How to Take Photos for The American Gardener
Compelling photography helps our readers learn more about native plants, lesser-known plants, and environmentally responsible ways to garden. We are grateful for, and rely on, freelance photographers to capture unforgettable, technically accurate images of plants and flowers of all types.
Good to Know
Our readers are experienced gardeners. That’s why we look for photos that document what plants look like and where and how they grow in American garden settings. We very rarely use “artistic” plant photos or generic shots of flowers and gardens.
We welcome submissions from photographers with extensive plant image collections (50,000+ images). Collections focused primarily on common garden plants, such as tulips, roses, and other popular plants like these, may not align with our needs. To be considered for our photo call list, please review the evaluation process.
Evaluation Process
- Post sample photos on an online gallery and email us the link and a list indicating the types of and number of plants in your collection to editor@ahsgardening.org.
- Include a plant list–including botanical names–for your stock so that we can determine if your collection includes a sufficient number of the types of plants we cover.
Submission Process
- We accept high-resolution files in either JPEG or TIFF format. For maximum versatility, each image file should be at least 25 MB.
- All images MUST be identified either with an i.d. sheet or have detailed information (botanical names, including genus, species, and botanical variety or cultivar, where applicable; location of photograph, etc.) entered as metadata within each file. It is extremely helpful if the images are also identified in their file names.
- Post sample photos on an online gallery for us to review. Please do not email files to us.
Payment & Credit
- Payment is made upon publication and is for one-time use in our print magazine and its electronic equivalent. All photographers receive a formal agreement annually stating payment terms and rights purchased.
- Each photograph is accompanied by a credit line. If the work of only one photographer is used throughout an article, one general credit may accompany the article’s byline.
- Photographers do not need to send an invoice when their work is published. The editor will bill the AHS on behalf of the photographers after publication of each issue. Photographers whose work is used will receive a complimentary copy of the issue.
- Fees paid for photographs published in The American Gardener are based on the following sizes:
- Less than a quarter page $80
- Quarter page to less than a half page $90
- Half page to less than full page $105
- Full page or larger $130
- Cover $350
- Duplicate use of image (usually on contents page) $25