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Photography - it pays to go pro

You are creating a piece of marketing material, you had a copywriter originate or sharpen up the copy, the designer has supplied you with some great visuals, now all you need is the photography - ‘That’s straight forward enough - I’ll do it myself’. 

It’s true most of us have a digital camera and most of us probably think we can take a half-decent photo. But it’s just not the same as professional photographer taking the pictures.

We have had all sorts of photos supplied to use. Staff images taken at their desk - nicely posed photo, great smile but the desk is a mess and the flash has bounced off the window behind. A photo of your fantastic new office but it’s a dull grey rainy day, there’s litter outside and an old car in front of the main entrance.

I’m guilty of it myself. I take what I think is a great photo and then get it onto my Mac and look at the photo and think why didn’t I spot the grotty wallpaper or why didn’t I notice the person in the background?

The most common mistake is not taking the photos at the correct resolution. How many of us actually read instruction manuals, and more importantly understand them? Photos taken on mobile phones are a definite no, no.

We hear “you can take that into Photoshop and sort it out’, yes this is true and Photoshop is a fantastic application which can make unbelievable corrections to photos. This all takes time which will probably cost you more in the long run.

A photo might be the the first and and last image a potential customer sees of whatever you are selling. To make as sure as possible it won’t be the last you need a photo that is going to sell your product.

A professional photographer will have all equipment for dealing with different lighting conditions and know the best way to take the photos. 

It’s also worth mentioning that some photographers are better at certain types of photography. For a PR shoot, maybe at an event, you want a photographer who can take control and has great people skills. If you are looking for studio based product shots then the personality of the photographer doesn’t make that much difference, but technical know-how certainly does. 

We work with some great photographers and can recommend or book one depending on your requirements.

Yes, hiring a photographer will add more cost to the job but it is always worth it!

Clowne Tomorrow Today's Topic

An ambitious and exciting plan to develop a large part of the Derbyshire town of Clowne, to provide new employment, housing, improved road links and new recreational space has been unveiled by clients, Waystone Ltd.

SHOUT!PR has been working with Waystone to deliver a consultation strategy which will enable local people to access details about the proposal and feedback with their ideas for what should be included.

Working with the Waystone team SHOUT created a brand for 'Clowne Tomorrow, designed and built a website which includes an online feedback form, designed promotional material, arranged a consultation event, liaised with leading opinion formers in the area, and handled all media relations activity. You can view the website at www.clownetomorrow.co.uk

QR-U Ready?

Some of you may have noticed strange little black and white boxes appearing in print recently. For those of you who are still unsure – these are QR (Quick Response) Codes – the latest buzz in smart phone technology.

Having downloaded a scanning App on your smart phone – you scan the code to launch a web page, phone number, SMS prompt or plain text message. Simply put, the little black and white boxes lead you directly to a destination chosen by its creator!

To help businesses to embrace this technology, SHOUT!PR has an introductory price of £75 to create your own exclusive QR Code for use on digital or printed promotions.

Included in this price –

• Creation of your exclusive QR code. We will provide 3 visual options – for example incorporating your logo/corporate colours if required/suitable.
• Supply of print ready/digital artwork.

We are also happy to discuss your ideas and help you make the most of your QR code within a campaign or promotion.

Social Media - 'power tools' at your fingertips

The increasing popularity of social media has gifted marketing teams with a box of new tools guaranteed to boost web hits, kick-start promotions and provide a permanently open channel for targeted message delivery…

Label Traders Factory Shop in Sutton in Ashfield is just one of a growing number of businesses taking advantage. The popular shop had a lucky break in June, with a name check in national women’s magazine Prima.

It’s not exactly news in the traditional sense, BUT definitely worth a mention using their recently enhanced suite of ‘power tools’ - • website • Facebook page • Twitter account • blog. It took just two hours for us to obtain images, put together a website news piece, write a blog, post on facebook and tweet it - all aimed at driving visitors to the website.

If you would like help getting started, developing a strategy or ongoing social media support, contact us today.

A Setback

I did originally say this blog was to keep anyone interested up to day with my ride preparation.  Those familiar with my musings so far will quickly agree it’s done nothing of the sort. It’s become a showcase for the ramblings of a deranged person.

But today that must stop for a minute as I do impart some serious news, and it’s not good.

I have suffered more pain in the last couple of days than any of Scotland’s finest slopes will throw at me in a few weeks. Sadly my dad, who originally was to cycle with me, and then was to offer back-up support and general guidance, can now not make it at all.

Hi health has sadly deteriorated to the point where the excursion isn’t even a lingering possibility, and I know that hurts him as much as it does me.

My initial reaction in the sudden depths of despondency was - don’t want to do the ride now - but I quickly recovered from that little self-centred sulk, and re-focussed. Somehow it’s even more important now.

As for the practicalities of the journey, we are working on some options, but it will happen - definitely.

On a more positive note the training has gone well over the last seven days. I have ridden every day and clocked over 260 miles, including a 113 miler on Good Friday.

Apologies for this somewhat sombre missive, but all being well normal service, from the pen of the deranged person, will resume next time.


Jez

Protecting Your Domain – a Little Tip from SHOUT!PR

We recently had a cry for help from a client that, out of the blue, lost its website and all email access. Completely baffled they called on their friendly marketing and PR company…

To cut a long story short, the client’s domain name had expired and nobody had informed them because they were not logged as the official registrant.

As is quite usual, the registrant was the web builder. In this instance his company had disbanded over two years ago and he was well and truly now ‘off the radar.’

Our client had no idea the domain had expired, and no rights to take immediate control of it in the absence of the registrant.

You see, whoever purchases the domain name is ultimately in complete control. If that individual becomes unavailable for any reason - and hasn’t shared their domain supplier’s log in/ownership details with them - you are in a sticky situation.

• There is a waiting period of 2 months to renew a domain that has lapsed and is out of your control.

• If the domain registrant has passed away or moved on and unable/unwilling to help, your only option other than to wait two months is to take legal action.

Our advice:

Ensure you have full control of your web domain name. Set up an account with a provider such as Fasthosts and have your design or web company transfer your domain name/s to your account. Keep the account details safe, and ensure you share them with a third party or keep a record somewhere.

Talk to us if you’d like to know more.