Photograph for The Iowan

The Iowan captures the character and spirit of Iowa in captivating stories that rely on powerful photography — images of people, places, and experiences throughout the state. The magazine showcases the state’s positive, vibrant, and progressive elements but does not shy away from challenging and even controversial issues. Above all, The Iowan brings readers, issue after issue, stories of working, playing, living, and exploring in Iowa — and the pictures to prove it.

The Iowan encourages freelance photographers from all areas of the state to submit samples from their professional/artistic photography portfolio. We welcome new talent of any age, work of any focus. Submit a single shot or suggest a collection for a photo essay. Overall, show us Iowa like we’ve never seen it before.

Our editorial calendar is established up to a year in advance but great ideas and images are accepted at anytime throughout the year. NOTE: Submissions should be original work that has not been published or submitted to other publications — printed or electronic — in the previous five years. (Yes, we subscribe to those other Iowa publications, so we know who you are.)

We are currently seeking images for our Portfolio themes.

Postcard is a department featuring one fabulous photograph of a specific Iowa location. Make us want to go to there. Please submit these any time throughout the year, starting now!

Feature photography assignments are awarded on a contract basis, usually to photographers with an established working relationship with The Iowan. Portfolio and other departments are occasionally contracted but are usually crafted through a call for stock, paying stock rates per image.

The Iowan only accepts professional-grade images. Use a camera with 5 or more megapixels. Submit electronic contact sheets with no more than 12 images per page (smaller thumbnails are not accepted).

DO NOT email individual photos. We repeat: DO NOT email individual photos. Make a PDF contact sheet using Adobe Bridge or similar software. It is acceptable to send a link to a web page of specific images you wish considered but please don’t send links to general photo websites (such as Snapfish, Shutterfly, or Flickr) unless you have built a specific album or lightbox for our review. Submissions may also be made using Dropbox. Please request an invitation from the art director. If electronic means are not available, mail protected prints with complete contact information and details of items enclosed. NOTE: The Iowan does not return any mailed materials.

Always submit photos with location information and a short description of photo content and why you were moved to shoot the images. Your submissions will be reviewed by the editorial staff. You will be contacted and asked to provide digital files of selected work.

Don’t forget to turn your camera sideways! A single full page requires a vertical shot. ALL cover shot are vertical. Turn your camera on its head. Look for new angles. Shoot DOWN from up high. Shoot UP from the ground. Look backward and forward. Pay attention to the background (make sure it’s not distracting). Pay attention to cropping and aspect ratios.

Be original. Be creative. Be bold.

Contract or Stock Payments

Feature assignments are awarded on a contract basis, usually to photographers with an established working relationship with The Iowan. Portfolio and other departments are occasionally contracted but are usually crafted through a call for stock, paying stock rates per image.

The Iowan buys exclusive periodical reproduction and distribution rights for a period of 60 days from publication, rights to reproduce images in an online version of the magazine, and nonexclusive reprint rights.

The Iowan cannot guarantee a response to unsolicited submissions, and, due to the high volume received, we are unable to return unsolicited material. Do not send anything to us that you need returned. (Note: The Iowan cannot be held responsible for the loss or damage of unsolicited materials.)

For a list of stock photo needs:   CLICK HERE

For submission and technical information:    CLICK HERE

If you'd like to be added to our email list and receive specific image requests as need arises, please fill out the form below.