Basic Photo Information

Photos are used in almost all forms of visual communication. Most of us know when we see a picture that captures us and one that sends us screaming for Excedrin. Here is some rather general information to hopefully assist you in improving your photographic endeavors.

Feel free to add yours, knowledge has no value if it is never shared.

What are they talking about:

Finish/Technique - the crispness of the finish, the appearance of the colors, technique, and message/theme.

Special Effects/Artistry  – if blurring was used did it add or subtract from the appearance, do the colors appear crisp or are they streaked or blemished

Exposure/Lighting  – effects the tonal quality, the contrast, whether shadows are obliterated, does the photo appear washed out, does it appear to have a realistic appearance with no shadows indicating multiple suns

Composition –  the arrangement of forms (subject matter), did the photographer follow the rule of thirds (this divides a photo into a grid of nine squares, at the intersections of the lines is where the subject matter belongs and where your eye should be drawn).

Photo books are inherently and obviously different than Non-Fiction or Fiction type books though they can and may contain writing the majority of the emphasis and what they are reviewed and judged primarily on are the photographs.

Not everyone has the knowledge or ability to judge photographs, so this information is being provided to assist you.

Helpful Hints -

Examine the overall execution of the photos. Look at the sharpness of the images, the quality of the details in each photo, the contrast and tone (*see notes below), the colors.

Look at the production value: use of lighting, how the shot was set up (lighting and use of the right lens or a camera filter can change a snapshot into a fine photograph).

Check the content (subject matter) of the photo. This is more subjective in that an animal lover would naturally like photos of animals.

Assess the composition of the photos, great composition literally jumps at your eye drawing you right to the focal point of the photo.  Composition conveys the story of the picture.

*Notes:

Tone – is the arrangement of colors that make up an image. Two facts – light colors advance, dark colors recede and our eyes are drawn to lighter colors/objects in a scene

Contrast – creates mood, if tones are close in value but lack deep tones (i.e. Black) or bright (i.e. White) then the photo has low contrast, as tonal values increase so does contrast

A basic understanding of what captures the eye in a photograph applies to the covers of your book and its content. If the cover does not capture someone’s attention it is sure to be a turnoff to potential buyers in today’s market.

Creating a cover that does not tie into the content of the book, that is not a good idea. No more than baking and apple pie without the apples.