Learn how to use photos to gain media coverage

Yorkshire business owners invited to new Picture Perfect PR webinar to learn how to use photos to gain media coverage

Yorkshire PR experts Linda Harrison and Jo Leatham have joined forces with national journalist Alex Lloyd and press photographer David Harrison to deliver a practical online masterclass explaining the power of photography for PR.

Picture Perfect PR is a new online event for business owners taking place live on Wednesday, 1 July at 11am. Business owners, freelancers and brand photographers will gain insight into how national editors think – and simple ways to create images that make stories stand out to the media.

Guest presenter Alex is news editor at Psychologies magazine and also writes for The Sun's Fabulous magazine, the BBC and Best magazine. David is a freelance photographer who worked at The York Press for nearly two decades and now specialises in PR photography for businesses across Yorkshire. Both are based in York.

Alex and David will present a behind-the-scenes look at how editorial decisions are made, and what journalists need from photos for news stories, lifestyle features, business profiles, opinion pieces and product gift guides.

The 90-minute webinar is ideal for business owners in Yorkshire keen to secure national and regional newspaper and magazine coverage, and will give photographers the skills to confidently advise clients on images for PR. The event is being recorded for anyone who can’t attend live, and PR and communications professionals from across the region are also invited to join.

Attendees will gain simple, practical insights into thinking creatively about images to attract media attention with real-life examples of the kind of photos that work for journalists – as well as those that don’t.

Business owners will learn what is the right format and size of images to send journalists, the most common mistakes to avoid, and how to brief professional photographers properly to get pictures for PR. Plus, there’ll be tips on how to use imagery strategically to increase visibility and secure larger, more prominent features.

Linda said: "Journalists get hundreds of emails every day, so it’s essential that your story stands out. Photos are crucial for this. And as many titles no longer have staff photographers, editors increasingly need pitches which have the right images supplied with them in the right format, size and style.

“We’re so lucky to have two incredible Yorkshire-based experts, Alex and David, sharing their decades of knowledge at this event. It’s a fantastic opportunity for business owners and photographers to spend a morning learning first-hand what editors want in 2026. It’s guaranteed to make you rethink how you pitch journalists!”

After Alex and David’s presentations, there’ll be a 30-minute Q&A session. Plus, one person’s name will be drawn live during the webinar, who will win a free PR Power Hour (worth £135) with Jo and Linda. And as the session is being recorded, everyone with a ticket will receive the replay, including those who can’t join on the day.

Jo added: "Many businesses invest time crafting a strong story but overlook the importance of images. In reality, photographs are often the first thing a journalist or editor sees, and invariably images can determine whether a pitch gets considered or ignored.

"With media budgets under pressure like never before, the demand for high-quality, ready-to-use photography has never been greater. The right image can elevate a story and secure more prominent coverage. This masterclass will show people exactly how to use photography as a strategic PR tool rather than an afterthought."

Alex Lloyd is a freelance journalist who started her career as a reporter with The York Press, and then worked for press agencies in the UK and the US. She’s held editorial positions at Real People, Prima Baby and the Sunday Mirror, and was a senior feature writer for The Sun's women's section. As well as being News Editor at Psychologies magazine, Alex is also Health Editor for the British Heart Foundation magazine.

David has worked as a professional photographer since 1985. Following a decade as a freelance photographer for local newspapers and national music paper Melody Maker, he spent 19 years as a staff photographer at The York Press. Today, he specialises in PR photography for businesses, as well as events, conferences, award ceremonies and corporate functions.

Tickets are £25.00 (plus Eventbrite fee) and can be booked at: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/picture-perfect-pr-online-masterclass-tickets-1989098883305?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true