There are many different ways to create interest and impact on a website, depending on its type and purpose. Color and shape can be used; an overall theme can be effective; and an impact can also be created through typography. The use of images and photos is still one of the best ways to create desired interest; however, web design professionals caution about using ordinary images about a topic that happen to be available. Using the wrong photography can ruin a beautiful website – getting it right can make it outstanding!

Photography vs. Other Media

There is wrong with combining different web design media, although there are a few advantages to choosing photography over video, animation, etc. The main benefit is that when properly processed and used, photos usually do not affect the speed or function of a website. Photography benefits a website by providing one more place through which a keyword can be tagged to aid SEO. A photo can be used in multiple ways – either as enhancement alone or as a guide throughout a website to product information and more.

Bad Photography vs. No Photography

Using photographic imagery on a website is fairly standard web design, provided there is access to the right photos. It may be tempting to use one’s own images or ones taken from the internet – if this is done, it is important to be cautious. Besides copyright concerns, poor photography is worse than not using any at all.

Photos used on a website must be crisp, clear, correctly processed, and appropriately saved so a keyword can be used and integrated as a part of SEO – all without creating loading speed problems. Images must also be properly sized and strategically or artistically positioned, depending upon each website and the purpose of the photos.

Most importantly, photos should be of professional quality as non-professional photography often looks like just what it is – mediocre pictures that can degrade the overall presentation of the website. This can negatively affect the other positive elements of the web design and the company it represents.

Suitable Website Photography

Following are some ways to successful add photographs to a website:

  • Amateur – Although this is a method commonly used, it is not recommended unless the photographer is highly skilled and knows how to achieve the desired results.

  • Professional – Hiring an expert with experience and knowledge of how to get perfect images is the best choice. It is not always an affordable option, in which case the following option may be a better option.

  • Stock – Purchasing the rights to stock photography can be the best of both worlds. Good quality images can be found that can be used for a fee and eliminates the need to invest in a professional to do an entire shoot or to buy expensive gear to achieve desired photos. There are many stock photography websites where millions of photos are presented; in all likelihood, the proper photos can be found. Such websites charge membership fees, one-time download fees, usage fees, or sometimes all of them; however, they are convenient, affordable, and often used as a part of modern web design.

Photography, whether used as is or manipulated in photo editing programs to create a desired look is a preferred way to handle images. Studies have shown that viewers prefer to look at websites that have a good balance of photos and copy without adversely affecting the quality and loading speed of the website. Every professional web design company should have access to high-quality images through stock photo subscriptions – and are ready to put them to use to create a good-looking website!

Looking For The Best College Station Web Design Service?

Web Unlimited Creates Dynamic and Appealing Websites!

Call Us at 979-696-2500 Today!

Related Articles:

Critical Web Design Issues About Usability!
Understanding Web Design Lingo!
Does Your Web Design Flow or Back Up?
Appearance and Usability – Which One is Better in Web Design?