When it comes to press release photos, there’s a lot more to consider than first meets the eye.
There’s a lot of focus put on perfecting the written element of a press release, but a quality photo can really make the difference between where it appears – or if it’s even covered at all.
Here, our Media Relations Lead Adam Howlett tackles the topic of taking press-worthy photos.
It sounds like we are stating the obvious here, but you’d be surprised how many people make simple errors with their photographs.
We’re talking cropping people’s heads off, closing their eyes or even something as simple as having an inappropriate backdrop. You can effectively wave any kind of coverage goodbye!
The impact of a quality photograph cannot be overstated.
Here are my top tips for the perfect press release photo:
Before you even lift your camera, consider the composition of your photograph.
Don't settle for a mundane group shot with everyone awkwardly squeezed into the centre.
Embrace creativity by utilising the space in your frame effectively. Experiment with angles and perspectives to create visually engaging images that draw viewers in.
And dull cheque presentation photos are a no-no – there are much better ways to celebrate a successful fundraising campaign!
Using natural light where possible might seem obvious, however I have seen plenty of images in my time where this has not been the case.
Taking advantage of natural light, more often than not, reduces the amount of photo editing required.
Avoid the common mistake of mixing natural and artificial lighting, as it will confuse the camera's white balance, making the pictures orange.
Set the stage for success by paying attention to finer details before snapping your shot.
If using a smartphone, maximise the camera quality by adjusting the settings to capture photos in the highest resolution available.
Encourage subjects to remove distracting elements such as lanyards and ensure the background is free of sensitive or confidential information.
Sunglasses should also be removed if not absolutely necessary.
When it comes to the photo, get nice and close. Don’t stand so far back you can’t see the details in people’s faces. You need to find the happy medium between getting enough of your backdrop while still capturing the emotion on people’s faces.
And take lots of pictures – more than you need - especially when taking shots of big groups. There’s nothing more frustrating than reviewing your photos and finding out people were blinking when the shutter went off!
While a picture may be worth a thousand words, a little editing can enhance its impact further.
Avoid heavy filters or drastic alterations that compromise the authenticity of the image as newspapers won’t use them. And never send the press a black and white photo – they have colour printers for a reason these days!
Instead, focus on subtle adjustments to brightness, contrast and exposure to fine-tune the final result.
For pictures to come out well in print, make sure you’re supplying images that are preferably 300dpi and above 1MB in size.
The dpi refers to the dots per inch and as a rule of thumb, the more dpi the less the image will pixelate.
Simplify the process for journalists by providing clear and concise information with your photo submission.
When you send the photo with your press release, you should name everyone in the image from left to right at the end of the release - and make sure to include who to credit.
If you have a range of images you are proud of and you want to share them with the press, do not clog up their inboxes with megabytes and megabytes of images.
First, it is likely to bounce back and second, they can take forever to load.
Why not create a media gallery on Flickr? This allows journalists to scroll through the images online and download the images they like without affecting the file size.
In the world of press releases, every detail counts.
By adhering to these tips, you not only enhance the visual appeal of your content but also increase the likelihood of securing prominent placement and extensive coverage.
Remember, a well-crafted image is a powerful complement to your carefully worded press release, ensuring your message is seen, remembered and shared.
Looking to get your company news in the press? Contact us today to learn how we can help.
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