You’ve probably heard this piece of advice before: you should submit your photography. With our constant production of beautiful photos as wedding photographers, it only makes sense to optimize what we create. Getting started with publication submissions doesn’t have to be a daunting task if you take it one step at a time. It’s an easy method to integrate into your marketing tool kit that is completely free! If you’re looking to get started with photo submissions then these are your first steps!

Why Every Photographer Should Do Photo Submissions

It doesn’t matter if you’ve been in the photography world for years or if you just went full-time: you CAN submit your photos. Photo submissions do not require a resume, instead they call for a unique piece of work that stands out from the crowd.

Your competition will vary according to the prestige of the blog or magazines looking for photo submissions. Lesser known or more niche publications may be your best bet when starting out since the competition isn’t as steep. It also helps when you are an exact fit for a publication such as ones that call specifically for film photography. This doesn’t mean that you don’t submit to the big names, it’s just important to note that your chances change according to publication type.

The point here is–if you take photos then you should submit!

We all wish that someone would just stumble upon our work and want to publish it. But, it’s a rare circumstance (even though it does happen) that is less likely to occur than being selected through photo submissions. You just need to know where to look!

Step #1: Submit According to the EXACT Specifications

The most common mistake made in completing blog or magazine photo submissions is not following the guidelines. Each publication is going to tell you the following: “Due to the high volume of submissions, we will only consider those that follow our guidelines.” You must follow the specific requirements of the submission or you will not even be in the running.

The checklists differ according to each publication, so make sure you read the fine print before you submit. Most sites will even provide examples, FAQs, and general tips on how to get selected. These specifications can change per submission from the preferred online gallery platform to the kind of submissions accepted (many do not accept engagements).

At the same time, don’t get stuck trying to make your submission absolutely perfect. For example, you can even use your sneak peek gallery for your photos. Take just enough time to build a good relationship with these publishers just like you would a new client! 

Step #2: Start with Your Photography Style & Region

No two publications for photo submissions will be the same. This helps narrow down where you should submit, and increases your chance of being selected! It is absolutely worth it to submit your work to as many publications as possible. But, doing so only increases your chance of being selected if you match your work with the best publication fit.

Start with smaller and regional publications creating your own list of go-to submission sites that are looking for the kind of weddings that you capture! You are looking for photo submissions that either feature weddings in the area where you mostly photograph or serve the demographic that you regularly shoot.

Whether it’s boho chic DIY weddings or high-end classy affairs, find the publications that feature these types of weddings and then submit! This will get your work featured by a publication that showcases what your kind of couple is looking for!

Step #3: Don’t Give Up on Photo Submissions

I hate to be the bearer of bad news: not every one of your photo submissions will be selected. You can follow all of the submission guidelines and match a publication’s style perfectly and still not get chosen.

There are endless reasons why you may or may not be selected. But, if you’ve followed these steps, then the reasons should be something you don’t need to take too personally. If you haven’t heard back, wait until the end of the response timeline and send a follow-up if that’s what they recommend. Then submit it somewhere else! It often can take a few tries before a gallery is selected!

Getting your photography published provides visibility and builds credibility for your work. Photo submissions require some effort but it’s an easy task to replicate because there are so many similarities between submission site requirements.

I didn’t do photo submissions for the first two years of my business. I decided on a whim to finally submit and it was denied. But, the process was easier than I realized! I kept submitting and was accepted by Junebug weddings followed by a feature in People Magazine! I also joined The Anti-Bride which requires a Brand Partnership in order to submit. Although some publications require a membership, most are free.

Publication submissions are literally free marketing on a larger platform than your own! You gain access to couples and vendors you perhaps never could have reached through your own connections. Start submitting your work–you’ve got nothing to lose!

For more resources for your photography business, check out my Education Shop!