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Congratulations on your Endorsement!!

© Hunter

Once you are Endorsed by the party of your choice to run for the elected office of your choice, the reality sets in and the work of the campaign begins.

There are a million and one things to be done and it usually seems they need to be done at the same time.

I will cover many of these issues with you, but let's begin with the campaign photographs. It is important to understand the purpose of the campaign photos.

The candidate's photograph must have enough charisma to grab the readers attention and make the reader want to read the text that will accompany it.

The photograph must also deliver a message, as it may very well be a person's first and/or only impression of you. There must be a great deal of thought put into what you want your photograph to say to the people who you hope will vote for you.

For the candidate's portrait photograph, you want to show strength, integrity and friendliness. For a man this seems to be easier to accomplish. Picture a man who is the Chairman of the Board of a large corporation in your mind, set the stage and shoot the picture and smile a little, but never too much; wear a dark suit with a white shirt and tie; and be sure you hair is short and you face well- shaven. A woman on the other hand may have more to think about. She needs to decide if her hair should be worn up or down, makeup or no makeup, smile or no smile, what makes you look strong, yet approachable. You want to look experienced, but not too old and your clothing must be very conservative.

It is interesting to see that the double- standard is alive and well, for in your informational brochures, a man always is encouraged to take his picture with his spouse and children, showing them as a strong and loving family. On the other hand, this is something a woman is told to stay away from. Especially if she has younger children, as it will bring to mind the question, "Who is taking care of her husband and children while she is campaigning and/or serving in office?" A lot of voting citizens out there still believe that women's first priority should be taking care of their husband, children and home.

Always hire a professional photographer for the best results, however, and more importantly, bring along someone that has experience with political photographs.