Photographs are essential for getting good publicity in the print media, especially magazines, newspapers, internal newsletters and even websites. Taking effective photographs often requires patience and practice but is a valuable skill to acquire.
A newsworthy or unusual photograph can really add to a story and enhance your message. Often a story may be run purely because it has a great photograph or a front page photograph will have it's accompanying story a few pages back.
Good media relations practitioners should always be on the lookout for good photographs. When planning a media event, always keep in mind options for good photo opportunities.
This is especially true for television, where moving visual pictures are essential for the story.
Digital cameras and editing software made taking and distributing photographs a lot cheaper and easier.
Whether you are taking photographs yourself or employing a professional photographer, keep these tips in mind to make your visual images more effective when trying to communicate your message.
1. THE SET-UP.
Avoid busy, cluttered backgrounds that may detract from your subject. Remember that people often scan newspapers, sometimes whilst preparing for work or commuting. Make your picture interesting without being too cluttered, showcase your subject in the picture.
2. THE PEOPLE FACTOR.
Don't photograph subjects head on. Shots taken from a slight side angle are more natural. Research has shown people like to look at other people, try to include a person in all your pictures where appropriate.
3. KEEP IT NATURAL.
Candid shots of subjects are better than posed "mug shots".
4. FRAME IT.
Too much space around a subject can be distracting. Try to keep your shots tightly framed without cutting parts of your subject from the picture. Seeing a person's head trimmed in a shot isn't appropriate or favoured by the media.
5. AVOID ROWS.
Photograph a group in a natural cluster, never in a stiff row.
6. KEEP IT SIMPLE.
Avoid the temptation to photograph too many people in a group. Remember the focus of your article.
7. FOCUS ON FACIAL FEATURES.
Generally, faces should be at least as large as the nail on your little finger.
8. ALWAYS PROOF.
Ask for proof sheets from the processor before selecting negatives for printing. Better still with digital cameras, check your shot before saving. Be mindful of blurring because when the shot is printed any blurring is worsened and may ruin your shot.
9. BUILD RELATIONSHIPS.
Make sure people in your photographs receive copies. It's a really easy simple gesture that lets people know you appreciate their help.
10. ASK PERMISSION.
Always ask permission to take photographs of subjects used for publicity purposes. Always obtain a release, even for internal publications and file photos.
Source: Adapted from 'Public Relations: The Profession and the Practice', Otis Baskin, Crag Aronoff and Dan Lattimore, 4th ed, McGraw Hill, pg 213.
Thomas Murrell MBA CSP is an international business speaker, consultant and award-winning broadcaster. Media Motivators is his regular electronic magazine read by 7,000 professionals in 15 different countries. You can subscribe by visiting http://www.8mmedia.com Thomas can be contacted directly at +6189388 6888 and is available to speak to your conference, seminar or event. Visit Tom's blog at http://www.8mmedia.com
When do you use the newspaper for publishing announcements for... Read More
You thought of it, you researched it, you wrote it.... Read More
Public relations and news releases are synonymous in the minds... Read More
Leaders in the business world need public relations big time,... Read More
Redevelopment is replacing new construction throughout the Greater Boston area,... Read More
Non-news professionals often have a hard time understanding why their... Read More
Before meeting my soon-to-be-wife for the first time, I "Googled"... Read More
Who wants to face the challenges of a business recovery... Read More
It can bite you and waste your public relations budget... Read More
When I search Google News for "surveys," I get nearly... Read More
I say public relations can be a matter of survival... Read More
What do you do with junk mail? Are you like... Read More
The notion that a business, non-profit or association manager can... Read More
Do you want to be quoted by the national press... Read More
There are many ways you can get tons of free... Read More
Would you like to be the next Dr. Phil, Suze... Read More
You won't accomplish much if you call the gas company... Read More
You can if, as a business, non-profit or association manager,... Read More
Reporters, by nature, are curious people.If you can get them... Read More
Your public relations people are busy. The buzz is all... Read More
Considering how fundamental they are to the publicist's trade,it's always... Read More
In competing for a piece of business not too long... Read More
PR, that is public-relations, leads the way to effective advertising;... Read More
A press release telling about "Stevie, the Water-Skiing Squirrel" will... Read More
If you are in Australia at the moment, it is... Read More
Yes, you can call a reporter.I've said it before, in... Read More
It's one thing for a senior manager to approve story... Read More
The Key to Great PR is PerseveranceBy Paula Gardner of... Read More
This is the ending to my previous article, How to... Read More
Think for a moment! If you were to do a... Read More
Just happens to be public relations activity that alters individual... Read More
As if making sure your company runs smoothly on an... Read More
Publicity is an important and often overlooked tool of creative... Read More
Public relations is all about credibility and trustworthiness. If you... Read More
You are in business for yourself, but how well do... Read More
Trade publications present an excellent opportunity for organisations to gain... Read More
I believe this about public relations.People act on their own... Read More
Would you like to expand the volume of your business?... Read More
Non-news professionals often have a hard time understanding why their... Read More
Next to white papers, case studies are the most popular... Read More
Since the major part of a small business typically comes... Read More
If you leave a star player sitting on the bench,... Read More
Relationships are based on trust-not just romantic relationships, or doctor/patient... Read More
When your public relations results pretty much depend on whether... Read More
Fiercely combative business, non-profit and association managers use every PR... Read More
Do you want to be quoted by the national press... Read More
I'm what we in the business (the "business" being journalism)... Read More
In public relations, "junk" is more about attitude and lack... Read More
One of the primary tools still used by PR professionals... Read More
And not results you can measure only in terms of... Read More
Public Relations |