The Question:

I would love to have some of my wedding work published. Do you have any advice on how to go about submitting my work to a blog or magazine?

Answers:

Each publication has specific submission guidelines that should be followed exactly so as to ensure a greater chance of your work being accepted. Beyond that, be sure that the wedding you want published is something that is a fit for the publication. (i.e. does it fit their overall aesthetic?) If you have been repeatedly declined, you can politely enquire if the editor has any feedback for you. 

Clare Day (Clare Day Flowers)

There are lots of ways to get published but it often takes a series of miracles. First and foremost you need incredible images. Yes, of course your designs must be incredible, but the imagery must be top notch, beyond top notch. At this time editors and publications are very drawn to film photography so if you are working with a film photographer that is helpful. The submission must have lots of details as that is essential. The more material you offer the better. Your story should be completely built out…either weddings that include the entire story of the day or a stylized shoot that covers everything from paper to the flowers. Your chance for submission acceptance is higher if you have contacts at the blog or magazine or if you are an advertiser. Having a strong brand and name recognition also makes things easier. Of course it takes a few publications in order to get that name recognition. Things only get easier after your first publication. I also suggest a brief and personal email to the editor or the person that handles submissions. This should be accompanied by a few images that are so drool worthy it leaves the person receiving the photos dying for more. The submission should also be accompanied by a URL link or Dropbox of additional images. Do not send anything in for submission that you are not 100 percent pleased with. Send them direct hits that you believe will be irresistible and if the images are truly that good, you are in!!! If the publication is interested they will let you know. I always mention in my hello email that I will get them the full story and vendor list if they are interested. I start out simple, short, and sweet. Do not submit images that you have not been given permission to submit. Do not submit to more then one publication at a time. Wait to hear a reply for a reasonable amount of time before you move on to the next publication.

Holly Chapple (Holly Heider Chapple Flowers)

This can be tricky, and it seems to me that there is no recipe that works every time… Anyway, there are a couple of things you need to do to increase your chances: get beautiful professional pictures, select carefully the blog you are planning to contact (make sure you match their style and read their FAQ as they usually have guidelines on how to submit your work), and a good pitch. I also try to maintain good long-term relations with bloggers. For example, my work is often featured on a local wedding blog. It is not a very famous blog, but it touches the couples that are getting married in my area. Over the time, this blogger became my friend as we have organized projects and styled shoots together.

Laetitia Mayor (Floresie)

Flowers by: Love ‘n Fresh Flowers