Guidelines for Photographers
Our Photography Needs
We look for fresh, creative approaches to familiar landmarks and subjects in our photography, as well as seeking out the rare, exotic, strange, unfamiliar, and remote in B.C. Study recent issues of British Columbia Magazine to understand what we do, but don't limit yourself to just the types of photography published in past issues.
Strive to make your photographs walk the narrow path between art and magazine journalism. Yes, our readers love the unsullied scenic photographs. But they also want pictures that are true to life: the negative with the positive, the ugly with the beautiful. We want to take our readers where they've never been before, geographically and visually.
Creative pictures often require innovative methods. Shoot a variety of perspectives, very distant to extremely close-up. Mix horizontal and vertical shots. Vary your lenses, wide angle to long telephoto, and your angles, shooting from very low to very high. Punctuate a series of scenic landscapes with shots of real outdoors people in the environment. And when you do shoot people, try to catch natural facial expressions. Avoid shots of your hiking partner's back.
Take advantage of the beautiful light before and after sunrise and sunset, and don't stop shooting if the weather isn't perfect. We like to mix some moody images into our magazine content. Good photographers are not "snappers"⎯they know their equipment, and they work hard at scouting and setting up shots. Superior photographers go a step beyond, bringing an intuitive or journalistic perspective to the work to produce a compelling series of related images that tell a story. They cover their subject completely, with opening and closing shots, middles, close-ups and details, double-page spreads, overviews, and the perfect cover.
First-Time Contributors
Because of our high standards for photography, it is difficult for unknown photographers to break into our magazine. That said, we're always on the lookout for exceptional new talent. To be considered as a freelance contributor, submit a small selection of images for review, with a list of the stock subjects you have on file. Your best bet is to send a series of images on a feature subject, or you may submit a varied mix of your best shots. Please send no more than 60 images. If we're excited by your shots, we'll invite you to present a wider selection and discuss your ideas.
Amateur photographers often send in "one great picture" that their friends tell them should be published in the magazine. Please understand that British Columbia Magazine only publishes images that tie in with stories we have planned for our issues.
Note: Please do not send links to images on your personal website. Our staff is limited and we simply do not have time to review websites, given that the image quality on such sites generally does not represent the sharpness and overall quality of the original.
Freelance Photography
British Columbia Magazine works with freelance photographers on every issue, using images from assignments and stock. We accept photographic material on speculation year-round and welcome proposals for photo essays. We especially welcome text-photo proposals from photographers teamed with top-notch writers (though we reserve the right to select text or photos separately). We review stock submissions for possible features and department material, and for our annual insert calendar (compiled May/June).
Assignments: The procedure for the few assignments we make (generally to photographers whose work we know well) is to review story and photo feature proposals we have received, outlining pictures envisioned and number of days required in the field. We do this early in the year (December/January) to establish our next year's editorial plan. Sometimes, we will assign a photo feature and come up with a written text to accompany the images; other times, we will assign a photographer to illustrate an article we have selected. Before making a photo feature proposal, research your subject well enough to sell us on the story idea and to give yourself a base from which to start shooting.
Stock Photography: We hate to miss the opportunity to use your great stock because we didn't know you had it⎯feel free to send your updated stock list any time. Once we have reviewed your work (see "First-Time Contributors," above), we may opt to add you to our mailing list for photo calls.
Submissions
Digital files
- We will consider digital files shot with a camera that is, at minimum, 8-megapixels, but preferably 10-megapixels or higher, with RAW file capture capabilities.
- Metadata should include the photographer’s name and copyright information.
- Caption info regarding the specific subject and location must accompany each image.
- Images saved as Tiff files on CD/DVD. Note: we do not return CDs/DVDs unless specifically requested.
- No sharpening applied.
- Please see “Digital Submission Guidelines” for more detailed information on preparing high-resolution files.
Slides and transparencies
- Send slides in vinyl sheets, well protected and insured for shipping.
- The magazine is not responsible in any way for material provided for editorial consideration.
- Enclose a prepaid courier package or SASE for return of materials.
- Make certain your name is on every slide, and number each image with a unique code. Always include a list of those unique image codes with your submission; alternately, back-lit photocopies of sheets of slides clearly showing images and numbers are acceptable. If you send duplicates, please clearly identify them as such⎯most dupes do not meet our technical requirements, and we need to know if better originals exist.
- Carefully count your images before submitting and record this on your image list. Our photo librarian will double-check the count on receipt and advise you immediately of any discrepancy.
Photo Rates
over: $700; double page: $400; one page plus: $300; one page: $200; 3/4 or 2/3 page: $175; 1/2 page: $150; 1/4 pg: $125; front cover skybar: $100; less than a 1/4 pg: $100.
British Columbia Magazine also prints photographer credits with pictures; this exposure often results in assignment queries and requests for prints, which we happily pass along to our contributors.
Usage Rights
Because British Columbia Magazine is shipped to a worldwide audience, we buy first worldwide rights on assigned images, and one-time worldwide rights on stock photography. This includes promotional rights, so long as your picture is used in the context for which we acquired it. (That means we can reproduce our own magazine covers and pages in promotional material.) For assigned material, these rights extend six months beyond the off-sale date of the issue containing your images. Inquiries about secondary usage will be referred to the photographer.
We also reserve the right to post a single image from an assigned shoot on our website for a duration of three months (or longer, with the photographer’s permission). Web usages of stock images are negotiated separately.
Liability and Responsibility
While we do all we can to protect images and materials sent to us, understand that submitting images to British Columbia Magazine confers no responsibility on British Columbia Magazine. We do not accept the premise that all lost or damaged transparencies are automatically worth a minimum of $1,500 as suggested by some photographic agencies. And we expect that you have kept copies of your digital files. We do not pay research or holding fees, and do not automatically accept or agree to conditions or stipulations printed on delivery memos, packing slips, and related correspondence submitted with photographic materials. Exceptions to this disclaimer must be prearranged, in writing, and signed both by the photographer and British Columbia Magazine prior to shipment of the materials involved.
Contact Us
Thank you for your interest in contributing to British Columbia Magazine. We value your ideas and your photographic suggestions. With your help, we can keep British Columbia Magazine vital, interesting, and unpredictable. Please address all photo story proposals or picture submissions to:
Janina McLaren, Photo Coordinator
British Columbia Magazine
3rd Floor — 1803 Douglas Street, Victoria BC, V8T 5C3
Phone: 250-356-5860 Fax: 250-356-5896
E-mail: photo@bcmag.ca
