ACPA strongly encourages the use of 7 megapixel (or higher) digital camera1, although a 35mm camera also will work well. Older generation digital cameras also will work, but we recommend using at least a 5 megapixel or better digital camera.

1 Digital camera technology changes rapidly! Although 4 megapixel cameras were “state of the art” just a few years ago, the current standard is rapidly approaching 8 to 10 megapixels. Still, good quality, high resolution photos are possible with older cameras or lower megapixel versions. If you’re concerned or have questions, please call Bill Davenport at ACPA (847-966-2272).

• Resolution and image quality settings should be as high as possible to produce images at the highest resolution and lowest compression ration possible.
• Outputs (images) should have a minimum resolution of 300 dpi and should be at least 5x7 inches.
• JPEG’s are acceptable, as long as resolution is high. Tagged Image File format (TIF’s) or Bitmap (BMP) images are also suitable.
• Please use auto-focus or, if using manual settings, focus carefully. The images must be sharp and have good contrast. Please do not submit out-of-focus or soft-focused images.

• Whenever possible, please include something that conveys some action. Oftentimes this means workers doing something in the photo, or the roadway being used by traffic.
• If a photo is taken of a distant object, there should be something of interest in the foreground. This creates the perception of depth and enhances detail.

• Best time of day to shoot is morning (before 11:00 a.m.) or late afternoon (1 to 2 hours before sunset) for light quality.
• Horizontal or vertical formats are acceptable; however ACPA encourages a good selection of both.
• Shooting in sunny conditions? If you have a polarizing filter, please use it to reduce glare and give increase contrast.
• Shooting in cloudy conditions? Use the camera’s flash to improve lighting, but remember that most flashes only work within about a 20 ft (6.5 m) range.
• Shooting under a machine or in the shadows? Use the camera’s flash to improve lighting, even if you’re shooting during the day.

• Should be vertical format.
• There must be a blank space, or area of little interest (like sky) at the top so that the magazine masthead (name) can be inserted.
• There should be extra space either on the right side or at the bottom of the page for text describing the magazine contents.
• There should be some people or activity going on that draws the eye to the picture.
• Overhead or birds-eye-view shots often make excellent cover photos.