How To Effectively Use Photographs In Web Design

Research shows that web pages that include compelling images average 94% more views than photos that are considered boring. Your eye will naturally be drawn to an image before words on a website, which is why images are so important, but they need to be professional and used well to have the biggest impact possible.

Don’t neglect the background

The background of a photo is often given the least amount of attention, especially by new photographers who forget its value. Backgrounds can be distracting and take away from the focal point of a photo. You can blur them to bring the focus back, crop some of the background out or add a frame to direct the person’s eyeline to where you want it. A distracting background can make a website look poorly designed and unprofessional, so bear this in mind when taking photographs for your website.

Know what you’re doing

You don’t need to be a photographer to take photographs for your website, but it does help. Having the knowledge, skills, and equipment will help you to get professional photographs that you’ll be proud to show off. Not only can these be shown off on your website, but you can design an online collage to display them around your office to show others what you can offer. If you’re not a photographer, it’s a good idea to hire one to keep your website high quality. Let them know what the website is about and what sort of photographs you want to go with it, and then leave it to them to get creative and come up with the perfect photos that are edited for you. This can prevent photos from becoming warped or badly cropped that will deter people from your website.

Keep it relevant

Using a photo at the top of a web page is a great way to set the tone, providing you pick a fitting photograph. People will instinctively look at a photo before they read what’s on the page, so having the right photo is essential to draw people in and get them to stick around. Make sure any photos with writing over them contrast well to make it easy to read or you may find that people will leave the website to find something more user-friendly. Photographs used throughout your page should illustrate the content and be completely relevant. It’s important to use a good amount of photos, but don’t overdo it either.

Photographs can help to draw people in and keep them interested and interacting with a website, which is why it’s so essential to use them well. Always keep photos looking professional, which may involve hiring a photographer if it’s not your forte.