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It is the dream of most all underwater photographers to have their photos published in dive journal, magazine or perhaps even a book. I am frequently surprised at the quality of images that many serious amateurs possess but do not take the time to refine their shooting and/or submit for publication. It is easier than you think. Here are some tips on how to get your photos published:
PUT A STORY WITH THE PHOTOS
Your story need not be fancy, nor do you need an English degree. If the editor likes your images, and the basic story, but has problems with some of the finer points of the written portion of your material, odds are they will contact you for a rewrite. They may even help you out along the way. Use basic journalistic style: Who, What, When, Where, Why—writing in a pyramid telling the story from the basic elements in the first paragraph or two and then elaborating as you go. Or use a basic speech format—intro by briefly telling them what you going to tell, tell them in detail, conclude with a summary of what you have told them. Keep it simple.
USE THE BEST RESOLUTION
Photo editors, particularly those working for glossy magazine and book publishers, want the sharpest images possible. It goes without saying to not submit images that are out of focus, but just as important is to submit photos with the correct resolution.
If you are shooting traditional film, color prints are the worst. High speed (200 asa and above) E-6 film is the next least desirable (although understandable should low ambient light conditions necessitate use of such film). Your best film is the ultra-sharp and color saturated Kodak VS, Fuji Velvia or Sensia and Kodachrome films. My personal favorites are Velvia for macro photography and Kodachrome 200 for wide angle (it gives me sharp images but with a bit more speed for under the kelp canopy). Be on notice, however, Kodachrome is on its way out and will soon no longer be available.
If you are shooting digital, I would not consider anything less that 3 megapixels. To be considered for a large photo in the publication, such as a cover, 4 megapixels is minimum but higher is better.
PROPER COMPOSITION
When shooting for publication you want to carefully consider your “dead space.” This is area that is not taken by the main subject matter. It is important for photo editors and layout pros to have this space for overlapping photos, headlines, etc. While you will want to get as close to your subject as possible for best image quality, remember to compose to allow for “dead space.”
SHOOT VERTICAL
Want to get your photo on the cover of your favorite dive publication? You will have to almost assuredly shoot vertical. Even if not for the cover, vertical shots are very useful to the editor. Shooting in the vertical format, and leaving “dead space” takes practice. Work at it. And if you want the cover, make sure to leave enough room for the masthead (name of the magazine)!
SUBMIT A VARIETY OF PHOTOS
Submit photos of fish, invertebrates, top side pictures (if appropriate), and diver photos. Also vary between wide-angle and macro. Don’t submit all macro, all fish (unless appropriate to the story), or all reef shots. Submit only your finest work—nor more than 20 images for a story. But if you only have 10 excellent shots, submit only those. It is rare for an editor to use any more than a half a dozen shots. Do not submit inferior images!
Of all your photos, pictures of divers are perhaps the most important. They put the viewer, the reader, in the story. Your models must be clean, neat, and well kept, most important, cooperative. They should have a good idea on how to pose underwater and be willing to take direction. If your model is a woman, have her wear makeup—sometimes with all the gear it is hard to tell gender. For eyes to appear in the shots, tell your model to make sure he or she can see the camera and the strobe—but not look at the camera as these make boring shots. Eye contact between the model and subject material makes for a much more effective shot.
FORMS OF SUBMISSION
If you are using conventional film, sending in original slides is still your best bet. If the publication chooses to use your images immediately, they can then scan and manipulate the images quickly to their exact specifications. If submitting originals makes you nervous, electronic submissions, either by CD (hi-res TIFF files) or email (low-res JPG files), is usually acceptable for editors to view your work. Again, if you are shooting conventional film, always offer to send originals if they are interested.
Don’t worry that you do not have a scanner to convert conventional film to electronic versions. Most photo stores have available the service that will scan the photos for you and put them on a CD.
PROTECTING YOUR RIGHTS
Any photos on conventional film should be marked “©Copyright 2002, Your Name, All Rights Reserved” on the slide frame or on the back of print. This will cover the vast majority of your rights. When you send in slides or a hi-res CD, send it with a simple letter of understanding that indicates when you expect to hear back from the publication and when you’d like the images returned. Send material in a way that a signature is required. Include a self- addressed stamped envelope.
ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS
Model your submissions to what the publication needs and how it accepts submissions. California Diving News, for example, only wants material that deals with California and accepts material on spec (no query letters, phone calls or e-mails). Ask for “Editorial Guidelines” for specifics on what is needed, how to submit, article length, etc.
Nothing is quite as satisfying as seeing your images in print. It validates the quality of your work. Take the time to refine your work and submit it properly and your odds of this happening will greatly increase.
Dale Sheckler is Editor and Publisher of California Diving News, Producer of the annual SCUBA Show expo (each June in Long Beach, CA), and co-author of the book A Diver's Guide to Southern California's Best Beach Dives, 3rd Edition.
Return to Cover Page/Contents for August 2002 issue