What are the best photos for PR? Glad you asked! The no.1. photo for PR is the one that gets you the coverage, it tells the story and there’s no need for you to really say anything else. But we’re rarely on the scene when the news is happening and have to rely on our clients to send us a snap after the fact. So, here’s our no-nonsense guide to the top 3 photos for PR that will make the grade.
Swap the grin & grip with the show & tell
The ‘grin and grip’ photo of the MD shaking hands with the new client, the local mayor, the employee of the month… we could go on… is boring and says very little. What can you do to summarise the press release in one photo? Is the MD drowning in award wins? Are you having to piece together a new Ikea desk because you’ve got a new team member? Have you been fundraising in a silly costume? Photos for PR should be entertaining, eye-catching and showcase your brand personality as much as possible. Obviously we’re assuming this isn’t crisis work or anything where a fun picture would be highly inappropriate. Common sense must prevail at all times!
Tell the story in the photo so the reader almost needn’t read the article. These types of photos for PR are also likely to get you more engagement on social media too.
Subtle branding (Photos for PR hot tip!)
›Some of the media will instantly reject a photo because it has a prominent company logo in the background or contains a blatant product placement. We’re all business people here, we know that the reason we’re pitching out some PR is to raise our personal or brand profile, but we can do this in more subtle ways.
Or, think about an organisation like Cancer Research UK. They don’t need to stand people in front of a logo or a research building. Their brand culture is all about the community pulling together to fundraise to find a cure for cancer: https://worcesterobserver.co.uk/news/mums-the-word-to-start-countdown-to-race-for-life/
The one where no one knew about the camera
In a world full of selfies, it’s nice to see a few photos where people aren’t thinking about posing for the camera. This is sometimes called ‘reportage’ or ‘documentary’ style photography. This style captures a moment or event in a narrative fashion and helps the reader understand what it might have been like to have been there too.
The trick here is to forget the photographer is there – be in the moment. You can take plenty of shots, and then you can let the team choose their favourite photos for PR purposes (normally the one where we get our good sides!) before sending with a release.
And here’s your checklist for the technical side of photos:
- At least 1MB and 300dpi – if the photo is good enough for print then it can be used for everything else too
- Portrait and landscape – give the option so your photo can fit any space
- Nothing dodgy in the background – be aware of your environment and remove that half-eaten sandwich unless you’re photographing a picnic.
- Take your finger off the lens – you know we’ve all done it at some point!
Whether you’re a David Bailey, more Bill Bailey or just prefer a glass of Bailey’s, remember that a picture is worth a thousand words – so make your photos for PR count!
In case you’re new here, we regularly write articles about hot topics and share PR advice like this to help you make the most of your PR activity. To make sure you don’t miss out, follow us on social media: LinkedIn, X or Instagram.