Images. “One picture is worth a thousand words”. Value of image is beyond dispute. Pervasiveness of images in our culture is beyond question. We learn

Images

• “One picture is worth a thousand words”. Value of image is beyond dispute.

• Pervasiveness of images in our culture is beyond question. We learn our verbal language from picture books, mature onto television, film, illustrated magazines, books and newspapers.

• TV has launched us into an age of images, we are a nation of viewers rather than readers. All print media has responded to TVs impact with bigger and better illustrations.

• Early man used illustrations to communicate graphically.

• Todays communication with image is the completion of a cycle that encapsulates photography, film, tv and computer.

Images in Graphic Communication

• An image taken with a camera is a continuous tone image, whether that is a traditional film camera or a digital camera.

• An image sent for printing as part of a magazine, book or newspaper is printed with a halftone screen.

• A halftone screen is any image which contains tones in between pure black or white. The halftone screen converts the continuos tone original into a pattern of single-coloured dots.

Image Reproduction

Dots are used to make up large images, known as a halftone screen.

Image made from a halftone screen

Close up of image made from a halftone screen

• When reproducing colour photographs by printing, the image is separated into four colours known as CMYK. These are the four inks that the image will be made up from, being Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black.

• Images need to be converted to CMYK colour mode in Photoshop.

• Most colours can be reproduced from a combination of these colours.

• Each colour is given a halftone screen and laid out at different angles to keep the dots separate. The apparent ‘mixing’ of the colours is done by the brain and the eye perceiving the colour.

Image Reproduction

Image Reproduction

Image Reproduction

• If an image is scanned into a computer which has had a halftone screen applied to it, ie an image scanned from a book, magazine or newspaper, and is then sent to a commercial printer, a Moire pattern will appear.

• Moire is an imperfection of the image because a halftone screen is applied to a halftone screen.

• Moire can be removed by scanning at three times the required size, blurring the image. Scale the image to the necessary size and then sharpen the image.

Image Reproduction

• To be a competent selector of images does not mean that you have to be a gifted photographer or illustrator. You must however have a sound knowledge of visual literacy.

• There are several factors that must be taken into account when considering the selection of images for an article.

Factors in Picture Selection

• Technical Factors in Picture Selection:

• Is the image large enough for print quality?

• Print quality 1200 dpi to 2400 dpi. Our images need to be 300 PPI



• Is the print quality consistent?

• JPEG Images use lossy compression.

• If the setting is too low then artifacts appear in the image.


Over exposure and under-exposure?


• Is the exposure correct?

• Even digital cameras with automatic settings can get the exposure wrong.

• Correct exposure has a balanced tonal range.



• Is the image in focus?

• Primary area of attention of the image should be clear and in focus


Depth of Field, background taken out of focus, drawing attention to the foreground subject matter.

Depth of Field, foreground and background out of focus drawing attention to the middle of the image.

Speed and movement can be generated with motion blur.

Second image is the best because it softens the portrait and is not over exposed


• Does the image suffer from direct flash?

• Produces hard shadows and bleached tones from the flash


• Content Considerations:

• It is necessary for the designer to think like a reporter. What information do pictures contain. Does it communicate with accuracy and impact rather than just look pleasing.

• Relevance - a photograph is relevant and usable if it helped communicate the theme of the story.

• Simplicity - Should have a central theme. Simple, direct should aid recognition and understanding.

• Impact - Should always stir a reaction.


• Philosphocial Considerations:

• You cannot quantify personal tastes and attitudes and present them in text box fashion, but you can be aware of people’s philosophies and attitudes of their audience by asking questions about your image:

• Does your picture seem ‘posed’ ? Under what circumstances would you use it?

• When would you discard normal content considerations in favour of a striking image that has stronger graphics than relevance?


• Philosphocial Considerations:

• What is your definition of ‘embarrassing’ content? Under what circumstance would you use it?

• Do you prefer to use black and white or colour pictures? Can some images only convey their impact in black and white?

• What do you prefer – an abstract image that suggest differences or a concrete, direct image that leaves little room for interpretation?


• Illustration should compliment the copy

• Have a strong image to anchor the page

The Role of Image in Layout Design

Have a strong image to anchor the page

If using several images as part of a spread, arrange images together to bring unity and balance.

Consider the colours being used in the images.

• Consider the colours being used in the images.


• Crop and resize images

• Don’t go overboard on design


Experiment with the shape of images, use circles and other shapes

Create image vignettes

Bleed images off the page

Use image cut outs

Use full page images

• Talk to the person next to you and discuss what qualities you think make up a good information graphic.

Information Graphics

• Information graphics have been with use for some time, but have changed dramatically in the last 20 years due to the ease of production with computers.

• The introduction of colour printing in Newspapers has also contributed to their development as comparisons between colours are more dramatic than shades of grey.

• TV with it’s need for colour, speed, animation and effects has been the leading medium for information graphics.


• Information graphics are anything from symbols, maps, charts, diagrams or flags.

• Because many of these images can be created relatively quickly on a computer, there is a need for the designer to present the information with clarity and to make the artwork function as it was intended.

• Pie charts and graphs will still be judged by some readers to be dull, yet simple changes can bring them to life.


Data in pictoral forms

• When producing maps ensure that there is not too much detail on the map. Keep the detail to the function of what is being illustrated.

• Diagrams can be used to illustrate many topics from plane disasters to self assembly instructions for flat pack furniture.

• Diagrams are usually a simplified version of the actual information. Accuracy has to be taken to simulate the event or object


• Defamation - Images can be damaging to a person’s reputation if cast in a ‘false light’.

• Commercial Appropriation - Using an image commercially without seeking the subjects permission.

• Ownership of Work

Legal Aspects of Image Use

Documents

Images. “One picture is worth a thousand words”. Value of image is beyond dispute. Pervasiveness of images in our culture is beyond question. We learn