The Photo Opp. If you\u2019re a publicist, chances are you\u2019ll take thousands of these over the course of a career.\u00a0 And in the changing landscape of shrinking newsrooms and growing digital content, they\u2019re more important than ever. \u00a0More often than not, we\u2019re being asked to send photos to editors and allowed to control content.\u00a0 For us publicists, that\u2019s a very good thing.<\/p>\n
So what\u2019s so hard about taking a photo?\u00a0 Between smart phones, auto focus and filters, it\u2019s as easy as point and shoot, right? \u00a0There\u2019s more to a great photo opp than just a pretty shot. \u00a0Before you shoot, put some thought into your set up and the audience it\u2019s intended for. \u00a0Remember the basics\u2026<\/p>\n
Candid shots can be staged:<\/b><\/p>\n
Sshhh, don\u2019t tell the editor that.\u00a0 There is nothing more boring than a picture of a group of people staring into the camera and smiling.\u00a0 Just flip through any newspaper or news website.\u00a0 How many shots do you see like that? None because they\u2019re dull.\u00a0 Action is key, even if that means staging it.\u00a0 If you have to put your client into a grape stomp and make him crush grapes, do it.\u00a0 It\u2019s not about fabricating a scene, it\u2019s about showcasing it.\u00a0 Capture the activity and don\u2019t let your subjects stop and stare at the camera.<\/p>\n
Less is More<\/b><\/p>\n
Keep shots to three or four people max.\u00a0 Group shots are well\u2026overcrowded.\u00a0 And let\u2019s face it, it\u2019s challenging to ID everyone.\u00a0 Some situations necessitate taking some large group shots to keep everyone happy.\u00a0 If that\u2019s the case do it.\u00a0 Then suggest that you take a few alternative shots of smaller groups.\u00a0 There\u2019s no harm in snapping extra pictures in the name of diplomacy. \u00a0You don\u2019t have to use them.<\/p>\n
Beware the Dreaded Check Presentation<\/b><\/p>\n
Enough said.\u00a0 Check presentations, even with the oversized ones, are clich\u00e9 and dull.\u00a0 Get creative.\u00a0 Your client is donating $500 to the local humane society?\u00a0 Get her delivering dog food and supplies to the shelter or playing with the pups.\u00a0 He\u2019s making a donation to a food pantry?\u00a0 Capture him stocking the shelves with the pantry\u2019s executive director.\u00a0 Anything other than handing over a check.<\/p>\n
Resolution Counts<\/b><\/p>\n
When editing photos, I usually save two versions.\u00a0 A low res version at 96 dpi and a high res version at 300 dpi.\u00a0 When sending photos, know your audience. \u00a0A glossy magazine is going to need a high resolution shot, while a website needs only a low res shot.\u00a0 By saving two versions, each named accordingly, I have both at my fingertips.<\/p>\n
Cutline<\/b><\/p>\n
Never walk away from your subjects without verifying their full names, correct spelling, titles and any other information that will be relevant in the caption. There\u2019s nothing worse than having to waste time following up to verify this information after the fact, especially when you\u2019re up against a deadline!<\/p>\n
-Marci Tyldesley<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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