Choosing The Right Image.

Imagery is everywhere we turn. Sometimes it is appropriately chosen to convey the necessary message and at times it makes little sense. When our firm is designing a new advertisement, email campaign or video, we can spend days looking through images before we find one that fits the bill. That is how important the right image is.

What you want to think about first is what does the image need to convey? Is it an overall message? A feeling? A point of reference? Or is it backup to proving a point? There are a multitude of reasons why we choose an image. Once that image is chosen, make sure it fits with your original goal for what the image was to accomplish.

I tend to take a lot of pictures, no matter where I go, and they do come in handy at times. But when I don't find what I need in my ever growing library of images, then I turn to online sources such as ClipArt.com, Photos.com or other subscription services. They are not terribly expensive and if you are on a very limited budget then I suggest doing the shortest subscription they have (which typically is 1 month) and spend a few hours a week while you have it, downloading any and all images that you may be able to use in the future.

What you NEVER want to do is copy an image that you have not paid for. This can lead to legal battles and judgments that can destroy a small business. By using the subscription services or taking the pictures yourself, you maintain the right to use the images. Just keep your receipt for the subscription service and you'll be fine.

There are some free image sites out there but you need to read the fine print as most do not allow for them to be used for commercial purposes.