Can you sell pictures to national geographic. ?

Question

can you sell pictures to national geographic. if so how do you do so. i looked at there website and im not sure where to go to find it if you can. i dont want to work full-time for them. i just want to sell a few pictures to them if possible. also if you know other popular magazines

Answer 1

They don't buy freelance work. However, National Geographic Traveler hosts one-day seminars for aspiring photographer and writers. At the one I attended, there was a time set aside for pitching an idea. There were a couple presented in which the seminar leaders expressed an interest. At the very least, you get an orientation to their world, which could point to a direction you could pursue.  

Answer 2

No and here is why ... all the articles printed in National Geographic are ones assigned to a specific writer and usually at least one photographer (depending upon the scope of the piece).

Most photographers who shoot for them are either well know to them from previous assignments or recommended by fellow photographers or photo editors in the publishing industry.

I am sure they get thousands of requests from aspiring photographers weekly, but basically with all rarified technical positions, the newest photographers are personally recommended and have the credentials to do the work (and of course the equipment ... my camera system is valued at over $50,000 on my insurance rider).