WNY Sportsman Writers Guidelines
Photographers Submission Guidelines
WNY Sportsman has earned a reputation as the premier showcase for the sporting photographer's work. Photo submissions are welcomed, but we strongly urge you to drop us a query letter or contact us by telephone call before sending a submission.
Editorial photo needs:
All work should adhere to professional standards; sharp focus, accurate color, intelligent composition, etc. Although showing the steps involved in hunting and fishing is essential, we are constantly on the lookout for photos that go beyond the obvious and bring the viewer into the action. We encourage you to think journalistic--to find the narrative in what you see. In other words, try to tell a story. Instead of focusing only on the kill or catch, photograph what preceded the moment and what followed--the small details as well as the vistas. Watch for opportunities to inject humor, whimsy, irony, frustration, joy... The passion for the sport.
Avoid overt product endorsements on caps, boats, etc. whenever possible. Also, take into consideration what your subject is wearing (perhaps that bright white shirt should be replaced by another of a color that contrasts more effectively with the white of the boats deck).
Above all, your work must be accurate. WNY Sportsman readers know their stuff. They will call you on the smallest detail if it is wrong.
PHOTO ESSAYS/ONESHOT:
We are looking for individual photographs and photo essays that are strong enough to stand on their own -- photographs that with an artfully written caption or very short text block can tell a story; photographs that will make the reader gasp, or smile, or nod his head, or shake his head in wonderment.
Many photo shoots have cover potential. Review recent issues to get a sense of what the magazine is up to. Magazine covers on newsstands are subjected to intense competition. Cover images must accommodate multiple cover lines as well as logo, date, etc. Take this into consideration when you are thinking cover composition.
General guidelines
Color transparencies/digital (35 mm or large-format) are preferred. All photos should be inserted into protective plastic slide sheets and labeled with your name, address and telephone number. Each submission should be accompanied by a caption sheet for identification purposes. Please label slides directly whenever possible. Concentrate on the quality of your images rather than quantity. We want to see your best work. Fifty slides is an average submission. Make every effort to identify location, species, and the individuals featured in every slide as well as any other details that might assist the editors in understanding an image or writing a caption.
Previously published photos must be labeled as such.
We work 2-3 months prior to specific hunting and fishing seasons, please take this into consideration when making your submissions.
Adequate return postage must accompany all submissions. Photographs should be packaged so they will not be damaged in the mail. Send photos by registered or other fully insured and trackable mail. We purchase first North American serial rights and return the originals to you after publication.
WNY Sportsman pays for photos upon publication. Our payment rates vary according to size, quality, degree of difficulty etc.
Send all photos and articles to:
Jessica Manos
Photo/article Editor – info@wnysportsamanmag.com
Who Reads Us
WNY Sportsman is read by dedicated anglers and hunters who are located in the majority of the largest outdoor markets in Western New York.