It’s been said that a picture is worth a thousand words. The pictures on your website could be worth more if they effectively communicate with your target audience and connect with them in a powerful way. However, if your website images convey the wrong messages, misconceptions about your brand may circulate on the internet, misconceptions that can be very destructive for your business. And you certainly don’t want that, right?
How about a fun fact? Neuroscientists discovered that our brains identify images in a whopping 13 milliseconds. Our brains process visuals 60,000 faster than the written word. Putting this into perspective: high-quality, beneficial, and appropriate website imagery is the most powerful medium in getting your brand’s message across to potential clients.
Here are some tips to consider when using images on your website.
Hire a Professional Photographer
Of course you want to integrate quality images on your website. And these days, you can capture a pretty decent photograph via a cellular device. But you may need to go above and beyond what the camera on your iPhone can offer. That’s where a professional photographer can come in handy. If you are in the market for a photographer, you can always contact us at 323-848-4465 and we’ll help you find one!
Know The Basics
There are two important elements in photography that you must always remember: great lighting and smart composition. Having both of these elements in your photograph makes for a powerful image.
Great Lighting Is A Must
Make sure the light captured in your photograph balances out well. This will help your viewers — and potential clients — clearly see what you want them to see. Everyone gravitates towards light, and having great lighting will help your brand make a great first impression. For portraits, make sure the subject’s face is visible, be mindful of any unwanted shadows covering the face, or distracting objects or photo-bombers in the background. If the image includes your product, make sure that it is in focus and well-balanced with the background.
Composition Is Key
We tend to gravitate toward light and our eyes like to see images aligned with a certain sense of order. This is what is known in photography as The Rule of Thirds. It involves partitioning images into thirds, with the subject falling at or along one of those partitions. Essentially, with any image there is a grid of two vertical and two horizontal lines dividing your image into nine separate boxes. The most prominent parts of your image fall on or near those lines. This rule will help you create an even composition throughout the photograph.
Images and Branding Go Hand In Hand
Most successful brands use a balance of imagery and illustration to accompany their logos. That said, the imagery supporting the brand in the photograph becomes just as strong as the concept defining the brand. Think big brands like Apple, Coca-Cola, and Snapple. All incorporate great imagery into their photography, which corroborates the brand’s powerful marketing message. Just visit any one of their websites and you’ll see what we mean.
Stock Photography
The important thing to remember here is that you’re not the only one using stock photographs. So, as your brand matures, you’re less likely to appear unique in the market if you continue to integrate stock photography. We all know that there is never enough time and money, and stock photography might be your best option to start — and that’s okay.
But, as a suggestion, try spending some time making a list of images you like for your website. Once you have a list that you’re happy with, send POP THE PIXEL a message and we’ll happily advise you on editing those images, so that your brand doesn’t get stuck in that ‘stock photo’ look and feel.
No matter what, always remember to be unique. It will make a world of a difference for your brand and business.
We’re Here For You
In a nutshell, the composition of your image is important. Creating an aesthetically pleasing balance in any photograph will help keep the viewer engaged and gain their interest in your brand. We know that selecting the right images for your website can be a bit daunting and overwhelming. So don’t be afraid to reach out to us! We love to help our clients with guidelines and suggestions for site banner images, effects for print materials, and so on. We’re just a click or a call away.
About the Author of This Post
Christopher Dalbey is an actor and screenwriter who likes to hear the funny side of the story first. You can follow his odd-yssey on Instagram, and see full clips of his work on christopherdalbey.com.