Photography

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and in the media that can be literally true. A good picture will often occupy more space than a thousand words and be remembered long after the headlines are forgotten.

There are two ways in which newspapers and magazines get their pictures:

• Internal commission of a staff photographer or freelance by the News Desk, to illustrate a story. You just have to ring up and suggest an idea.
• Submitted by external individuals or organisations as a free contribution.

If you are going to submit a picture make sure you have the picture-takers permission to use it.

Some tips:

• Pictures must be good quality (sharp focus and well composed).
• They should usually feature people. Sometimes large groups are acceptable, but usually it’s best to have no more than five. Buildings may be interesting but are better with someone in front of them!
• If possible, the people should be doing something. Try to avoid the clichés (like someone presenting someone else with a large, cardboard cheque!)