Get The Picture?

Now that the era of citizen journalism is upon us – and news organisations are happier than ever to use amateur ‘eye witness’ images you could wonder where this all leaves the professional photographer.

After all, why engage the services of a professional photographer when there’s a chap in the office who’s a dab hand with a camera? Now it’s all digital what could be more straightforward than doing it yourself – and saving a bob or two?

STOP. Having a sharp knife doesn’t make you a top chef – or indeed, a surgeon come to that. All it means is that you have the tools to make a right hash of it.

As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words and a strong image is a powerful tool if you’re looking for media coverage. You might not have the strongest story, but if it makes a great pic then bingo!

Not too long ago, one client achieved ‘money can’t buy’ profile in The Times – all thanks to a great picture.

If you’re lucky the press may come and take the photo for you, but I wouldn’t bank on it. My advice is to engage the services of a seasoned news photographer if you’re serious about your PR.

Please note: I said ‘news’ photographer – not wedding, portrait or pet photographer!

Aside from the fact that poor pix end up in the newsroom bin, you also need to remember that dodgy shots reflect upon you and your business. If you care about your reputation, put the camera down – and leave it to someone who knows what they’re doing!