Photography Advice for Media Use

Well taken photographs can really enhance your press releases and chances of gaining coverage.

What should be in the frame?

• Specific people or activities. Get up close and personal
• Images that are in-focus
• Family members of different ages learning together (if family learning shot)
• Workers in uniform or in obvious workplace setting (if workplace learning shot)
• Activities that convey "fun" & "learning"
• Colour and/ or contrast - vibrant eye-catching
• Something creative - the most wacky and unusual photos hold more interest with the media.

What doesn't make a good photograph?

• Picture that are too posed or look fake
• So many people that it's hard to see any one participant
• Pictures of the back of people's heads!
• Pictures of people standing in groups not actively learning
• Pictures taken at night or in dark settings
• Whole body shots - unless your activity is movement related, such as dance or fitness activities a close up of head and shoulders works best.

General tips

• Always switch the flash on even if it doesn't seem that dark.
• Do not stand too far away from your subject or too close so your image is blurred.
• Try to make sure that what you are trying to photograph fills the lens, and is in the centre of the viewfinder
• Try to avoid having lots of blank space around your subject - if necessary move closer
• Don't over-crowd your image - keep it simple
• Make sure you have permission to take pictures of people, and to use those pictures for publicity materials. Permission forms are available online. Click here to download an Adult permission form. To download a child permission form click here.