Stock Photos for Your Press Releases: How to Get Them; How to Use Them

Be the First to Comment

If you’re writing a press release for your own product or business, chances are you either have photos in stock of the thing you’re promoting or you will shoot your own photos.  In that case, you don’t need to worry about using stock photos for press releases.

If, however, you want to write a press release and you have neither photos nor a desire to shoot your own, stock photos are a great option. Most all public relations firms have a supply of photos, slides, CDs, to publicize their clients’ properties.  You can request a photo to use and as long as you give photo credits to them, they usually don’t mind your using the photo.

Let’s look at a hypothetical example.  Say you’re selling golf clubs.  You may have a photo of that particular golf club.  You want the picture to feature your golf club.  That’s fine.  Consider also using another photo to enhance your product.  For example, a beautifully manicured green at a picturesque golf club, say, with lakes and fountains in the background would nicely complement the photo of your particular golf club.  So you call the golf club and tell them you’d like to use a photo of their club in your press release.  Chances are, they will either give you one of their own in stock or refer you to the public relations firm that handles their business.

There’s also the possibility they may say no.  That’s unlikely.  But there are a lot of golf clubs out there, and they don’t have to be in your hometown either.  The good old U.S.  mail is a wonderful convenience.  Just be sure to always return the photos with a big thank you.

Well, you get the idea.  This example can apply to anything you are promoting in your press releases.  If it’s a book, a sharp photo of the book cover and artwork or even of the author, really spruces up a press release and adds untold interest.  The same goes for jewelry, cars, computers or any widget you can imagine.  If you’re promoting a new business, a photo of the building or the people who run it can add a personal touch.

Once you secure some stock photos for your special press release, you can either scan them into your release on your computer or you can have it done professionally at a print shop or Internet company.  Be sure and keep the photo images small to enhance the press release, not overpower it.  Photos can be used in headings, borders, margins and in logos on press releases.

An artsy way to feature a photo in a press release is to have it as a faded background beneath the print.  Be careful here though as you want your press release to be easy to read.  Bold colors will detract from the words.  Muted colors should be used or just faded black and white.  The wave of the future may be visually-enhanced press releases that have both “I” appeal and eye appeal.

The next time you write a press release, think of how you can use photos to enhance its appeal.