Cover Search


See the stunning results of our annual search for local photographers' best images....
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See the stunning results of our annual search for local photographers' best images....
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Check out the captivating results of our annual search for local photographers' best work....
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Announcing the highly anticipated results of our annual search for Jersey photographers' best work....
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The results of our annual search for a December issue cover are in....
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In partnership with Unique Photo, we present the contents of our highly anticipated Photo Issue....
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As smart as cameras are today, there is one thing they can’t do: see. The thrill of these superb pictures arises from the skill and intuition of the passionate people behind the lens....
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COVER SEARCH TIPS

VERTICAL WORKS BEST
If you submit a horizontal image, roughly half of it will get cropped to fit the cover frame.

KEEP IT SIMPLE
Think of the cover as a mini-poster. The best covers are visually simple and can be seen from a distance. Picture your image on a newsstand surrounded by other magazines. A complicated image is more likely to get lost among other visual clutter.

COMPOSITION
Remember that the top portion of the image needs to accommodate the New Jersey Monthly logo, which cannot be covered. Aim for an image that has a consistent tonal range in this area so that the NJM logo can be either dark or light in color. Skies and simple color fields work well for this space. It also helps to have some clear areas in your image to allow for additional cover text.

THE ELEMENT OF SURPRISE
The best cover images are surprising. Consider visual puns, unexpected angles and unusual juxtapositions.

CAPTURE THE SPIRIT OF NJ
Photographs must be taken in New Jersey but can show any facet of life in the Garden State. Categories include landscape and nature, down the Shore, wildlife, architecture and lifestyle. Special photography (drone, aerial, etc.) can also be submitted.

THE DETAILS
Keep as much of the photo in focus as possible. Vivid colors tend to be ideal, but black-and-white photos are also welcome. Bright images typically work better than dark ones.

IMAGE SIZE
The final trim size of the cover will be 7.75" x 10.875” with 1/8th bleed all around.

PREVIEW
To see how your image might look as a cover, use our cover template on the entry page. Simply upload your image and the template will overlay it.