Most designers and architects would love to see their work in shelter magazines. There are several ways to increase the odds of acceptance. In this post I’ll breakdown strategies that have worked for me for editorials and covers.
My most important tip is to understand that just sending photos to every publication in the hopes one likes them is not a particularly effective approach. Instead, view the submission as a pitch, keeping in mind the editorial team will assign a writer to discuss features of interest to their readers. While I’m a photographer, I always look for an editorial angle with my client. How did this design come to be? What makes it a great project for a publication to display and describe to their readers?
Once you have your pitch clearly in mind, consider which publication is most likely to run it. Pubs go to lengths to differentiate themselves and therefore submissions should be targeted for enhanced acceptance odds. For example, why send a chic contemporary rebuild pitch to a magazine that is packed with traditional / transitional stories?
As an example, I photographed a chic 14th floor condo for a NJ designer / homeowner recently. The homeowner was a divorcee and business professional who’s fresh start began with a gut renovation. The designer blended modernity, femininity and practicality yielding a totally unique effect. These photos could have been pitched without the story, letting the magazine work it out for themselves. But, I encouraged her to express the impetus for the design in an introductory text which we submitted with the photos. I think our odds are improved as a result.
I always propose a premeditated approach to pitching to publications, including adjusting the photographic style accordingly. With tons of competition for editorial inclusion, thinking, writing, and propping this way is just thinking practically.