A picture is worth a thousand words, says the old adage.

While we clearly cannot dispense with words, a strong image has the power to turn heads, and will significantly increase the impact of the story.

While many images are now turned out via happy amateurs' digital cameras, I believe this approach shows in the lacklustre results.

A picture needs to be professionally taken if it is to have maximum impact.

The images here, taken by Rob Stratton helped secure acres of column inches.

Take a look, and you'll see why.