Puppies USA Photo Guidelines

Puppies USA is a clear, informative puppy buyer’s guide and owner’s manual. This annual is a reference guide for prospective and current mixed-breed and purebred puppy owners and focuses on how to care for puppies acquired from shelters, rescue organizations and reputable breeders. Article topics might include how to pick the right puppy, an overview of the American Kennel Club’s recognized breeds, training a pup on the basis of its natural instincts and grooming and caring for a new pup.

General Guidelines:
1. We require sharp, high-density 35mm color slides. Slides must be top quality; we do not use duplicate slides or slides created from prints. Images may be submitted digitally if they are 300 dpi or higher when measuring at least 5 by 7 inches and in TIFF format; we cannot download images from the Web.

2. Take photos from the dogs-eye level. While we sometimes use photos shot from a high or low angle, we stress reader involvement with the dog through eye contact and a level perspective.

3. Describe the action and identify each dog and person in every picture. Include the dogs registered name and title (Ch., CD, UD, TD), breed and color variety, age, names of the breeder and owner, hometown and state, and the association with which the dog is registered (AKC, UKC, CKC, ARBA). Please check the spelling of all names. (Model release required where applicable.)

4. Cover images must be photographed against a colored background - either indoor studio backgrounds or subtle outdoor backgrounds. Cover dogs must be properly groomed, and appear healthy and happy. Be mindful of the trim size (8 1/8 x 10 7/8) and image area. We prefer champion dogs but accept others that meet the American Kennel Club breed standard.

5. Centerspreads may be horizontal or vertical and are exactly twice the size of cover shots. Show as much of the dog as possible and emphasize its best features. The photo may show the dog in a pose that expresses its personality. Compose shots so essential elements, such as the dogs face, do not fall in the fold. Also, remember that we will need some space on the photograph to place text.

6. Environmental shots illustrate features inside the magazine and should capture the dog in its element. Any healthy and happy purebred or mixed-breed dog is appropriate for general feature photos. Avoid showing dirty ears, runny eyes or matted fur. We prefer dog models without leashes or collars.

Acceptance & Payment:
1. Should we decide to retain your images for possible future use, we will send you a contract.

2. We buy one-time North American Serial Rights on an exclusive basis; the nonexclusive right to use the photo(s) art in electronic media; and the nonexclusive right to use the photo(s), as well as your name (credit) in advertising and promotion.
 
3. Puppies USA pays on publication. Payment will not be received before the first week of the issue month in which the photo(s) appear. Payment varies depending on use and placement of the image. A photographer credit will appear with your printed photo, and you will receive two complimentary copies of that issue.

4. Pay rates are as follows:
$300 for a cover
$50 for color insets on cover
$125 for inside color, full page
$150 for 1½-page spread 4/C
$125 for full page 4/C
$100 for ¾-page 4/C
$75 for ½-page 4/C
$60 for ½-page 4/C
$50 for ¼-page 4/C
$25 for mug/postage stamp 4/C
$25 for TOC (duplicated) 4/C

Submissions:
Please be sure your name and address appear on each slide. You may use a code number for each slide to help us with identification in contracts and returns. You must include a stamped, self-addressed envelope large enough for the return of your work. Photos submitted without a self-addressed, stamped envelope will not be returned.

Keep in mind that we work two months in advance of the issue date; for example, we need April submissions by the first weekday in February.

Send To:
Puppies USA
P.O. Box 6050
Mission Viejo, CA 92690-6050

For UPS or overnight deliveries:
Puppies USA
3 Burroughs Drive
Irvine, CA 92618

Due to the volume of submissions we receive, please allow eight to 10 weeks for a response.

Note: We review photographs on speculation. We cannot assume responsibility for material submitted, but we assure reasonable care in handling your work.