Smartphone users are at a record high in the UK, with 85% of the adult population now owning one. Thanks to their rise in popularity over recent years, more and more of us are assuming the role of amateur photographer. In 2017 alone, as a nation, we took 1.2 trillion digital photos. But how many of these photographs are suitable for use in the media? The truth is – not that many! If you really can’t afford to hire a professional photographer (always our first choice), then here are a few tips and tricks on how to capture newsworthy photographs.
Attaching a captivating photograph to a news release can make the difference between your story being featured or instantly forgotten.
According to statistics, humans have shorter attention spans than goldfish, with the average attention span being as short as 8 seconds, down from 12 seconds in the year 2000. With our attention spans becoming ever shorter, the need for attention-grabbing headlines and eye-catching photography has never been greater.
An accomplished photograph should:
To take a photograph that turns heads, consider following the below tips and tricks:
Journalists want high-quality imagery, but if your photograph is over 1MB in size, it could be too large to send or take the recipient too long to download. Consider sending the recipient a link via online platforms such as WeTransfer or Dropbox.
Often, the simpler the image, the greater its impact. Rather than distracting the viewer by filling the entire frame, pick your focal point, choose your backdrop, and get snapping clean, simple, and professional-looking photographs.
The rule of thirds is a composition technique which helps produce more engaging and balanced photographs. To follow this rule, simply divide your subject area into nine equal parts by imaging two horizontal and two vertical lines intersecting each other. Where these imaginary lines intersect is where you should position the focal point of your image.
Photographs with an element of human interest tend to perform better, because they have instant appeal. If, for example, you want to showcase a product or service, capture someone interacting with the product or service so viewers can picture themselves doing the same. But keep it real!
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