One of the components of my marketing program is helping photographers think about becoming their own publicity machine.  The truth is, you’re the only one who is going to consistently watch out for you and your business.  Publicity doesn’t happen by accident.   I know you’re all tech-weenies and into the images you get from your cell phones, but the quality isn’t good for anything but your blog.

So, here’s a quick and easy tip…have a 10-12 megapixel point and shoot in your pocket every time you’re at a convention or a workshop.   And here’s how to take full advantage of it:  get a few images of you interacting with the various manufacturers of the products you use.   Or, how about a few shots of you interacting with other attendees?

When you get home write up a short press release about where you were, who’s in the image and why it’s important to know about.  For example, you were at PhotoPlus Expo and finally decided to get the latest and greatest from Epson because you want to start printing your own big prints.  Well, how about a shot of you in the Epson booth with one of the Epson crew in front of the printer you’re about to add to your studio?

Next up, when you get home, write up a short release.  First paragraph is about the excitement of being able to offer your clients a new level of service, thanks to the additional equipment now being added.  Second paragraph is a quote about how you want to offer your customers the very best technology has to offer.  The third paragraph is just a snipet about who you are, where your studio is and what services you offer.   Wrap it all up with a one liner: “For more information contact _____  at ________ and put in your phone number and email address.

Send the release out to your local paper, the Chamber of Commerce, any local websites you think might have an interest in the topic.  It’s not hard to do, but you have to be consistent and take the time.  You also have to be patient.  You never know when an editor is going to have some space and run something you’ve sent in.   However, everything starts with a decent image to go with the press release and if you don’t have a camera with you, you’ll never get the shot.