How to Get Your Photography Published
in Top Magazines & Online Publications
It's no secret that I am working towards having my work published by some of my favorite magazines and websites. I don't think Im alone in wanting that for my photography so in this blog I wanted to talk about my plans on how to actually make that happen and maybe that will help someone else on the mission to improve their photography and one day see their work in full glory alongside some their favorite photographers and writers. Let's talk about it!
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For me, getting my work published is the ultimate goal in photography. It’s not just about the recognition, it means the photos have a story or a sense of intrigue that draws people in. That’s exactly what I want my photography to capture. It's not easy to achieve this, otherwise everyone would be shooting for top publications such as National Geographic.
I believe modern day life is actually a large part of what's stopping us producing work that renowned publications like to share. I think that is primarily due to how much our attention span has been shortened by the fast and short content that is thrust into our faces every day. Advertisements, reels, shorts and Tik Tok have almost conditioned us to loose interest in something once it breaks the 5 second barrier. Okay, that may be a slight exaggeration but you get my point. Magazine articles are usually long form photography projects or stories, not quick hits for short attention spans.
This shift in attention span can be a real challenge for creating great photography, which often requires time to be fully appreciated. Powerful images aren’t just about instant impact, they tell a story, evoke emotion, and invite the viewer to linger. But when people are used to scrolling past content in seconds, they may never give a photograph the attention it deserves. This can discourage photographers from creating deeper, more meaningful work, instead pushing them toward trends that prioritize quick engagement over lasting impact.
How to Create Work Worthy of Renowned Publications
Despite the challenges posed by shrinking attention spans, there are still ways to create photography that stands out and work that major publications would be proud to feature. Here are some key things I am trying to focus on that I think could help you too:
1. Master the Art of Visual Storytelling
Respected publications don’t just publish beautiful photos; they publish images that tell powerful, immersive stories. This means going beyond a single striking shot and capturing a narrative, whether it’s the daily life of a remote community, the struggle of an endangered species, or the impact of climate change on a landscape. Spend time researching your subject, understanding its deeper context, and thinking about how to translate that visually.
2. Patience and Persistence Are Key
Unlike the instant gratification of social media, publication-worthy photography often takes months, if not years, of dedication. The best shots come from being in the right place at the right time, but that rarely happens by chance. It requires waiting, observing, and sometimes returning to a location multiple times to get the perfect image. Don’t rush the process.
3. Develop a Unique Perspective
With so many photographers out there, it’s important to bring something fresh to the table. Avoid clichés and find a way to tell stories in a way that hasn’t been done before. Whether it’s through composition, lighting, or subject matter, developing your own style will make your work more recognizable and memorable. This can be challenging when you have to tell a whole story or document various aspects of a story but if you can manage to figure out a style you have a definite advantage.
4. Commit to Quality Over Quantity
Social media encourages constant content creation, but major publications value quality over quantity. Instead of churning out daily posts, focus on refining your best work. Take the time to perfect your shots, edit thoughtfully, and only showcase the images that truly represent your vision and skill.
5. Be Curious and Keep Learning
Great photographers are lifelong learners. Read books, study the work of other published photographers, and constantly push yourself to improve. Understanding the technical aspects of photography is crucial, but so is being curious about the world. The more you know about your subject, the better you can capture it.
6. Pitch Your Work Strategically
Finally, if you want to be published, you have to put yourself out there. Research submission guidelines, build a strong portfolio, and craft thoughtful pitches that explain why your work matters. Publications look for stories that align with their vision, so make sure your work is not just visually stunning, but also meaningful and relevant.
Final Thoughts
In a world where attention spans are shrinking, creating work that lasts takes dedication and patience. But the reward of having your photography published, where it can inspire, educate, and create impact, is worth the effort. Keep pushing your creative boundaries, stay curious, and focus on storytelling. The right audience, the one that truly appreciates great photography, is still out there.
As always thank you for reading and see you on the blog,
Arran.
