An efficient method was developed for the preparation of a series of zinc Schiff base complexes. Introduction of a pyridyl group as a bridging unit as well as incorporation of ethynyl and electron-donating groups into the salicylidene moiety of these complexes moderately enhances the photoluminescence intensity and quantum yield. Electron-rich palladium groups possibly influence the photophysical character through the bridging CC bond. The crystal structure of the pyridine adduct of a salen Zn complex is determined by X-ray diffraction analysis.