REPTILES welcomes freelance photo submissions, but know this: If we see some we would like to add to our library, there is a chance they could be with us for years. If you are antsy about letting us keep your photos on file for a potentially lengthy period, it’s best not to send them.
What do we typically need? We always have a need for commonly kept reptile and amphibian species, such as green iguanas, leopard and other geckos, anoles, various tortoises, etc. We’re willing to look at anything you care to send. We are always looking for great new photos to add to our library of available images. Action shots, showing the animals eating, running, etc. are always welcome.
What is our preferred format? We prefer 35mm transparencies (slides) in plastic mounts (paper mounts are also acceptable). Good-quality prints can work, too, though they are limiting in regard to layout possibilities. We accept digital images, but please note that the first place we look for photos is our 35 mm slide library.
Labeling is ultra-important. Animal names, both common and scientific, should be written on the slide mount (or on the back of prints). This info should be printed and easy to read. Your name should also appear somewhere on the actual photo. Every effort should be made to identify the animal correctly.
To submit digital images for consideration, please follow these requirements.
• Images should be burned onto a CD and grouped on each CD by type of animal (i.e., geckos, boas, tortoises, etc.). Do not send us CDs containing images of multiple kinds of animals.
• The file name of each photo should include genus and species names, as well as the photographer’s last name. Clearly label each CD with the photographer’s name and a description of what’s on the CD.
• Resolution of all images must be at least 300 dpi: half-page images should measure 5 x 7 inches; full page images must measure 8½ x 11; and spreads must measure 17 x 11 at 300 dpi.
• We prefer to receive tif and eps files: jpgs may be sent, but they can be problematic and don’t typically reproduce as well as tif and eps files.
• A printout of the images as thumbnails (like a contact sheet) must accompany each submission.
For a detailed explanation on digital images and file size, click here>>
If we like your photos, we will send you a holding contract. This basically says, “We have reviewed your slide submission and wish to keep (number of) photos for potential future use in REPTILES magazine (or its sister title, Reptiles USA).” We will then file the photos in our library. You are free to request your unused images back; please notify us in writing.
Pay rates. $50 for partial page color; $75 for full page color, with $25 per 1/3 increment across a spread; $150 for a spread; $200 for main cover image. We do not pay for Table of Contents photos or cover insets if they appear elsewhere in the magazine.
Payment is made upon publication, during the cover month of the issue in which your work appears (e.g., you would be paid during May for a photo that ran in the May issue).
What rights do we purchase? We buy only first-time North American rights. All rights revert back to you after we publish your photos.
Don’t forget to include a self-addressed, stamped envelope with sufficient postage to cover the return of your photos in case we don’t accept them or after we’re done with them. Please note that because digital images are copies, we do not return CDs.
Where to send your stuff. Our mailing address is REPTILES, P.O. Box 6050, Mission Viejo, CA 92690. E-mail can be sent to reptiles@bowtieinc.com. If you have further questions, you can phone us at (949) 855-8822.
We make every effort to handle materials with the utmost care and respect. However, we cannot be held responsible for lost or damaged materials.