Getting a good photo
A few weeks ago I popped along to 6th Wrexham scout group to take a photo to illustrate a story I wanted to do about the upcoming Community Scout Week - I knew they'd have a beaver, cub, scout and explorer scout all present at the same time.
Armed with a host of props to show that the story was about helping out I set up the photo above. I'm quite pleased with it, apart from the background which is a bit messy. Ah well.
The press release went off last week and it's covered on wrexham.com (click on the photo above to go to their site) and in today's Leader.
Top tips in taking a photo
1. Avoid group photos. Four or less people look better, it's easier to make sure they're all smiling, and if the photo is small in the paper you'll actually see their faces
2. Use good props. If the story is about a grant, use a prop which represents what the money will be spent on, like a tent, canoe paddle, but not a comedy cheque.
3. Don't take photos of award ceremonies. Better to have a photo of the recipients doing what they did to get the award.
4. Make sure people are looking at the camera. It makes for a better connection with the reader. Tell them they're going to be in the papers and they'll play ball!
5. Always take a camera with you. Most of us have camera phones with reasonable quality resolutions. You never know when you might get a great photo that you'll be able to use to promote Scouting, but also treasure for group memories for years to come.
A few weeks ago I popped along to 6th Wrexham scout group to take a photo to illustrate a story I wanted to do about the upcoming Community Scout Week - I knew they'd have a beaver, cub, scout and explorer scout all present at the same time.
Armed with a host of props to show that the story was about helping out I set up the photo above. I'm quite pleased with it, apart from the background which is a bit messy. Ah well.
The press release went off last week and it's covered on wrexham.com (click on the photo above to go to their site) and in today's Leader.
Top tips in taking a photo
1. Avoid group photos. Four or less people look better, it's easier to make sure they're all smiling, and if the photo is small in the paper you'll actually see their faces
2. Use good props. If the story is about a grant, use a prop which represents what the money will be spent on, like a tent, canoe paddle, but not a comedy cheque.
3. Don't take photos of award ceremonies. Better to have a photo of the recipients doing what they did to get the award.
4. Make sure people are looking at the camera. It makes for a better connection with the reader. Tell them they're going to be in the papers and they'll play ball!
5. Always take a camera with you. Most of us have camera phones with reasonable quality resolutions. You never know when you might get a great photo that you'll be able to use to promote Scouting, but also treasure for group memories for years to come.
Moz on media
Moz is Assistant Area Commissioner for Communications which includes the role of Media Development Manager for Clwyd. On this page he blogs about what we're doing in Clwyd to make sure people know about the adventure, fun and challenge we offer in Scouting.
Follow Moz on Twitter: @wxmmoz
and the Clwyd Media Team: @clwydscoutmedia