Strays is always open to photographic artists, writers and contributors with relevant work or ideas to share.
We do not run timed open calls and there are no deadlines or submission fees. We review ideas on a rolling basis and publish selectively, with an eye for work that resists easy categories.
Although we can’t promise your work will be featured, we can promise that the decision will not be based on your profile, résumé, awards or followers.
What we’re looking for
Contributions to Strays fall under five categories, though some pieces may naturally overlap:
Conversations
Loose, open-ended interviews between Strays and photographers. You are welcome to suggest a starting point that would make for an interesting discussion.
Stories
Fiction and non-fiction pieces where words and images work together to create narrative, atmosphere or meaning. We are interested in writing that treats photography as part of the storytelling.
Process
Insights into unusual methods and experiments. This could include alternative film development, scanning, printing, sequencing, image manipulation, custom cameras, improvised tools or other ways of making that shape the final image.
Projects
Bodies of photographic work presented with the artist’s own description, notes and context. Projects can be finished or ongoing, what matters is the intent and a sense that it could only have been made by you.
Spotlight
Short features highlighting image-makers and sources of inspiration. This could be an introduction to another artist’s work, or an insight into something (anything) you think deserves more attention.
A note on AI
Although we would instinctively steer away from AI-generated work, we remain open to artists using AI in thoughtful and inventive ways to expand or question the photographic process, rather than replace it.
How it works
Send us an initial note with a short outline of what you’d like to write or share, and which category you think it fits into (see above). You don’t need to send a formal proposal, just a few lines about the piece is enough to start with, along with a link to some sample images (could just be your IG).
If it feels like a good fit, we’ll write back and take it from there.
Rights and use
Artists retain the rights to their work. By contributing to Strays, you give us permission to publish the agreed images and text on the Strays website, newsletter and social channels, always with full credit. We will never sell, license or reproduce your work beyond Strays without your permission.