How to Capture the Perfect Photo Op: Top Tips for Newsworthy Images

Work out your angle

What is the most important part of your story? What makes it newsworthy? Can you tie it to a significant day like Mother’s Day or Easter? It’s important to provide context to your story to make sure it has a place in the news cycle. This could even be a dressing for the season pic op. 

Confirm your talent 

Your talent is who you are going to hero in your shot. This could be an ambassador, a participant, even a horse or a puppy depending on the brief! 

Refine your pitch

Now that you know your angle and your talent, it’s time to think about how the photo is going to look. You want to make sure this is authentic to the message and story you are trying to tell. You also want to make this as engaging as possible! Think about what would make you stop and read. 

Make it easy for the journalist

The next step is to package your idea and present it to the journalist. You need to make sure you are pitching to the right person – because you wouldn’t pitch an event to the finance pages! Do your research and find out who writes the section you want to be featured in.When you pitch, make sure you include all the key info and make your vision clear. Makes it much easier for them to say yes!

Get everything in like for your vision 

Once the journalist is over the line, it’s important to lock in a time with your talent and the photographer, and then get everything ready. Create your talent briefs, so everyone knows the details and has the correct messaging. Make sure you have styling sorted, props in place and a backup plan – just in case.  

Work to get that shot 

On the day it’s important to be prepared and be savvy. You need to make sure that you are working with the snapper to get a pic that is engaging for the journalist, whilst also nailing the messaging and visual your client will want. Is the right branding in there? Do you have the key elements? Does it look the way you wanted? Don’t be afraid to speak up and try something different if you don’t think it’s right. To quote Eminem – you’ve got one shot. 

Follow up 

After you head back to your desk make sure you follow up with the journalist. Do they have all the info they need? Have any questions come up? Are they happy with pics? Make sure you tie up all any loose ends – like I said before, make it easy for them. It will make your life easier too, I promise.   

Learn how to land your vision in the paper. Look at it! 

They say to save the best for last, and with a pic op that’s easy, because trust me, the best bit is opening the paper and seeing the perfect pic that you pulled off staring back at you.  

Share it with your client and pat yourself on the back. You nailed it.