Getting your work published is one of the best steps a photographer or journalist can take to promote their talent and work. It allows an audience to see your work and recognize your name. If you get paid, you get a double benefit – money and free advertising. No pay? Make sure to get your name on the credit line; you get free advertising without laying out your hard-earned dollars for ads.
Don’t know where to start or how to approach a publication? A few simple steps will make it possible for you. First make sure your work matches a publication. That means identifying a publication that publishes the kind of photos and articles that you have or can produce. Simply put, do not submit your motorsports photos to a fashion magazine. Yes, it may take some research up front, but once done, you will be on your way.
Today’s Photographer International (TPI) magazine is always looking for interesting and high-quality submissions for future issues. TPI is a reader driven magazine, which means that all the photos and articles are by IFPO members for the benefit of other members. So we are always looking for the best story and photos that will inspire other members to learn from you. No matter what you do, if you have been successful, consider sharing your story with other IFPO members.
You can make your submissions to TPI via email to homeoffice@ainewsservice.net. Keep your article as short as possible to tell the story. Submit no more than six photos per article.
Remember, IFPO members in general want to make money, gain access and get published — among other things. So if you have a success story in any of those categories, we are interested. You are not limited to those areas; any success story will be welcomed.
In order for your photos to be considered for publication, you must send captions. Who, what, when, where and why tells us if a photo is worthy of publication. Without that information, your photo is dead for publishing purposes.
These guidelines work for most publications. Spend time understanding publications that use similar photos to what you do. Are yours of the same quality or better? If so, contact their editorial department and ask for their guidelines and deadlines. Most editors are always looking for fresh ideas with stories and photos that match their reader’s expectation. Do your homework, prepare your submission and take a chance. Good luck. Ω