Some publications will accept publicity art in electronic form, but you must make sure your photos are in a format they can use by asking these questions:

What format do you need, .jpg, .tif, or something else? Most publications can't use .gif images because the resolution isn't good enough.

Do you need color or black and white?

What density, in dots per inch, do you need?

What size do you need, in inches?

Do you have any other format requirements?

Is it OK to email the photo to you in a compressed file? Files containing digital photos are large. Don't email them to journalists unless you have their permission. Large files can jam email systems, and some media outlets automatically refuse to accept them. Let the journalist know how large the file is when you're asking permission.

Although many publications will accept photos in electronic format, even in this electronic era, you can't rely completely on electronic photos, for two reasons.

"Posting an image to the Web does not mean that you never have to produce a print again", says C. J. Martin, Aerospace Communications Director at NASA.

"What looks good on your desktop monitor may not have enough resolution for a publication to use. Really high quality images mean really huge digital image files. Be prepared to offer a transparency or 8 x 10 glossy" so the publication can get the quality it needs. Otherwise they may not be willing to use your photo, even if it's great art.

Martin also explains the second reason why you'll still need old-fashioned, printed photos. "Many editors still use hard copy prints to screen for what they want to use, and then go to a digital product afterwards."

If you don't include photos with your pitch, some editors won't be interested -- even if your publicity material lists links to photos on your web site. They're used to looking at something they can hold in their hands, and they're not comfortable with viewing art on a screen.

Photos are cheap. Publicity is valuable. Send the photos!

From Chapter 7, The Publicity Handbook

The Publicity Handbook Table of Contents
How to Choose the Best Press Clipping Service
Phone Contacts With Journalists: Strategies That Work
Webcast Planning Made Easy

Copyright ©2001 by David R. Yale. All rights reserved. The content of this site is for your personal use only. It may not be copied, reprinted, excerpted, edited, sold, anthologized, or included in any Web site, publication, or training manual, paper-based or electronic, without prior permission.

For permission to reprint or license this material in your publication, on your Web site, or for other use, contact david@publicityhandbook.com The design of this Web site may not be copied for any purpose or in any format. Site design by Richard Murdock.