Tag Archives: public relations

Location Photography Services for Business

By splaine | Published August 30, 2012

Photographer Dan Splaine of Test of Time Photography is a location photography specialist with fully mobile studio capabilities. ©2012 Daniel J. Splaine- All rights reserved

 

The mark of a professional photographer is the ability to create original, high quality images regardless of the shooting conditions.

 

One of the hallmarks of my photographic career is an uncanny ability to shoot in any type of location, in any type of conditions and to consistently produce high quality photography.  Adaptability as a photographer was I skill learned when I started out as an Army photographer.  Anticipate, adapt, overcome is the mantra of an infantryman and the way Uncle Sam trained me how to approach each assignment.  The goal was always get the image regardless of conditions and that is how I still work today.

My corporate photography assignment and editorial shoots involve photography at locations around the world.  The range of shooting conditions run the gamut from primitive to regal, depending on the client.  The job is and always has been for me to produce photography that illustrates the clients communication objective.  If I’m standing butt deep in mud or hanging of a rooftop ledge it really does not matter, I will do what it takes to get the photo.  An adventurous spirit helps but the skills and technique that my long experience behind the camera ensures that I always hit the mark.

This approach works for photography in the corporate setting equally well.  Sometimes clients can’t get to the studio or  remote employees are gathering in one location for a brief amount of time.  No problem, I bring my fully mobile studio ability to the client location.  Sometimes in an industrial photography assignment access to a difficult or sensitive settings is limited.  I can get in and get out  rapidly, working with the conditions as they exist to get the photos the client needs.

I have more that thirty years experience adapting to conditions and locations,  producing original and  effective visual communication with my photography.  If you have a difficult location, a once in a lifetime event  or you operate in an extreme conditions please get in touch.  I will welcome you challenging conditions and of course create the photography that shows you and your organization at their best.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:  Photographer and photo educator Dan Splaine has more than thirty years experience producing photography for public relations, marketing and editorial clients. His company TEST of TIME PHOTOGRAPHY based in Nashua, NH provides commercial photography services in studio and at client locations all over the world. He presents a program of digital photography workshops and photography tours for adults throughout New England

 

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Test of Time Photography on The Friends of Kevin Radio Show

By splaine | Published July 8, 2012

On Monday (7-9-12)  I will be  Kevin Willett’s   guest on his radio show broadcast on WSMN radio in Nashua, NH.  Kevin is the founder of the FRIENDS OF KEVIN NETWORKING GROUP, a really terrific business networking group that I am a member of.  He connects business people from around the Merrimack valley and southern New Hampshire together with his program of events and activities.

There are two things about this group that make it distinctly different from the other business networking groups I have experienced.   The first is Kevin’s goal of doing some good for the communities while helping members build their businesses.  He opens the group to not for profits, leveraging the network to support their needs in any way possible.

The other feature of the group adds to its effectiveness, is Kevin himself.   This guy is really working on behalf of the members, deploying a mix of technology (social media) and a friendly personal touch.  The FRIENDS OF KEVIN RADIO SHOW, that I am a guest on tomorrow,  is a perfect example of the extra value he provides members.

I am looking forward to our conversation and having a unique platform for getting the word out about my photo services and photography workshops.   Please listen in from 11 to 12 to WSMN 1590 radio to catch his program. I am scheduled from 11:40 to 12:00.

We will be discussing how to use photography for  business communications and social media, specifically how my commercial photography services can add to bottom line. The other topic  we will cover is my program of digital photography workshops and photographer tours. I have a number of events, like the Bronx Zoo Photographer Tour (July 21) and my Photo Walk Workshops that I want to promote to Kevin’s audience.

Kevin Willett in the WSMN radio station in Nashua, NH during his radio broadcast. ©2011 Daniel J. Splaine

(Nashua, NH -€“ Nov, 21, 2011) Kevin Willett, on the air during the Friends of Kevin radio show on WSMN in Nashua, NH. Friends of Kevin is a business development/networking group that serves the business, non-profit and artist communities. The group’s goal is to promote member businesses both online through our website and social media presence, and in person at networking events.
The Friends of Kevin raises awareness of local non profits while allowing our friends to network in a stress free environment. For more information go to www.friendsofkevin.com. Photo courtesy of Dan Splaine -€“ Test of Time Photo ©2011Daniel J. Splaine All rights reserved.

