Photo Impacts
MCM241
Fall, 2017
John Couper
Photos: stories without words
Photographs lead readers
◼ To the copy
◼ Into the copy
◼ Through the copy (distinct elements)
◼ E.g., between large and small points
◼ To an important part of the copy
◼ To a larger point and/or the future
◼ Toward some action, feeling, etc.
Strong photographs have a)
◼ Simplicity
◼ Careful cropping
◼ Only show the main elements, avoid
distractions
◼ Internal dynamic
◼ Lines suggested by elements
◼ Placement of focal point(s)
◼ Clear sequence for the eye
◼ Initial focus, second, etc.
Strong photographs have b)
◼ Meaning and/or relationship with impact
◼ Symbolism of larger significance
◼ Something new or inherently interesting
◼ More info on the story and other photographs
◼ “Location” of viewer (above, etc.)
◼ Technical quality (contrast, focus, exposure)
◼ Also, lighting that adds to interest (side, back,
flat, diffused)
◼ Clear and pointed cutlines, heads, etc.
Photos as story-telling
◼ Though static, Photographs can suggest
◼ Change
◼ Relationship/comparison
◼ Motion
◼ Personality
◼ Cause and effect
◼ We automatically make links
◼ That the photographer uses to persuade, etc.
Photographs: symbol and moment
◼ Just as good writing paints a picture in the
mind of the reader, good photos often place
stories in the mind of the viewer/reader
◼ Most good photos offer
◼ a concept
◼ a fleeting experience
◼ both
Idea: coffee as addiction
Experience: boy and friend
Powerful Photo Qualities
Lead the Eye
Imply a Story
Simplicity
Leading Lines
Focal/ “anchor” point
Human/universal interest
Product’s Value
Freeze Time and Motion
“Rule of Thirds”
Use an imaginary grid to increase interest and reduce inertia
Satisfy Dreams
Portrait/character
Emotional Response
Create a Fantasy
Suggest Motion
Argue a Point
Evoke a Mystery
Change the usual Perspective
Inspire Identification
Bend Expectations
Suggest a Solution
Spark Senses
Attract Attention
Demand Urgent Action
Take Readers Somewhere New
Use Story Associations
Create a Strong Contrast
Show a Metaphor
Connect Unusual Dramas
Exaggerate an Experience
Transform the Ordinary
Use Diagonals
Grab the Eye with Contrast
Show a Moment
Use the Codes of a Mood
Choosing photographs
◼ Choose photos that
◼ Reflect the style of the topic, copy and section
◼ Show an event, relationship, information, etc.
◼ Will attract and persuade readers
◼ Supplement the story
Editing photographs
◼ When possible, reduce the photograph to its
strongest and most relevant aspects
◼ Principle: If it doesn’t add, it subtracts
◼ Try to show a relationship
◼ Always come back to the audience

Photography