How to Get Eye-Catching Photos for Your Articles

Lastly, you can use a bit of creative liberty to give some oomph to your photos. This doesn't necessarily mean going crazy with Photoshop. An offset, as in this photo, can be a pleasing effect that gives your picture a bit of creative flair.Not only do you want to be sure your photo is crystal clear, as in step one, check your background. The background should not be too busy. If you have a point and shoot camera, you might not be able to control the aperature setting, which can control your Depth of Field (this is how much blur in the background, or lack thereof). A shallow Depth of Field can blur out a busy background and make your subject the main focal point of the photo. Some point and shoot cameras will do this automatically, especially if you are at enough of a distance and using a good optical zoom.The first step in creating great article photos is to make sure your pictures are crisp and clear, with no blur (unless the blur has a reason in the taking of the photo, such as for artistic effect).View the list ยป
The first rule in great photos for your articles is to be sure your photos are crisp.

Jobs newsletter

Did you know that you can take your own photos for your articles? But, you do not want just any picture. You want to capture your reader's attention! And the photos are the first thing your reader will see, so they should make an impression.

Related topics

Advertisement

You don't need to be a professional photographer with fancy equipment. Just follow a few simple rules.

  1. Make sure your photos are crystal clear. Even point and shoot cameras can take crisp photos if you make sure the settings are correct for the shot and lighting. Read the manual. Most point and shoot cameras have a dial with scene modes that make it easy to choose your shot. You can choose auto mode and let the camera make the decision or choose one of the preset scene modes to aid you. If you have a digital SLR camera, be sure you know all the functions of the camera as well as at least a basic knowledge of light, shutter and aperature settings.
  2. Be aware of your background. A busy background may cause your photo to get lost within the din. Try to find a background color that compliments your image. See the photo of the black cat with the blue background for an example. Often contrasting colors can make an image pop!
  3. Get creative. Think about a way to make your photo a bit different, rather than "just a photo" that looks like everyone else's, think like an artist. Offset your subject, as in the photo of my horse, Kobeejo. Or play with color and saturation.

When writing your article, think about the theme and subject. Try and find a way to have your pictures match. Writing about a 19th Century train? Use an old newspaper setting (many cameras have these special settings built in), or a Sepia tone. Next thing you know, publishers will be buying not just your words, but your creativity as well.

For more photos, check out KJ Photography 2013. Email me at christine.church@sbcglobal.net for prices and to set an appointment for low priced, high quality photographs.

View the list
  • The first step in creating great article photos is to make sure your pictures are crisp and clear, with no blur (unless the blur has a reason in the taking of the photo, such as for artistic effect).
  • Not only do you want to be sure your photo is crystal clear, as in step one, check your background. The background should not be too busy. If you have a point and shoot camera, you might not be able to control the aperature setting, which can control your Depth of Field (this is how much blur in the background, or lack thereof). A shallow Depth of Field can blur out a busy background and make your subject the main focal point of the photo. Some point and shoot cameras will do this automatically, especially if you are at enough of a distance and using a good optical zoom.
  • Lastly, you can use a bit of creative liberty to give some oomph to your photos. This doesn't necessarily mean going crazy with Photoshop. An offset, as in this photo, can be a pleasing effect that gives your picture a bit of creative flair.
View the list

, Hartford Writing Careers Examiner

Christine Church has been a professionally published author since 1992. Since that time, she has had hundreds of articles and several books published through professional publications. Many of these publications have won major awards, including the "Iams Responsible Cat Ownership Award" for her...

Advertisement

Today's top buzz...