•FORMAT: Hard copy glossy color photos are preferred. Because photos typically must be re-sized in magazine layout, low-resolution Internet photos are problematic for print reproduction. GSM prefers to scan our own images at resolutions appropriate for publication. For electronic submissions, please contact the editor.
•SHARP FOCUS: Blurry photos suffer most in print reproduction and rob your Scottie of the appreciation he deserves. Please do not send fuzzy, out of focus pictures. Get your dog in sharp focus so you send a clear photo which does your Number 1 Scot proud.
•WELL-LIGHTED FOR DETAIL: Dark Scotties against dark backgrounds become black blobs unless you photograph with one eye to proper lighting. Beware of shadows across your dog from near-by objects or other dogs since they obscure important detail in your dog. Beware of special problems when photographing wheaten Scotties or other 'white' coated dogs beside your dark Scottie: the light needed to reveal your dark dog's detail can 'wash out' the light-colored dog. In getting good shots of your Scotties it is not enough to think just about your dog. Always think 'background' and 'light' as well as your dog(s) so you can capture those pictures which reveal the best contrast and detail. Your Scottie deserves to be put forward in the best light!
•CLOSE-UPS: Get close for detail so you fill your lens frame with the dog who is important, not with superfluous background. Too many Scottie photos end up being a small pointy-earred black lump without detail against a large and irrelevant background. Get close so GSM readers can enjoy the detail and character in your dog's face.
•ACTION SHOTS: Memorable photos capture spirit. GSM is less interested in the artificially posed, "stacked" Scottie typically seen at winner's circles at dog shows. We seek photos that capture Scottish Terrier personality and charm, and especially those shots documenting the relational magic between Scotties and their people, i.e., memorable companionship photographs. Strive for the unusual shot of your Scottie via unusual camera angles. A sitting dog is not particularly memorable, but it might be if you get down on the floor to snap the picture from the Scottie's level, or if you have the dog on a table or elevation and photograph from below looking up at the dog. As magazine editor I look for photos that capture charm, whimsy, and/or relational magic. I'm not looking for the Scottish Terrier with perfect form; I'm looking for Scotties with strong character and personality revealed in pictures that capture mood, spirit, and even attitude.
•IDENTIFICATION: Every photo must be identified with appropriate caption information. DO NOT WRITE ON THE PHOTO since this often damages the picture. We recommend you write the photo subject's name, place description of the photo, and other relevant information, as well as the dog's owner's name and address on a white self-adhesive mailing label and then affix the label to the back of the photo. Photos without ID cannot be credited.
•RETURN POLICY: All photos submitted to GSM become property of Tartan Scottie, and will not be returned unless by prior arrangement and when accompanied by a self-addressed envelope and appropriate return postage. Please send copies, not originals. Photos are credited with owner's and dog's name when published. We assume no responsibility for photos lost or damaged in delivery.
