When was the last time you turned over the pages of a magazine without much attention? Did you notice the advertisements? If yes, then they have perhaps included computer graphics or painted or drawn pictures, but more probably, they comprised photographs. Nowadays, we see photography everywhere, even in
graphic design.
Graphic design is an art of uniting pictures and text to communicate a message or idea. It is used in the marketing and advertising fields. In comparison to fine arts, where illustrations come from the artist’s imagination, in graphic design, designers work for customers who want to communicate a particular message. The client may want to sell their products or services or may want to raise brand awareness. Whichever is the case, graphic designers are supposed to meet their requirements.
No matter what language people speak or understand, photographs are the most engaging way to communicate ideas. They convey a story with a sense of realism. Just imagine how unsuccessful advertisements would be without pictures. Although to create images, graphic designers can make use of a lot of design software, they can have more skills in their arsenal if they become acquainted with the creation of good photography.
When it comes to taking great pictures, there is no single path. A lot of it depends on the instincts of the photographer and how it can connect to the viewer
. The entire photography process is extremely subjective
. Despite that, you should follow a few techniques and guidelines that will support you a long way. If you have planned to use pictures for your graphic design project, here are a few tips on how to take great photos for your graphic design projects:
Theme:
In photography, a project theme is basically the first thing you need to take care of. What type of mood does your client want? How will you shoot a photo on the basis of the client’s selected theme? You need to gain knowledge on the subject or the mood to trap the concept of photographs. You can have a discussion with your client or team and bring out shots that can demonstrate the project’s core concept.
Subject:
What or who are you going to shoot? Is it portraiture or still photography? You can enquire with your client if they want their key product to be the shoot focal point, or they want to add additional elements to the shoot. Having a clear understanding of the subject is very important, as based on that, you can figure out the type of photography style you will be using.
Audience:
Who are you targeting? Who will see your project? In order to find out how to direct your shoot, you need to have a clear understanding of the target audience. This will help you create more compelling projects.
Camera:
Choosing the right camera is the key. Since you will be taking photos for your official project, it’s important to work with a camera that you are at ease with. Having a familiar camera can help you shoot pictures with ease. When we talk about the camera, the lenses play a vital role. Depending upon the type of shoot, your camera should have appropriate lenses. For example, for a closer look, you need to switch your lenses. Also, don’t forget to consider the batteries and memory of your camera. Carry extra batteries while going out for a shoot so that you don’t face any problem just because of batteries.
Lighting:
When it comes to photography, natural light is a photographer’s best friend. Working in a studio requires extra time to adjust the lights as per the pose of the subject. Obviously, natural light will go away at one point in time, but it gives a chance to create a different atmosphere for the pictures. Moreover, to attain well-lit pictures, you don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars on supplementary gears.
Angles:
In photography, angles are used to define the visual statement, identity and aim. The angles used in a photograph speak a lot about the artists’ message. While snapping photographs for your design venture, you need to have an understanding of the right angles. Before shooting for the final project, try to experiment with different angles. We are sure that your images will come out stronger than expected.
Background:
In photography, one should never underestimate the power of backgrounds. They can have a huge impact on the composition of the picture. Photos with distracting backgrounds may make the picture look cluttered, while the right background can add depth and meaning to the photo. If you master in the art of creating effective backgrounds, you can improve your photography quickly. Before taking the final shot, it’s better to experiment with the backgrounds. This way, you can shoot perfectly for your graphic design project.
Conclusion:
So, folks, these are a few tips to take great photos for your graphic design projects. Follow them and create amazing photos, and with a little practice and experimentation, you can shoot great images without any difficulties. Good luck!
