Although many publications will accept photos in electronic format, even in this electronic era, you can't rely completely on electronic photos, for two reasons.

"Posting an image to the Web does not mean that you never have to produce a print again," says C. J. Martin, Aerospace Communications Director at NASA. "What looks good on your desktop monitor may not have enough resolution for a publication to use. Really high quality images mean really huge digital image files. Be prepared to offer a transparency or 8 x 10 glossy" so the publication can get the quality it needs. Otherwise they may not be willing to use your photo, even if it's great art."

Martin also explains the second reason why you'll still need old-fashioned, printed photos. "Many editors still use hard copy prints to screen for what they want to use, and then go to a digital product afterwards." If you don't include photos with your pitch, some editors won't be interested -- even if your publicity material lists links to photos on your web site. They're used to looking at something they can hold in their hands, and they're not comfortable with viewing art on a screen.

Photos are cheap. Publicity is valuable. Send the photos!

For more great tips and advice from the expert on how to get your publicity photos published see David R. Yale's "How To Get Publicity Photos In Newspapers, Magazines, And On TV"