Press photos

A good photo in the press is invaluable. In the arts, you can get coverage to sell your

product in a way that most retailers would envy. 

A good photo can also make up for not having a strong story angle and may get you into the

news section (especially if you're out and about in the streets of your city). Think visually and

always be on hand at the shoot to assist the photographer and make suggestions.

Some photographers like to get in and get the picture fast while others like to take their

time, direct the subjects and try a number of variations. You need to be there to keep

everyone happy, making sure the photographer is getting a good shot and not over 

taxing the artists involved. Don't be afraid to voice your opinion (tactfully, of course)

about what you think will make a good shot or if you think the photographer is moving

away from the intended aesthetic. On the other hand, remember press photographers are

professionals and usually know what they're doing. They may get very frustrated if they

WORTH A

have several people voicing their opinions and telling them what to do.

THOUSAND

You don't need to be over scrupulous with the accuracy of what is shot. For example, if an

WORDS

actor is on set with a swing, having him/her hang off it may make a more interesting shot.

Don't be concerned that this doesn't occur in the show. Use your common sense and get the

Saturday, page three, The

right balance between getting an innovative shot, accuracy and the expectation you create.

Dominion Post   A four 

column photo features a

Do, however, be concerned with how your intended audiences might perceive the

bevy of leggy dancers from

photograph. For instance, avoid shots with people sitting on tables. Maori and Pacific

the BodyCartography

Island cultures find this offensive.

Project, rehearsing a work

When photographing an artwork, make sure the photographer is aware of the correct

entitled Lagoon for the 2003

procedures for handling art: e.g. the work should only be touched by the appropriate

Fringe NZ Festival. The

people   the artist or qualified gallery staff. 

caption story gives the

venue of the performances

(Frank Kitts Park lagoon),

the dates (that night and the

next), the time (7.30pm) and

the cost (donation).

5

Publicist Shelley McCarten

had sent the arts reporter a

media release two weeks

before the event, then

followed it up with a phone

call. She says getting on

page three was a real bonus

  second only to front page

coverage. Lagoon is a really

visual work   the costumes,

the lagoon, the dancers and

the musicians. The photo

was a great way to

encapsulate what the work

was all about. 

And the result? Big crowds

to the Saturday and Sunday

night performances.

60

Smart arts

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