Details on How to Submit Photography to Our Magazine

KANSAS! has a reputation for its stellar photography, captured by the talented photographers of our state. There are three opportunities to be featured within the magazine or on our social media. We accept photography submissions to fill the gallery or the Kansas Captured section of our magazine and our annual calendar. 

KANSAS! Gallery

Each issue of our magazine includes a gallery section. Featuring seasonal photography, highlight the best of Kansas living. We accept submissions all year for this section of the magazine. 

Types of Photography to Submit: Landscapes, cityscapes, wildlife & nature, community life, agriculture, candid lifestyle moments & events. What not to submit: Staged and portrait photography.

File Format & Orientation: jpg, low res can be submitted but high res will be needed for print. All orientations (horizontal, vertical & panoramic) are accepted but the original image may require cropping to fit magazine layout. 

Submit photos & information form here: KANSAS! Photography Gallery (section of printed magazine) Submission - Ongoing, no deadline

Examples:  

KANSAS! CAPTURED

A new photo section in the magazine is Kansas Captured. We feature a stand-alone image that tells a story with a strong sense of place. We are looking for a moment of life in Kansas. This could be candid interactions between friends, a stop-the-car view, a smile shared with a stranger, or a quiet cityscape. Images should have a photojournalist or visual storytelling quality to them.

For a chance to be featured in the magazine and/or on our social media - share your photo to this link and include why this moment spoke to you. If you’re on Instagram tag #kansascaptured.

Types of Photography to Submit: Photojournalism, lifestyle, street, candid & visual storytelling

File Format & Orientation: jpg, low res can be submitted but high res will be needed for print. Portrait/vertical is preferred, horizontal can be submitted as well. Original image may require cropping to fit the magazine layout. 

Submit photos & information form here: Kansas Captured Photography Submission

Examples:

KANSAS! CALENDAR

Each year we select 13 images that best depict the beauty held within the borders of the Sunflower State.  This treasured calendar has become as iconic as the magazine itself. 

Types of Photography to Submit: Seasonal landscapes from all across Kansas - from the furthest northwest point, down to the furthest southeast point. As well as wildlife & nature. Moments of Kansas living - agriculture, community life & events - will also be considered. What not to submit: Staged and portrait photography.

Number of Photos to Submit: 10 - 30 of your "best of Kansas" images

File Format & Orientation: jpg, low res can be submitted but high res will be needed for print. Horizontal photos are preferred and work best. The original image may require cropping. 

*Final images will be selected in July, and photographers with images chosen will be contacted. 

Submit photos & information form here: KANSAS! Calendar Photography Submission 

Examples:

HOW TO SUBMIT PHOTOGRAPHY 

Start by filling out the information form. One form per photographer is needed, even if you submit multiple images. Include all photo information on a single form. This form MUST be uploaded with photography – either as a word doc, PDF, or jpg.

• Submissions without this form will not be considered.

All images and forms should include the photographer’s last name in the file name (example: john-smith-2022-flint-hills)

PAYMENT & RIGHTS

• Photographers are compensated based on a single, one-time use rate
• Photographers maintain all ownership and rights to their image
• Photographers will also receive complimentary copies of the issue their image(s) is featured in

11 Photography Tips to help your images get featured

1. Shoot during the magic hours (sunrise & sunset)
2. Steer clear of large, featureless areas
3. Be aware of what’s going on in all directions
4. Include a foreground object to give the image depth
5. Know the story you’re trying to tell
6. Find an interesting perspective – get low to the ground, or shoot from an uncommon angle
7. We love the Flint Hills, but we receive 100s of Flint Hills photos each year. Typically, in the calendar, we will only feature one Flint Hills shot. Areas we are always looking for more imagery of are western Kansas and the southeast. (Keep those Flint Hills photos coming - but also submit other landscapes around the state.)
8. As a lifestyle and travel publication, we are inspiring our readers to experience and explore our state. We are looking for photography that fits this mission. Staged and portrait photography does not.
9. Don’t over-edit images. Too much editing breaks down the quality of the image and won't publish well.
10. Don’t forget the paperwork. For publishing, some images may require a release (model, commercial and/or property)
11. Only submit photography you captured

Photography Assignments

Images that accompany our stories are assigned by our art director and managing editors, based on the needs of the story and a photographer’s body of work.

If you are a professional photographer and are interested in working with KANSAS!, please email kansas.mag@ks.gov for more information including your website/digital portfolio.

If you have a specific photography story or photo essay, submit your idea to kansas.mag@ks.gov.