Let’s begin with this helpful video that explains how images help communicate our messages
Photo Direction and Cropping
I challenge you to refrain from using stock photography in its original form. Unless you have hired a photographer and personally directed the photoshoot, I would suggest carefully analyzing your photographs to see how they can be cropped to best fit your needs.
Below are examples of a stock photograph and how it can be resized and cropped to change how it affects your layout and design. Changes include:
- Moving an element to the front by slightly cropping its edges
- De-cluttering a busy background by enlarging the photo and cropping out extra elements
- Creating a more emphasized and abstract shape to grab the reader’s eye and attention
- Moving or changing the emphasis of the primary element (or other elements)
- Adjusting the visual hierarchy of your elements
- Changing the “white space” available to place your other design elements (headline, copy, art, logos, etc.)
- Adjusting your photo to utilize the “Rule of Thirds.”
Selecting and cropping photos based on your message and audience
What are you trying to communicate? Who is your audience?
Client: Yoga Studio
These photos are all of women in a yoga studio. Looking through them, consider how each could be used effectively depending on the message being delivered and the audience being targeted.
Which photo would you choose for a studio with a brand message of:
- Intense, high-aerobic, calorie-burning yoga?
- Friendly and welcoming?
- Focused, peaceful, introspective, and calming?
- Youthful place to bring your kids?
- A place to make friends and be a part of the community?