 

 

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Environmental Portraits for business

By splaine | Published February 1, 2012
Environmental portrait of Chef in Kitchen by photographer Dan Splaine of Test of Time Photography in Nashua, NH. ©2012 Daniel J. Splaine

Environmental portraits present the subject in a context and the visual information presents the subject with more impact. Photographer Dan Splaine is an expert at location portraiture for editorial and public relations productions. This image of a Chef in the kitchen is an alternative to a standard studio portrait that editors will readily use. ©2012 Daniel J. Splaine – All rights reserved

 

Studio vs. Location portrait session – Editorial style ENVIRONMENTAL PORTRAITS

A professionally photographed business portrait is an important weapon in your promotional arsenal.  At the least a headshot or profile type image is a basic requirement for business professionals.  This type of portrait is typically used in sales letters, business cards and online profiles as a method to build your professional identity. Headshot photography sessions are usually conducted in the studio with the subject placed in front of a neutral background.

Consider having an environmental style portrait made in addition to the studio portrait. Environmental portraits are made at the client location which serves as the background for the portrait sitting.   Placing portrait subjects in the context of a location adds impact to business portraits. Flip through your favorite business magazine and you will see how these editorial style images present people in more dynamic and dramatic setting.

Why would you need more than a studio portrait?  Profile photos are useful for many publications; however having different styles of business portraits made allows you to capitalize on public relations opportunities as they occur.  Editors and webmasters are always seeking high quality and interesting content.  Providing an environmental portrait with your press releases and announcements will gain a higher rate of publication.

An environmental portrait adds visual information that informs the viewer about you. Photographer Dan Splaine is an expert at creating these custom portraits in locations as diverse as tropical rainforests to corporate boardrooms.  Your studio portrait is a good presentation; your environmental portrait is a complete narrative.  Let us tell your story in images book your editorial style business portrait session today.

For complete information about our business photography and portrait services go to the Test of Time Photography website or contact us at info@testoftimephoto.com.

Environmental portrait of Veterinarian in surgery by photographer Dan Splaine of Test of Time Photography in Nashua, NH. ©2012 Daniel J. Splaine

Environmental portraits present the subject in a context and the visual information presents the subject with more impact. Photographer Dan Splaine is an expert at location portraiture for editorial and public relations productions. This image of a Veterinarian in a surgical suite is an alternative to a standard studio portrait that editors will readily use. ©2012 Daniel J. Splaine – All rights reserved.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:  Photographer Dan Splaine has more than thirty years experience producing high quality images for corporate, institutional, and individual clients.  A location and live action specialist, he is most noted for his images of people. His corporate assignments and photography projects have taken him to dozens of countries and settings as diverse as tropical rain forests to the halls of the US Congress.  In addition to photography services he presents a full program of digital photography workshops and photographer yours throughout New England and internationally

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WHY HIRE A PRO PHOTOGRAPHER FOR BUSINESS PHOTOGRAPHY AND PORTRAITS?

By splaine | Published January 27, 2012

Having no photography to present for public relations opportunities and social media postings is a very common business error.  Having badly shot, a low quality snapshot as your virtual identity piece is an even greater business sin.  Many people assume that because they own digital cameras or even worse a camera enabled cell phone they do not need the services of a professional photographer.  They can make their own shots.

Press clipping from Test of Time Photography client Jack Penkala with his business portrait made by photographer Dan Splaine. ©2012 Daniel J. Splaine

Press clipping with Business Portrait-My client Jack Penkala of Halo Branded solutions recently had a business portrait session at the TEST of TIME PHOTOGRAPHY studio. When he was recognized by his company for achievement in sales for 2011 his business portrait was readily deployed with a press release. Provision of quality illustration with your story increases your publication rates and ultimately reader attention. This is a recent press clipping from Jack’s company press release

It’s true; your photography can be a do-it-yourself project.  As with most things in this world, you get what you pay for!  You end up with bad poses, bad lighting and most importantly a poor public identity!  That is why you need the services of a professional studio photographer.

