How and when do I use images?

Good design and what it looks like

It is important to deliberately choose images that help to emphasize your writing. Choosing between photographs, illustrations, horizontal images and vertical images are all very important decisions. More important, however, is what the subject and tone of your image is.

Image Orientation

There are two main orientations of photos, horizontally aligned and vertically aligned, and there is a time and place for each type.

Horizontal images are best when:

• The subject is wider than it is tall
• The photo has horizontal movement (this will "amplify the sense of movement" and causes the viewer to scan left to right)
• To convey a sense of space (the image will seem larger because human vision is horizontally oriented)

Vertical Images are best when:

• The subject is taller than it is wide
• To drive a viewer's eyes up and down or when there is vertical movement.
• To focus attention and make a greater impact (since the viewer is not distracted by peripheral items, the feeling is more compact)

Illustrations vs Photographs

Illustrations and photographs have two very different feels. It is important to consider your subject matter when deciding on the type of picture you are going to use.

Illustrations are best when:

• you want to create a sense of imagination
• trying to "shake-up" a viewer (since illustrations are a deviation from the norm)
• conveying a concept or abstract idea

Photographs are best when:

• you want to depict something literally
• selling a product
• creating a sense of reality or professionalism

Tone and subjects of images

Images can cause intense emotions very easily. It is important that you use images that emphasize the tone of your message. E.g., when writing about a happy occasion don't have sad people in your photographs or use "dark purple" tinted images. Think long and carefully before you make a decision or have someone give you their impressions of a photo before using it.