Technical specifications

As Spotlight is published both in print and online we require photos that are suitable for both mediums.

Around 50% of members who change their book photos during a renewal period, decide to use a photo from their online gallery, so we make sure that all photos submitted, whether for book or for online are of print quality.

Photos in the online gallery are currently constrained to a 600 x 600 pixel box size, so images need to be at least this size to get the best possible quality. Portfolio photos are not cropped or resized, but we will remove any white or black borders to conform to our house style.
The size of a book photo depends on which book the performer will appear in. Please note that all photos printed in the book will be cropped to the exact book dimensions.

Any photos supplied in colour for the book photo, will be kept as colour online, but converted to black and white for the book, where appropriate.

Supplying photographs

Photos can be supplied either as hardcopies, email, on disk, or uploaded via the actors UPDATE PIN.

Digital photos must not be less than 300dpi, measuring at least 8x10 cm and can be sent to photos@spotlight.com. Make sure you state your performer name, the intended publication and your photographer credit.

Hardcopies: should be industry standard 8x10 inch professional prints.

Hardcopies or disks can be sent to Spotlight Production, 7 Leicester Place, London WC2H 7RJ

For any further enquiries, please contact photos@spotlight.com or call 020 7437 7631 during office hours only.

Do not send us your original photo disk supplied from the photographer. Instead copy only the photos you want to use onto a blank disk and send that instead.

Please label all disks / hard copy submissions clearly with your Spotlight name and a contact number. We cannot take responsibility for unlabelled photographs.

Due to storage confinements, Spotlight will keep hard copies on file for 1 year after submission, and disks for 90 days. After this time they will be destroyed.

Specific information by book:

1. Actors / Actresses

• Book photos can be replaced for the printed edition in March-May (Actresses), September-November (Actors)
• Book page: Black & White
• Web Page: Colour and / or Black & White
• Any photos submitted in colour will be published in colour online but converted to black and white for the book
• Dimensions/size to which Spotlight will crop a book picture: 81mm wide x 103mm @ 300dpi
• Please note all book photos will be cropped to head and shoulders format

2. Dancers

• Book photo can be replaced for the printed edition in June-July
• Book Page: Colour and / or Black & White
• Web Page: Colour and / or Black & White
• Dimensions/size to which Spotlight will crop book pictures: 60mm wide x 75mm @ 300dpi
• Please note Dancers should submit 2 photographs when joining - a head and shoulders shot, and a full body shot showing head to toes

3. Presenters

• Book photo can be replaced for the printed edition in June-July
• Book Page: Colour or Black & White
• Web page: Colour and / or Black & White
• Dimensions/size to which Spotlight will crop a book picture: 108mm wide x 127mm @ 300dpi

4. Children & Young Performers

• Book photo can be replaced for the printed edition in November
• Book Page: Black & White
• Web page: Colour and / or Black & White
• Any photos submitted in colour will be published in colour online but converted to black and white for the book
• Dimensions/size to which Spotlight will crop a book picture: 48mm wide x 60mm @ 300dpi
• Please note all book photos will be cropped to head and shoulders format

5. Graduates

• An appearance in Spotlight Graduates is a one-off occasion
• Book Page: Black & White
• Web Page: Colour and / or Black & White
• Any photos submitted in colour will be published in colour online but converted to black and white for the book
• Dimensions/size to which Spotlight will crop a book picture: 68mm wide x 85mm @ 300dpi
• Please note all book photos will be cropped to head and shoulders format

Photo guidelines | Book photo | Portfolio | Managing photos | Technical specs | Photographer