Criteria for image selection on websites

Catch the eyes

Good images evoke emotions in the viewer in a fraction of a second. This is why, together with the design, they determine the impact and persuasiveness of your website - even before the visitor has looked at the text in detail. Good images that harmonise with the design of your website and appeal to the visitor's emotions allow them to "enter". Only then will your texts be read.

That's why the selection of photographs, icons and graphics is crucial for the impact of your website. However, not every image or image composition that you might use in print media such as brochures or flyers is also suitable for the website. Why?

Images look different on screens than in print media

What is different about the impact of images on screens compared to their impact in print media?

• Print media are static: a flyer or brochure has a fixed format that always remains the same, regardless of who is viewing this medium. This means that you select the images, icons and graphics exactly for this medium in this one format.
• Screens are dynamic: nowadays, more than half of all visits to websites are made via mobile devices. This means that all images, icons and graphics that you want to use on your website must be easy to see on a 27-inch screen as well as on a small mobile screen and retain their meaningfulness.
• Screens are backlit: Unlike printed matter, images on screens are illuminated from behind, so to speak. This generally makes colours look different.
• The colour effect on screens is different: how colours are displayed on screens depends on the quality of the monitor and the corresponding calibration. Therefore, each viewer may see slightly different colours. In the case of print media, the colours are defined with the print.

What does this mean for your image selection?

It is state of the art to create websites in so-called responsive design. This means that all image elements that you use on the website must be scalable. Only then can they be recognised on different screens. What else needs to be considered?

• Pictures need a clear structure. Structures, perspectives and dynamics must be harmoniously composed.
• Several small photos put together to form a collage may not be recognisable on low-resolution screens such as mobile phones.

Criteria for image selection

The aim of the images is to convey atmosphere and to show visitors to your website what you, your company, your services and products are all about at a glance.

You should therefore ask yourself the following questions:

Self-created photographs vs. stock photos

It is generally advisable to use professionally produced images - of you, your team, your premises or products - for your website. Mobile phone photos are taboo!

If you also present more general topics on your website in addition to your company presentation or publish blog articles, you can also use agency photos, so-called stock photos.

Recommended platforms include Unsplash, AdobeStock, iStock and Shutterstock. Unsplash is characterised by many artistic photographs by photographers from all over the world, which you can also use free of charge, of course always stating the author. The others are classic stock photo agencies with a comprehensive repertoire and good keywording, also in German.

Commissioning of photographers

Before you commission a photographer to create images for your website, discuss with your web designer what requirements he or she has for the photographs in order to create an optimised overall work. Design and images must form a harmonious unit, otherwise the site will lose its persuasive power!

After you have spoken to your web designer, give your photographer clear instructions (briefing) on what exactly is to be done and what effect you want to create with the photos. What do you want visitors to your website to see? What mood should be conveyed? Clarity? Warmth and cordiality? Structure? Innovation? Define different settings in which the photos are to be taken and make sure that the photographer adheres to the specifications given to you by your web designer. The photographer is your service provider and his or her work is part of the overall work.

At best, your web designer is also a good photographer. In dialogue with you, he will recognise which images the website needs to achieve the effect you want. A picture is worth a thousand words. Even a bad one!

Portraits - absolutely, and up-to-date please

You know what it's like: the employee photos on some websites are a funny collection of historical snapshots. That looks unprofessional. And of course you don't do that. The portraits of the people who carry the company are an important and emotional aspect of your company presentation. Bad portraits can be showstoppers when it comes to whether the visitor makes contact with you or leaves the site and never comes back.

Use professional portrait photos. If you have several employees, make sure that the lighting conditions and backgrounds are uniform. If necessary, send your employees to the photographer of your choice and have up-to-date photos taken in the studio. Of course, it is even better if you can take and use professional photos in production, on the construction site, or simply "at work". This will create an authentic and emotional atmosphere that builds initial trust in you and your services and makes your company presentation unique. You should not underestimate the effect. For example, if you are a craft business, manufacturer or artist and have the opportunity to include your workrooms in the shoot, do so.