Published in magazine how to benifit?

[Jimmyz]

Redbook magazine asked me to do a maternity session and payed me well to publish one of the photos in this upcoming magazine.
I would like to spin this into some free publicity. I wanted to contact the local newspaper but I also want to come across as professional like I have done this before.
Any adviceon how I should handle this.
Any forms or samples of what to send to the newspaper?
Would it be wrong to send information to more then one local paper?
How can I benefit the most?
Thanks
JimmyZ

[SimonD]

What's so newsworthy about getting published in a magazine?

"Write something on me because I had a picture published?"

I dont see this working unless you live in a really, really small town! No offence met.

Rather just add it to your portfolio.

[Jimmyz]

Thanks for you thoughts Simon

[SimonD]

Sure - just not sure how it was newsworthy.

Perhaps come up with an "angle" on a story to match your pics, and then submit both to your local media? Going to have to be careful to get the message across without getting cut.

[captlen]

Jimmy,

it is news worthy that the local mom will be in the magazine. That might be the twist and of course in the article the photog would be mentioned.

[PGX]

Why not do a press release? I don't understand why you would just let this pass.

I would do one, and send it to all news outlets. You just never know. For the 30 minutes it would take to write it, and the 2 minutes it would take to email it, someone might see it and call you, or it will just throw your name in the heap.

Press releases can be effective tools. ANYTHING that is remotely newsworthy could be advertised in this way. I used to do them for sloce to everything. Attending a workshop, publication, hosted events, anything I could think of. It does help insert you into the town psyche.

[Jimmyz]

PGX
What I am looking for is an idea of what a press release should look like?
I understand to some it may not seem press worthy to get a picture published that will have my studios name and website created, but I have heard of other photographers who even send a press release for winning a PPA award. Its just wise to get any type of free press. I just need some experienced help on how to do present a press release and do it RIGHT.
JimmyZ

[PGX]

Press Release Writing Tips - Sample Press Release

There are some samples there. Have fun!

[Jimmyz]

PGX
I owe you!
thanks
JimmyZ

[Medved]

Hi Jimmy,
First, congrats and a high five for landing the Redbook gig! That will be a real feather in your cap or portfolio, if that is where you keep feathers.

I can help a little with your question and the answer depends to some extent on where you live. I used to be both a newspaper photographer and later an editor for a mid-sized daily newspaper. In ther case of where I worked, this would not be considered news and I would probably refer you to the advertsing department. However, on smaller home town newspapers, say a weekly with limited audience, this may make it in as a local personality. You say, "as if I were a pro and done this before." From that I take it photography is not your full time job. That makes it easier for the local paper to pick it up along the lines of local guy makes it to a national magazine. That is about all I can think of as far as newspapers go.

Once the photos come out you can advertise yourself as a nationally published photographer in your own brochures or advertising.

That about exhausts my knowledge. I am sure others here will have more concrete advice.

Again, way to go on getting the assignment and good shooting.

Medved

[Jimmyz]

Thanks Medved
I am excited just to have this opportunity. I am a full time photographer but have never had a photo published in a national magazine, We have a small town type paper.