Photos

In our highly visual world, images are becoming increasingly important in helping us share our stories. Visuals not only make our stories more shareable, but they also help bring our stories to life—increasing Extension’s impact and reach. Here are some tips on using the best visuals to accompany your words:

Choosing Powerful Photos

In a word, powerful photos are “action” photos—people doing the thing you’re writing about. If you’re writing about gardening, use photos of people gardening, not posing in front of their garden. If you’re writing about children’s programs, use photos of children participating in an activity, not just an advisor posing with children.

The first pair of photos below were for a story about an after-school care center for disabled children. The second pair was for a story about an import store.

Static Shot

Static shot

Action shot

Action shots accomplish two tasks:

(1) they involve the reader in the experience. Not everyone has been to the import store shown above, but everyone has gone grocery shopping, so they can relate to the second image. (2) Action photos show movement, showing readers that things actively happen in Nebraska, and we’re not just talking about them.

*Sometimes the story isn’t very “action-y” There’s not a lot of “action” in computer programming or poll evaluation. In that case, use photos that show context. The photo below accompanied a story of a man who ran a business teaching online financial literacy courses.

While there’s no “action,” the photo shows him in his work element.

Utilizing Multiple Photos

When using more than one photo, the primary photo should follow the guidelines above. The other images fall into two categories: elaboration and information.

Elaboration provides additional examples of the action that was portrayed in the primary photo. Below, the primary photo shows a student working on a student farm, and the secondary photo shows something similar, but not as “action-y” as the primary.

Primary photo

Elaboration Photo

Information provides just that—info. Usually these images inform but aren’t especially interesting to look at. Below are two photos used for a story about broadband internet. The primary shows a woman working on her computer. The secondary (informative) shows a map of where the new broadband cable will be laid.

Primary photo