Why risk making a poor first impression which will leave a distinct negative imprint in a prospective client’s mind?  If you have chance to draw attention to yourself and your business why not make the best presentation?  Perceptions are mostly determined by first impressions and on the competitively crowded internet you rarely get a second look.  Your business photography and portraits should present you in a friendly and professional way.  They are a measure of your professionalism and show the value you want to project to the marketplace.

How you appear on your websites, social media profiles and your company public relations publications can either add or take away from your professional credibility.  The distribution powers of the internet are what truly turbo charges the marketing power of business photography and portraits.  Images add clout to business communications.  The power of photography is simple…pictures compel viewers to identify with you and to  become open to your marketing messaging Why not make a modest investment to guarantee that you capitalize on that potential?

An investment in professionally produced, custom business photography and portraits is a key method to build your professional image.

Test of Time Photography creates original photography for business communications.  We provide professional photography services at out studio facility in Nashua, NH and at client locations throughout the country. Contact us about creating your inventory of original images for use  in your corporate public relations..

 

Photographer Dan Splaine of Test of Time photographyABOUT THE AUTHOR:  Photographer Dan Splaine has more than thirty years experience producing high quality images for corporate, institutional, and individual clients.  A location and live action specialist, he is most noted for his images of people. His corporate assignments and photography projects have taken him to dozens of countries and settings as diverse as tropical rain forests to the halls of the US Congress.  In addition to photography services he presents a full program of digital photography workshops and photographer yours throughout New England and internationally

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Your business portrait…one of the most potent business marketing tools available to an entrepreneur today!

By splaine | Published January 23, 2012

In the past an “Executive Portrait” was a standard fare for CEOs and titans of industry but not for all business people.  Those iconic images have graced corporate lobby walls and annual reports for decades. In today’s business environment a professionally shot, well executed, custom business portrait is an essential tool for any person engaged in commerce, at any level!

Commerce is fully integrated with the internet and social media. This ground shift in how we conduct business only increases the necessity and value of your business portrait.  From solopreneur to the head of a large firm, all Environmental style business portrait shot at the client location ©Daniel J. Splaine - All rights reservedbusiness professionals can benefit from an investment in professional portrait photography. How does a business portrait build your personal “brand”?

Despite the rapid increase of dependence on the internet, one feature of human behavior remains true. People buy from who they know. They reflexively gravitate towards products and services from sources they are most familiar with.  The challenge for today’s entrepreneur is how to become known to people is this new media environment, to become a familiar face to your prospective client.

A professional business portrait is an important way to present yourself to the marketplace, to become that “familiar face” and to establish your positive identity in the customer’s perception.  Gone are the days of your executive portrait hanging in the corporate lobby, this powerful marketing tool is displayed in ever-increasing number of ways and to wider and wider audiences.

Put your best face forward and  invest  a professional business portrait. Create a statement  about your identity, your professionalism and your personal brand.

To learn more about business photography services and business portrait packages go to the Test of Time Photo website.  We conduct our corporate/business portrait sessions at out studio in Nashua, NH or at the client’s  location.  In addition  to standard portraits we create editorial style photography, environmental portraiture that presents our subjects in the context of their surroundings.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:  Photographer Dan Splaine has more than thirty years experience producing high quality images for corporate, institutional, and individual clients.  A location and live action specialist, he is most noted for his images of people. His corporate assignments and photography projects have taken him to dozens of countries and settings as diverse as tropical rain forests to the halls of the US Congress.  In addition to photography services he presents a full program of digital photography workshops and photographer yours throughout New England and internationally.

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Public relations photography ROI

By splaine | Published August 30, 2011

An investment in professional public relations photography is a valuable venture for businesses.  When an editor is sorting through the stack of press release submissions they are seeking obvious reasons to include or exclude stories for publication.  Inclusion of high quality, professionally produced photography is the best way to distinguish your release and avoid the reject pile.  Quality PR photography captures the editor’s attention and ultimately will capture their reader’s attention.  In an era of reduced journalistic resources your high quality illustrations are even more welcome in the editorial inbox.

