How to take and use photos

1. Plan ahead

Just as you would plan an event ahead of time, think about what photo opportunities there might be before the day itself. That way you can be prepared to capture those moments, or to set them up quickly and painlessly. If the Bookstart Bear is coming to meet children, for example, make sure you find a couple of children at the start of the event who will react well to him, ready to set up your shot later in the day.

2. Make 'em big

Newspapers, magazines and poster designers need photographs at high resolution. Digital cameras often have default settings that mean the pictures you take are actually very small: big enough for a 6” x 4” photo, but no use for a newspaper page.

Make sure you set up your camera so that the picture you take is big enough. For printing, you need your image to be 300dpi (dots per inch), while newspapers need at least 150dpi. This usually requires your camera’s largest setting, or you should refer to your manufacturer’s instructions.

3. People love people

When considering what to take a photo of, remember that people like to look at people. It is much better to take a photo of someone reading a book than one of the outside of the library; much better to get a group of toddlers singing than a pile of beautiful books. Try to get close to people so that their faces fill as much of the photo as possible.

4. Colour

Sometimes your photo will be reprinted in black and white, so it important to make sure it is well lit and not overly bright or dark. A colourful photo, however, might persuade your local newspaper to print it in the colour section. Try to include bright colours in your shot: people with brightly-coloured T shirts, a colourful carpet or props which add a splash of colour.

5. Consent

Remember that you must obtain written consent from everyone who appears in any photo you will use in a newspaper or may in the future use for marketing. To be on the safe side, you could ask everyone at the event to fill in a consent form: perhaps on their way in. This allows you to plan your shots if people say no. Different consent forms are needed for children under 16, so ensure you use the right one.