as a subject. Of course, the photo must be technically good. Resist the urge to manipulate digital photos much. Don't oversaturate. If a photo needs substantial "help" from Photoshop, it's not good enough on its own.
8. Be professional. Meet deadlines. Never promise anything you're not absolutely sure you can deliver.
9. Try. Internet searchers notwithstanding, nobody knows that you have photos to sell unless you get out there and try to sell them. You have to make the first move.
10. Try again. Realize that most ideas will be rejected. Don't take rejections personally. Persistence is key. Don't give up. -Clay