Product photography by Dan Splaine of Test of Time Photography in Nashua, NH. ©2011 Daniel J. SplaineHeadshots and business portraits are great for informational and identity articles and are standard equipment for any entrepreneur. The photographs that best serve your public relations are dynamic and illustrative.  Good public relations photography tells your story, the images you provide must grab the viewer’s attention.  Good PR photographs lead the audience to your articles and messaging.

An investment in the services of a professional photographer to produce your public relation images will increase your publication rates.  Photographs with technical flaws and formatting errors will be rejected out of hand.  Creative photographs with an interesting point of view are the editorial standard to meet.  A professional photographer has the technical skill and creative talent to create the type of illustration that editor’s desire. Present your company in the best possible way and hire a pro to increase the return in investment on your public relations.

Public relations photography is a catalyst for editorial attention but is only part of an effective press release program.  Having a compelling story, one that is actually “newsworthy”, that is well written and relevant is a basic requirement.  High quality photography and a good story work hand in hand.  Good photographs run big and more column inches will be provided especially with compelling content.  The other component to consider is that your press release distribution is targeted to the correct editorial channel.  Know the audience of the publication and make sure your package matches their editorial style and identity.

You can also gain good ROI on your public relations photography investment by using it in more than press release.  Use the photography on social media platforms and company websites. A qualified professional photographer has the capacity to optimize your digital photo files for search adding to their online value. The need for high quality illustration on websites is infinite and distribution of  photography can easily be accomplished. Having an archive of images of key employees, product shots and feature photos pre-produced will allow you respond to media opportunities as they rise.

As we move from the traditional print dominated media milieu to the era of social media public relations the value of quality photography increases.  In the past a newspaper or magazine had a very limited “shelf-life” of weeks or only days.  When your press release package i  published online the article and images have nearly a perpetual existence as searchable content. Take advantage of the powerful multimedia tools available and include images in all of your press campaigns!

About the Author:  Dan Splaine is a professional photographer and photography educator operating a commercial photography studio in New Hampshire. Splaine is a location and “live action” specialist with extensive experience producing imagery for public relations productions. Noted for his environmental portraiture and ability to capture events as they occur his photographic craft was honed in over thirty years of experience.  He has photographed in dozens of countries and has thousands of his images published.

 

All content  and images copyrighted.  ©2011 Daniel J. Splaine / All rights reserved.

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How to get more space in print and online – PR PHOTO TIPS

By splaine | Published June 24, 2011

How do you get an editor’s attention?

The single most important element that will improve your company’s odds of gaining free column inches in print and online is simply to provide quality photography.  By supplying an editor good illustration with your press releases you will dramatically increase your publication rates. What do I mean by “good” photography – what sort of images are editors seeking?

Business portraits and headshots are basic requirements for any entrepreneur or professional and they are most useful for building your personal online identity and for marketing materials.  Publications will use this type of imagery when the format allows for it but these are not the shots that will be prominently featured.  They are great to have for straight news articles but are of limited appeal for editorial feature articles.  Provide  the publications you are targeting in your media campaign a reason to display your content prominently and in return you will gain free public notice.

 

PR photo shows action, tells "story"

 

Types of PR photos that get the editors attention:

  • Show your subject in action- have them actively doing something
  • Use photos that relate to your narrative tell your story
  • Environmental portraits that show the subject in context
  • Provide a good variety of views and a selection of different photos to choose from
  • Shots that are well-lit, well exposed and properly focused
  • Good product and facility shots
  • Unusual perspectives and compositions
  • Horizontal and vertically shot choices

Types of public relations photographic clichés that you should avoid:

  • The award presentation hand-off and handshake
  • Shots that are poorly exposed framed and focused. Technical flaws are a non-starter
  • Image files that do not match the publications submission specifications
  • Images that include people and property without proper photography release
  • Group shots that are arranged for a firing squad – up against the wall!
  • Amateur quality, low resolution unprofessional quality

 

Making photographs that get published rather than end up in the trash requires some skill and expertise.  Although digital camera technology is readily available, the results you get yourself may not enhance your professional image.   I would encourage you to consider hiring a professional photographer like myself to produce your PR photography.  Not only do I have the creative skills to make images that editors want,  I also understand the formatting, technical standards and release issues that you will encounter.

