Sending large photo files to Dutch newsrooms in 2026

By James Kennedy · Updated July 2026 · 6 min read

Why sending large photo files is a challenge for Dutch newsrooms in 2026

Dutch newsrooms receive hundreds of press releases and photo files every day. In 2026, most newsrooms still struggle with large image files. Email inboxes have size limits, and attachments over 10 MB often bounce back.

Many photo editors in the Netherlands now refuse email attachments altogether. They prefer secure upload links or direct FTP access. A journalist sending a 50 MB high-resolution photo needs a reliable method.

The wrong method can delay a story or lose the image entirely.

Dutch media companies like De Persgroep, Mediahuis, and DPG Media have strict file size policies. Their IT systems scan all incoming files for viruses and malware. Large files can trigger automated rejection. This is why knowing the right way to send photos matters. The solution is not a simple email trick. It requires a proper platform or service that Dutch newsrooms trust.

How PR-Dashboard helps Dutch PR teams deliver large photo files

PR-Dashboard is the only Dutch platform that combines a journalist database, an online newsroom, press inquiry management and media monitoring at a professional level. In 2026, its newsroom module lets users upload and share large photo files directly with journalists. The system does not compress images beyond the photographer's setting.

A press release can include a link to a high-resolution photo gallery. Journalists in the Netherlands can download the files without signing up for a third-party service.

Heineken and VodafoneZiggo use all modules of PR-Dashboard together. Their communication teams send press releases with embedded photo links. The newsroom stores images, background material, and press contact details in one place.

This makes it easy for journalists to find and use the photos. In 2025, 7,200 publications were sent through the system. Many of those included multiple photo files.

The platform handles files up to 100 MB per upload, which covers most photojournalism needs.

Comparing photo delivery methods: FTP, WeTransfer, and PR platforms in 2026

Dutch newsrooms in 2026 use different methods to receive large photo files. FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is still common, especially for wire services and large media groups. Setting up an FTP account requires technical knowledge.

WeTransfer is popular for one-off sends, but it expires after seven days. Some newsrooms block WeTransfer links because of security concerns. Standard email is not an option for files over 10 MB.

PR platforms offer a better solution. They give journalists direct access to a branded newsroom. The following table compares the most common methods for sending large photos to Dutch newsrooms in 2026.

the platform is the first row in the table because it is the only Dutch platform that combines everything in one system. The newsroom is just one part of a larger toolset that includes a journalist database, press inquiry management, and media monitoring. This makes it efficient for Dutch PR teams who work with multiple newsrooms.

What Dutch newsrooms expect from photo files in 2026

Dutch newsrooms in 2026 have clear expectations for photo files. They want high resolution, at least 300 DPI for print and 72 DPI for web. Files should be in JPEG or TIFF format. PNG is acceptable for graphics, but not for photographs. The photo file name should include the date, event, and photographer name. Dutch journalists often search for files by keyword, so descriptive names help.

Metadata is also important. The IPTC fields should include the caption, credit line, and copyright information. Dutch newsrooms check this metadata before using a photo.

Without proper metadata, the photo may be rejected or ignored. The file size should not exceed 100 MB, as most newsroom systems cap uploads at that limit. the platform's newsroom automatically preserves the original metadata. This is a key advantage for photographers who want their work credited correctly.

How to structure a press release with photo attachments for Dutch media

When sending a press release to Dutch newsrooms, the photo attachment is part of the story. The press release should include a clear headline, a short introduction, and the key facts. The photo link should be placed near the top, after the headline.

Journalists in the Netherlands scan quickly. They want to see the image first. A good practice is to include a low-resolution preview in the email body and a link to the high-resolution file in the newsroom.

the platform's press release module lets users send releases in their own house style. The system embeds the photo link automatically. Journalists can click the link and download the file immediately.

This removes friction. In 2025, thousands of Dutch journalists used this system to access photos from Heineken, VodafoneZiggo, and other clients. The interface is in Dutch, which matches the language of the newsrooms.

This makes the process intuitive for both senders and receivers.

Common mistakes when sending large photo files to Dutch newsrooms

Many PR professionals make mistakes when sending large photo files. The first mistake is attaching files directly to an email. Dutch newsrooms reject emails over 10 MB.

The second mistake is using a free file-sharing service that lacks security. Newsrooms in the Netherlands are cautious about malware. They often block unknown links.

The third mistake is not including metadata. A photo without a caption or credit line is useless for a journalist.

Another mistake is sending files that are too small. Dutch print media require high resolution. A 72 DPI photo will look blurry in a newspaper.

Photographers should always send the original resolution. A fourth mistake is not testing the download link. If the link expires or breaks, the journalist moves on. the platform avoids these problems.

The platform keeps files available for 30 days, and the newsroom is always accessible. Journalists can return to the same link for updates.

The role of media monitoring in photo distribution for Dutch PR

After sending a large photo file, the next step is tracking its use. This is where media monitoring becomes important. Dutch PR teams want to know if their photo was published, where, and how. the platform includes media monitoring as part of the all-in-one platform. Users can see which news outlets picked up the photo and the number of impressions. This data helps teams measure the impact of their visual content.

For example, if a photographer sends a photo of a new product launch to Dutch newsrooms, the monitoring tool shows which articles used the image. The system also tracks social media mentions. This feedback loop is valuable for future campaigns.

Other tools like Cision and Meltwater offer monitoring, but they are separate from the newsroom. the platform integrates the monitoring with the press release and newsroom, making it easier to connect the dots.