For the last four years, I’ve been helping wedding photographers get their work featured and seen in several top wedding publications. As a wedding photographer myself, I know that capturing these unforgettable moments is only half the journey; the other half lies in sharing your work in the hopes that your dream publication will say “yes!” and feature your photography along with all of the hard work the other creative partners have poured into your clients perfect day.
One powerful way to do so is by submitting your photos to publications.
I have been teaching about how wedding photographers can submit their work to online and print publications and I wanted to write this article to help you in your submission journey.
Here's a short guide to help you navigate the process:
Research Publications: Start by researching publications that align with your style, target audience, and aspirations. Look for magazines, blogs, and online platforms that regularly feature wedding content. Consider factors such as readership demographics, editorial focus, and submission guidelines to ensure your work is a good fit.
Prepare your Images: Begin culling your gallery down to your best 100-150 images. Look at the overall selection and see if you can tell a cohesive story from start to finish. A good rule of thumb is that editors want 75% Details to 25% Photos of the Clients. This is always ever evolving but it’s a good place to begin your curation.
Follow Submission Guidelines: Every publication has its own unique submission guidelines, so it's essential to familiarize yourself with these before reaching out. Pay attention to specific requirements regarding image format, resolution, file size, and accompanying information such as captions, credits, and wedding details.
Craft a Compelling Pitch: When submitting your photos, accompany them with a well-crafted pitch that explains why your work is a good fit for the publication. Personalize your pitch by addressing the editor by name, briefly introduce yourself, and include the high points from the wedding itself. Include the top 4-5 vendors such as the wedding planner, florist, designer, invitations, and venue. Be sure not to describe the photos themselves vs. sharing the unique and personal experiences that make this celebration so unique.
Respect Copyright and Permissions: Ensure that you have the necessary permissions and releases from the couples featured in your photos before submitting them to publications. There’s nothing worse than getting a “YES!” from the editor to the couple telling you they don’t want their photos featured anywhere online.
Follow Up Appropriately: After submitting your photos, be patient and follow up with the publication if you haven't heard back within a reasonable timeframe. Currently, most publications. can get back to you within 2 weeks to 8 weeks. However, please avoid being overly persistent or pushy. Respect the editor's time and decision-making process while expressing your continued interest in being featured.
Celebrate and Share the Feature: If your work gets selected for publication, celebrate the achievement share the feature with your audience, and let all of the vendors know the good news. Promote the publication through your website, social media channels, and email newsletters to maximize exposure and showcase your success to potential new clients. I always like to create custom images for social media that everyone who was on the creative team can share and that’s even more eyes on my photography.
There’s much more that goes into each wedding submission but submitting your wedding photos to publications is not only a way to showcase your talent but also a valuable opportunity to reach a wider audience, build credibility, and elevate your brand as a wedding photographer.
With thoughtful research, preparation, and professionalism, you can increase your chances of getting your work published and making a lasting impression in the wedding industry.
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