Words on images - adding extra impact

We are all familiar with the old addage "a picture is worth a thousand words" which refers to the notion that a single image can convey a complex idea. Whilst it is true that a photographic image is a very powerful medium sometimes adding a little extra in the form of words can help create a greater impact. This technique is used all the time in marketing campaigns, but it is also something worth considering as a photographer especially if you are trying to add that extra punch or meaning to your images.

In May's edition of Outdoor Photography magazine Niall Benvie http://niallbenvie.photoshelter.com/ wrote a really interesting article about the subject. "Too many images, he believes, are being lost in the crowd, not because of any aesthetic or technical shortcommings but because they lack context". This is a problem Niall says can be overcome by adding a few words to a photograph and getting the image to speak to its audience.

This is a process which can easily be undertaken in Photoshop or Indesign, but it is worth paying careful attention to your choice of words and the font type, size and location - all of which are fundamental in getting your message across.


My winning entry in the Outdoor Photography words on pictures competition


This image was taken on Christmas day on the shores of Loch Reraig in Wester Ross. It was fairly early in the morning and the loch shore was deserted. I took the shot hoping to convey the peace and tranquility of this beauiful place. When it came to adding the words I used indesign and Palatino Linotype font to express the connection I felt with the outdoors at that moment in time. I hope this creates an image with just a little more impact.

Here are some other examples of my images with added words