7 Steps to Sell Images to Magazines
How to Sell Images to Magazines
1. Create High-Quality Images
If you want to sell images to magazines, then you need to create magazine-quality images. Let’s elaborate.
First of all, make sure the size and dimensions of the images fall within the magazine’s specifications. If not, then the publication will have a hard time finding a place for your work.
Also, the resolution should be at least 300 DPI (dots per inch). This ensures sharpness and clarity when printed.
If possible, save images using the TIFF or RAW file format. These formats maintain image quality without compression. For smaller files, you can use JPEG, but please keep compression to a minimum.
2. Research Magazines
As a photographer, you probably already have a few ideas for where you want to submit your images. These are the publications that you dream about working for every day. You can find other great magazines to sell your images by doing the following:
First, identify your niche. Magazines usually cover specific themes or subjects. Nature, fashion, and travel are three examples. Knowing your niche will help you narrow down your target magazines.
Next, create a list of publications in your niche. You can simply use Google for this. To use the travel niche as an example, you can type “list of travel magazines” into the Google search bar.
Then, check each magazine’s style and content. Study the types of images that they publish. You can look at past issues to understand preferences for photography techniques and aesthetics.
Most importantly, understand official submission guidelines. Read these guidelines multiple times to comprehend what each magazine is looking for.
3. Start Contacting Magazines
Now, let’s get to the good stuff. Sell your images by strategically contacting the magazines that you are interested in.
First, find the appropriate person to contact. Look for the photo editor or the person in charge of photography submissions. You might need to call the magazine's office to inquire.
Next, craft a professional email. Introduce yourself and mention your interest in submitting images. Attach a few images directly to the email or provide a link to your online portfolio.
Magazines receive tons of emails, so please be patient. If your email goes unanswered, then you can send a follow-up message in a couple of weeks.
Don’t be discouraged if your submission gets denied. Use any given feedback to improve future communications with the same magazine as well as other magazines of interest.
4. Establish Licensing Agreements
You must finalize licensing agreements after successfully contacting a magazine. As the image creator, you automatically hold the copyright to your work.¹ Now, you need to decide how the magazine can use your images and for what purposes.
For example, do you want to completely offload the images? You will be compensated, and then the magazine will be able to do whatever they want with the images. Or do you only want to grant usage rights for a limited time?
Clearly outline the terms of use in a licensing agreement. Write everything down because it protects all parties involved. It ensures that there are no misunderstandings.
Consult a lawyer if you need help understanding the nuances of licensing agreements and intellectual property rights.
5. Negotiate Prices
Utilize your negotiation skills to reach an attractive business agreement with the magazine.
First, you must understand relevant valuation metrics. Don’t sell yourself short. Know how much your skills are worth as a photographer, and how much your images are worth. Objectively evaluate the quality of your images as well as their uniqueness.
In addition, research industry standards. Find out what rates your fellow photographers are charging, especially if they create the same style of images.
Most importantly, be flexible yet assertive. Don’t undervalue your work, but be willing to compromise if it benefits both parties.
Think beyond the transaction. Hopefully, this will be the start of a long-term business partnership.
6. Complete the Transaction
It’s time to deliver the images to the magazine and get paid.
Before delivery, make sure your images meet the technical specifications outlined by the magazine, especially concerning the resolution and file format.
Next, label your files for easy identification and deliver them using the agreed-upon delivery method.
Send an invoice promptly once the images are delivered. Be sure to include your name and contact information. Specify the services provided and the requested payment amount.
Make sure the magazine pays this amount using the agreed-upon payment method, whether that’s through a check, bank transfer, or a third-party payment processor.
Congratulations! The transaction is now complete.
7. Nurture Business Relationships
If you want to continue selling images to magazines, then you should build long-term connections with people who work for them. They will keep you in mind if they need anything else. Here is how you can befriend magazine folks:
First and foremost, show genuine interest in the magazine. Become a fan. Comment on articles and share them on social media. Your engagement with the publication will be appreciated.
Also, you can network with magazine editors by attending industry events and workshops. Introduce yourself and start chatting away.
Keep in mind, however, that meaningful connections take time to develop.² So, be patient. Show up every day and have fun.
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