Why Getting Published Matters
A publication feature is the highest form of social proof for photographers. When a respected blog or magazine features your work, it validates your skill to potential clients in a way that self-promotion cannot. It also generates backlinks to your website, which improves your SEO.
Types of Publications
Wedding Blogs
The most accessible entry point. Sites like Style Me Pretty, Green Wedding Shoes, Junebug Weddings, and The Knot Magazine accept real wedding submissions. Each has specific submission guidelines.
Photography Magazines
Print and digital magazines like Rangefinder, Click Magazine, and Professional Photographer showcase technical excellence and innovative work.
Styled Shoot Blogs
Many blogs accept styled shoot features alongside real events. This is perfect for showcasing a specific vision or working in a genre where you do not yet have client work.
Local Publications
Do not overlook local magazines, newspapers, and community blogs. Features in local publications reach the exact audience that can hire you.
How to Submit
Step 1: Choose Your Targets
Research 5-10 publications that feature work similar to your style and genre. Read their submission guidelines carefully. Every publication has specific requirements for:
- Image count and resolution
- Exclusivity (many require the photos have not been published elsewhere)
- Vendor credits format
- Story or description requirements
Step 2: Prepare Your Submission
Select your strongest 30-50 images from a single session or event. The photos should tell a complete story. Include a mix of details, wide shots, portraits, and candids.
Write a brief story description: who, what, where, unique details. Keep it concise and authentic.
Step 3: Submit
Most publications accept submissions through online portals (Two Bright Lights is common), email, or their own submission forms. Follow the format exactly. Publications receive hundreds of submissions. Anything that does not follow guidelines gets skipped.
Step 4: Wait and Follow Up
Response times vary from 2 weeks to 3 months. Do not follow up before the stated timeline. If you do not hear back, submit to other publications. Many photographers submit to 5+ blogs before landing a feature.
After You Are Published
When your feature goes live:
- Share it on social media through creavio's social media manager
- Add an "As Seen In" section to your creavio website with publication logos
- Link to the feature from your blog
- Tag the publication and all vendors involved
- Send the link to the featured client — they will share it with everyone they know
Add "Published in [Publication]" to your creavio website bio and booking page. This signals credibility before a client even contacts you.
Styled Shoots for Publication
Styled shoots are your best tool for getting published when you are building your portfolio. Plan them specifically for submission:
- Research what publications are currently featuring. Match their aesthetic.
- Collaborate with vendors who want the same exposure.
- Shoot with editorial intent: full story, beginning to end, details to wide shots.
- Document all vendor information for credits.
Getting published is a long game. Your first submission probably will not land. Your tenth might. Keep shooting exceptional work, keep submitting, and the features will come.