How to Use Photography for Corporate Gifts or Cards
As the temperature drops and holiday spirits rise, it’s time to think about ordering and sending out gifts to your clients, partners, and staff members. I might be biased, but I think incorporating photos into holiday gifts and cards is a wonderful way to add a personal touch.
Here are some considerations when using photography for corporate gifts or cards.
File Size and Quality
As you’re choosing a photo to include on cards or other items, the first thing you’ll want to consider is the file size and quality. You wouldn’t want a blurry or fuzzy holiday card going out to all your clients and partners!
Keep in mind that some software changes the file size of images, so if you’re using a picture that’s been passed around via email, it’s best to find the original photo to ensure the highest resolution. Look for the version with the largest file size. You can always make an image smaller, but when you blow it up, that’s where you might find problems.
A good rule of thumb is to have no less than 300 pixels per inch. So if you want to know how big you can print an image before you lose quality, divide the number of pixels on the long side by 300. For example, if the long side of your image is 4200 pixels, then the largest print you can make is 14 inches.
iPhone Photo Considerations
If you’re using an iPhone to take photos for the holidays, you should know that zooming in is essentially just cropping the photo. So you’re better off cropping the photo after the fact so that you start with a higher resolution photo.
Another word of caution if you plan on using a photo taken on a phone: the image might look good on your phone, but it’s good to get a sample before you place a full order, which is a good practice anyway.
Local Printers and Photographers
If you’re working with a photographer to take pictures that you plan on printing, let them know what size you’d like to print in. The photographer can keep that in mind, so you get the best shots for your purpose. Professional photographers can also “upsize” files after the fact, so they can help you get the best file quality.
Working with a local printer has a number of benefits over the large online printing companies. They can actually work with you to get the best product for your organization. Since some colors show up differently depending on the screen, you’ll be able to get a sample of your photo product to see what it will actually look like. If you ask me, that’s a whole lot better than the “pay and pray” method you’ll get with large printers.
Much like developing rapport with a photographer, building a relationship with local print shops give you more value in the long run. A local print shop offers more personalized customer service and can save you a great deal on shipping.
Picking the Photos
When it comes to picking out which photos to use, keep in mind two things:
- What story you’re telling
- What product you’re working with
For example, if you’re proud of the number of people you hired over the year, a full staff photo would be a nice representation. That’s the story. But if you want to send out coffee mugs with a picture of 500 people—detail will be a concern. Finding a photo that complements your organization’s story and the product medium can sometimes be a challenge. But when you use images that take both elements in mind, you’ll have a very nice photo gift or card.
If your organization needs photos taken for holiday cards or gifts, contact me today.
