Congratulations - you've finally gotten an editor interested in a story about your business!

And wonder of wonders, she wants art!

This is usually when the panic sets in. A photo virtually guarantees attention will be drawn to your story. Lots of people read newspapers from cover to cover, but many more scan pages for points of interest. Theyll scan a photo and caption without reading the full story.

Of course, now that photo will be one of you.

Gulp.

If you are blessed and fortunate, an editor will send a photographer to your home or business. First, be grateful. They don't do this for everybody. Second, think about how to make the most of the opportunity:

1. Youre going to have your picture taken. Live with it. Dont insist that a photographer take only shots of your product, your business signage, your office. For these few minutes, you are the center of attention, even more than what you do or have to offer.

2. If the photographer and reporter arrive together, ask to have your photo taken first, when youre fresh.

3. Make sure youve touched up your look before the photographer arrives. Its impolite to make someone wait, and you may be keeping the photographer from another assignment. It makes them cranky.

4. Dress appropriately and have someone check for loose strings, flipped collars and the like before the photographer begins working.

5. Be patient and open to suggestion. A photographer is trying to make you look good, because that makes the newspaper look good.

On your own If a photographer isnt assigned to cover your story, you can still save the day by submitting photos. It's a good idea to have a portrait of yourself and photos of your product or service in action - with an emphasis on the word action.

A good set of professional photographs can be worth their weight in gold, used again and again. Of course, the cost can be prohibitive for someone whos just starting out in business.

Whether you have a traditional film or digital camera, you can take a few photos to accompany press releases or news stories until your budget allows more. Pay close attention to centering images, to lighting and background. Recruit friends or family to pose while using your product or service. Think "lively".

Unless you have a reputation as a terrible photographer. Then, think "HELP."

If all of your pictures are blurry, badly framed, too dark or too light, ask a friend to come by with a camera, call around to find a local camera club. Under no circumstances should you tackle this project.

Because the only thing worse than no photo is a bad photo.