National Geographic Adventure
Dream it. Plan it. Do it.
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Photographers' Guidelines
Submission requirements for photographers and everyday adventurers
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Thank you for your interest in contributing to Adventure, which is published ten times a year by the National Geographic Society. Adventure covers the world of adventure, from exciting travel destinations and outdoor pursuits to accounts of cutting-edge expeditions and profiles of modern-day explorers. Adventure's primary focus is to enable its readers to travel to, experience, and understand the natural world for themselves. Unlike our competitors, we do not cover fashion, fitness, competitive sports (except to a very limited extent, such as adventure racing), or politics; instead, we concentrate on helping our readers explore the world in a deep and personal way through our stories, photography, profiles, news, reviews, and service information.
What types of stories does Adventure publish?
Each issue of the magazine contains five or more features, roughly balanced between U.S. and foreign subjects. Generally, we are interested in places accessible to most travelers—not just the intrepid or wealthy. The types of destinations and subjects we cover vary from off-the-beaten-path locales to doable adventure sports.
Adventure features are very narrow in scope; on occasion we cover whole states or countries. Subjects of particular interest to us are national and state parks, little-known or undiscovered places, diving, climbing, mountaineering, biking, backpacking, and kayaking trips. We want our articles to be tightly focused and to tell a story.
What kinds of proposals does Adventure look for?
We accept freelance queries for most of our regular service-oriented departments. Ideas for features are generated both by the Adventure staff and by freelance contributors.
If we have to sell readers on our magazine, then freelancers must sell us with more than just notions and place-names, so please do not send us any unfocused wish lists of multiple queries. Restrict each submission to one or two well-developed proposals that have been crafted especially for us. A carefully considered proposal combines support for profiling a particular destination with some premise or hook. A good query has a headline that suggests what the story is, a deck that amplifies that, a strong lead, and roughly one page that clearly describes the premise and approach of the piece. The query should answer these questions about the story: Why now, and why in Advenure?
Also include logistical information. Estimate the cost and the number of days the trip will take. Proposals need not be accompanied by photographs. However, if you have scouted the area previously or have pictures from the specific place, you are welcome to include them. Everything you submit will be returned to you.
We can not provide information regarding our future editorial plans. We will consider previously unpublished coverage if the subject interests us. All proposals are carefully evaluated, but because of seasonal, regional, or other requirements, even excellent ideas may be rejected or delayed.
Prospective contributors doing preliminary research for a story must avoid giving the impression that they are representing the National Geographic Society or Adventure. They may use the name of the magazine only if they have a definite assignment. When Adventure gives an assignment, the terms are clearly stated in a written contract.
How should a portfolio be submitted?
Submissions should consist of a carefully selected sample of not more than 60 images that were done on assignment and demonstrate your ability to meet our requirements. Thoughtful study of one or more issues of Adventure is the best guide to putting together such a portfolio, which should be submitted for review to one of Adventure's photo editors: Sabine Meyer and Caroline Hirsch. Please mail with SASE to 104 West 40th Street, 19th Floor, New York, NY 10018.
What are the requirements for field work?
The length of Adventure assignments may last up to 14 days. We pay either days rates or
Other Requirements:
1. Adventure stories usually include photographs of people involved in and enjoying the activities of the place being featured. This doesn't mean tourist pictures in the pejorative sense. Generally speaking, we are trying to show a destination from different points of view: overviews from a distance, medium-length views, close-ups of interesting details, intriguing people, street scenes (where relevant), interiors, cultural sites, scenics, and anything else that helps give readers a sense of what a place is like. We are always interested in seeing well-known topics and sports from unique and exciting angles.
2. National park personnel occasionally object to activities being shown in photographs because they violate park rules or constitute a hazard to the visitor, the environment, or the wildlife. Please check with park officials and advise the illustrations editor if a potential problem exists.
3. Photographers must furnish complete caption information, including who, what, when, and where. Failure to comply will result in payment being withheld. Please jot down any quotes that could be used in captions to illuminate the photographs, and obtain telephone numbers of any persons prominently featured in case the caption writer wants to interview them.
4. Offset printing generally reproduces a slightly lighter exposure better than a dark, highly saturated one. The "right" exposure is difficult to define and varies greatly due to many factors, so subjective judgment is required.
Adventure pays all field expenses for anyone on contract. Photographers must not accept complimentary transportation, lodging, meals, admission fees, or activities for which a charge is usually made. Exceptions can be made only when refusal might be deemed rude or offensive, or when authorized by Adventure. Our reputation for fairness and objectivity depends on strict adherence to this principle.
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