You wouldn’t consider someone who watches court room TV shows qualified to defend you in court, that would be crazy..  Why would you trust your public identity and the perception of you and your company to a casual snap shooter?

I have been producing editorial grade, public relations photos for clients, which have been published thousands of times during my career.  My objective is to create photography for my clients that enhance their image and provide a maximum return on investment.  Not only do my images make you look good- they add value to your brand.  For more information on my public relations photography services please email me at info@testotimephoto.com

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The power of PUBLIC RELATIONS photography-10 tips for building your “image”

By splaine | Published June 3, 2011

Photography is an important tool for creating and building individual and corporate identity that is often under utilized, and from my point of view as a professional photographer certainly under appreciated.  Photography has always been an effective public relations tool. My experience goes back thirty years to the days of setting up darkrooms in all kinds of locations and hustling wet prints to the nearest wire service office.  Today with our powerful digital photography capabilities and the infinite requirement the internet has for content its value as a PR device has never been so great.

I would argue that all enterprises and individual entrepreneurs should incorporate photography into their PR and marketing programs.  Listed below are ten suggested ideas and methods for utilizing public relations photography to build your “image” and enhance your personal brand.

  1. Prepare a set of high quality photographs in advance to anticipate a media request or public relations opportunity.  Having some shot “in the can” that illustrate your products, facilities and key personnel that are ready to send will help you capitalize on unexpected  publication offers.
  2. Business portraits and headshots are essential for any entrepreneur.  Having a professionally created portrait of your company personnel is necessary in building a personal connection via social media.  The business mantra that “people buy from who they know “is still true today and your portrait online is a powerful method to become “known”.  These shots are great for business notices and identifiers for blog postings and other marketing material.
  3. Headshots are great for some uses but having an environmental type portrait will work best with editorial outlets.  Images of the person in their work environment or in a setting that adds information about them are better illustrations for editors.  Environmental portraits provide context for the person and more readily transmit a narrative to the viewer.
  4. Make the investment in professional photography services. Digital cameras are common and seemingly in every device you can imagine, truly anyone can take a picture. The distinction for the purposes of your brand is that snapshots will not enhance your image.  Professionally conceived and created photography literally presents you in the best light.  Hire a pro to achieve professional results.
  5. Provide editors and media outlets a good variety of images to select from.  The more options they have in layout and design choices the greater the likelihood your images will be published.  A mix of portrait (vertical) and landscape (horizontal) orientated photos, shots with negative space for headlines and copy and unique points of view are all appreciated by editors, so give them what makes them happy!
  6. Follow submission guidelines carefully.  Sending an image correctly formatted and prepared according to the publications requirements is essential.  Send the photography and illustration incorrectly and you will not get published.  Using a pro photographer adept with photo editing tools and familiar with the process can be critical to avoiding submission problems.
  7. Use images that tell a story and specifically match up to the narrative you are providing with the press release content it is accompanying.  Your visual content is critical to convincing an editor of your value for publication. Photos get stories printed and most importantly read so send out complete packages.
  8. Make sure to correctly caption and keyword  your images to take advantage of the SEO potential photography has as online content.  Image file meta data is searchable text that can be enhanced to maximize your branding and messaging online. Once again using a pro photographer familiar with this process will justify the investment in will add power to your imagery.
  9. Make sure you fill the frame.  Avoid using photography that has a lot of vacant area that makes the subject smaller and distracts the viewer.  Well designed and composed photographs capture the viewer’s attention so take care to use the whole image area well.
  10. Take chances with your photography and show unusual viewpoints and scenes.  Often a story will get published simply because the photography is so attention grabbing.  The same visual impact that gets the editor’s attention works doubly on attracting the viewer to your messaging.

I provide photography for business , shot either on location or in my studio facility in Nashua, NH.  My experience with public relations assignments and live action coverage has ranged from tropical jungles to corporate boardrooms.   For more information about PR photography or any of my other photography services for business contact me at info@testoftimephoto.com

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