Photography as a Public Relations Tool
It’s true that a photo is worth 1,000 words, especially when it comes to marketing and public relations. Photography can be an amazing public relations tool that shows people exactly what your business, event, or organization is about.
Here’s everything you need to know when it comes to hiring a public relations photographer.
Uses of Photography in Public Relations
If you want your business to stand out in all the clutter online, on social media, and in real life, corporate photography for public relations is the secret pros know.
Using photos or images is a strong public relations tactic that helps show, not tell, people about a brand, event, or milestone. Images propel your press release from three sentences on the back page or bottom of a website to center stage. Use public relations photos to better tell your story to audiences across mediums, online and in print.
- Media coverage and news releases
- Social media
- Website
- Blogs
- Collateral and print marketing materials
- To promote an event or product launch
The great thing about a nice library of public relations photos is that they can serve multiple purposes. You’ll use the same photos in elements and creative that’s made and distributed by your team as well as others.
You Need a Corporate Photographer for Public Relations Events
Public relations photography is not a do-it-yourself job.
Particularly with small teams, the lost opportunity costs of the DIY option outweigh any assumed savings.
- You won’t get the same quality and composition of photography.
- It’s nearly impossible to run a public relations event and serve as event photographer at the same time.
A corporate photographer can help as an additional member of your team that understands the ins and outs of public relations photoshoots. They will be comfortable with the location, shot list, and getting images that are suitable for multiple uses.
Types of Events to Photographs
Almost every event you host is an opportunity for a public relations photoshoot. Each different type of image can help tell your brand story and narrative to a wider audience.
- Corporate meetings or retreats
- Events
- Product launches
- Press conferences
- Speaking engagements for team members
- Ribbon cuttings or celebrations
- Publicity stunts or activities
- Live broadcasts or events such as podcasts or book signings
Corporate Photography Delivers the Right Message
One of the mantas of public relations is that you have to deliver the right message at the right time. Professional photography can ensure that you get the former right.
Public relations photography ensures that every image you share or put on display is in line with your brand. Images can help increase engagement online, drive traffic to your website (and keep them clicking once they are there), and help generate greater brand awareness and loyalty.
Building a library of PR images isn’t as hard or expensive as you might think. Start photographing events a few at a time and start to watch your catalogue grow. Also consider adding a few “action” photos of your team and headshots to grow your photo file. (These kinds of photos are highly requested by the media and have wide-ranging use for your materials as well.)
Public Relations Photography is an Investment in Your Brand
In the same way that stellar photography can boost your brand and message, poor photography can ruin it. Good photography is a long-term investment in your brand and business image with photos that you can use for years to come.
Our team understands how to showcase your business in the best light.