We’ve all seen photos that tell the story so clearly that you hardly need words. Once the images are found, what’s the best way to keep track of them and their origin?
Secret Photo Library Tips
Here’s a couple of my secrets for finding and editing images that pop off the page.
- Purchase and download images from reliable sources.
Pro Tip: Check out your supplier image galleries.
- Pictures speak louder than words. Select images that are memorable and relevant to your message and brand.
- Maintain your own photo library on your hard drive.
- Arrange and catalog images by topic. For example, have a folder of images for each of your top selling destinations, modes of travel (planes, trains and automobiles), etc.
- Edit the image name to include the source of the image. For example, “Broadway, NYC – Pixabay”. This tells the entire story and is a quick reference in case there’s any question about the image source. Normally the image is sold with an identifying number. If so, maintain that in your new image name as a reference.
- Get creative with image editing tools to add overlays, text and filters when available for your image choice. Here’s some of my favorites.
- Size matters! Ensure the image size and shape are correct for the platform you’re using. Cheat Sheet here.
Bonus Image Tip
Fact or Fib?
“I took a photo of some clients on a recent tour. I can use it anytime, anywhere”
If you said Fib you’re absolutely right! The Supreme Court ruled that people have a reasonable expectation of privacy. If you’re in a public space, you’ve forfeited part of that right to privacy. However, better to be safe than sorry. Having your clients sign a photo release form before they travel with you is a way to protect yourself. I recently did a photo shoot for a new website and had some industry colleagues in the photos. Each of them signed a photo release even though they’re friends and colleagues. It took me about 10 minutes to pull together the form. Here’s an online source. And another.
Bottom line: If it’s on the internet and others wrote or created it, don’t use it without their permission.
The ultimate goal is to create and post images that are legal, shareable and provide relevance for your audience. Creating visual gems is easy when you play by the rules.
What sources do you use for your images?
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About Catherine Heeg
Catherine Heeg is a recognized social media trail blazer passionate about social media and marketing in the tourism and hospitality industry.
She creates and delivers meaningful, dynamic workshops that meet your unique needs in the Travel, Tourism & Hospitality Industry. She and her team help travel, tourism and hospitality pros design and implement social media marketing strategies and tactics that drive traffic to their social and web sites. Learn more…
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