Photo Guidelines (part 2) - Cover the basics
Monday, July 13, 2009 at 9:00AM Last week we looked at the benefits of using photography guidelines for business images. So exactly what do guidelines need to cover? When creating photo guidelines, the level of detail covered is influenced by many factors, including the size of your business and the goals for your media library. Photo guidelines can be as simple as a one-page checklist or a more extensive handbook. In general, the most helpful visual media guidelines will include the following:
1. Define a style
It is important that all of your images share specific style standards, such as image orientation, color, focus/depth of field, motion, interaction of people. When defining the style of images, be sure it is in keeping with the corporate or brand identity.
2. Define categories
Establish different categories of images, e.g., people portraits, products and locations. While all photographs can be guided by an overall style, each category will have its own unique needs.
3. Provide examples
Include 'do' and 'don't' sample images so that anyone reading the document can clearly see what the guidelines mean.
4. Technical issues
Include specifics about image quality and formats, applicable across all styles. Define how you want images to be delivered, and the requirements for print resolution and web/screen use.
Photo Guidelines can also spell out necessary health and safety practices. These apply to what can be pictured in a photograph (e.g., safety gear, uniforms, activities), as well as the safety regulations the photographer and crew must adhere to when shooting at specific locations.
Thorough, well-prepared guidelines give you, your team, designers and photographers a better understanding of how to brief, select and create images specifically for your needs.
"With the guidelines, we can brief and steer photographers and have a common understanding of the photo needs. The photographers like it because it’s simple to understand and helps us all avoid misinterpretations. We’ve applied the guidelines to many different projects with very good results."
Alstom Communications, Alstom (Switzerland) Ltd.
The more information your photo guidelines provide, the more helpful they will be in everyday use. And the more confident you can be that your photography requests will deliver images that work for you. If you'd like to get more details on how photography guidelines can help you and your business, please contact us.