How Digital Photography And Graphic Design Complement Each Other

On the face of it, you may wonder what graphic design and digital photography have in common.
One uses a computer and one uses a camera.

How could they work together?

Well, graphic design is an intricate art that requires a comprehensive understanding of composition, colour, and balance. There is a lot that goes into creating the perfect image. That is much the same as the creative discipline of digital photography. There are many aspects that go into photographing the ultimate web-worthy shot.
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When you look at it that way, it is no surprise that the two go hand in hand.

And they go hand in hand for One Bite Graphic Design & Photography now too… check out this example of stunning photography used in a Facebook cover design, all done by me, Helen.

Qualification Complete!
I am really excited that I have completed my Diploma in Digital Photography. After 3 years of intense study, assignments, and taking more photographs than I can count... I am finally done! While it was hard work to juggle study, my business, and family life I am so glad that I did it.
I am very proud of myself. By undertaking this qualification, I have proven to myself that hard work and dedication pay off. I received high marks for each of my assignments, which reflect the hours that were invested into each.

And now, I get to offer my new expertise to my clients!
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As well as the graphic design services you already know and love, I am also able to offer product photography, business photography, corporate photography, food photography and headshots.
 
How Graphic Design And Digital Photography Align
Graphical elements don’t happen by accident. There are a lot of painstaking choices to make - the right font, colour themes, and layout to effectively communicate your message. There is no denying the visual impact of a powerful image to convey mood, emotion, and intent.

The perfect image is indeed worth a thousand words, and when combined with other graphic design aspects, is a compelling medium.

It is also a key part of your branding. Having all of your images align with your brand is vital. Your headshots, your social media templates, your product shots and your logo should all align and be consistently recognisable for your audience. Each graphic element should use the same look and feel, as well as your brand colours.

When it comes to the image content, graphic designers often spend hours trawling through stock photography websites looking for the right image to blend in with their concept. But often, stock photos never quite hit the mark. It is near to impossible to find the right image to match my expectations and stock images are definitely not unique. There are also very few that are kiwi themed.

That is where my own digital photography skills come in.

As a graphic designer, I have been trained to manipulate and adjust photographic images. But, if you don't have the right photo to start with, then all the adjusting in the world will not make the desired end result!

There is a clear benefit to hiring a designer who is also a skilled photographer. Someone who knows exactly what image they need to use and has the ability to capture it themselves.
 
The Benefits Of Using A Graphic Designer With Photography Skills
Photographers have a deeper understanding of composition and visual balance. They learn how to effectively tell a story by not only using the subject of the photo, but also by using the rule of thirds.
What is that?

The rule of thirds is an important aspect of graphic design. The thirds are tone, colour, brightness and layout. The use of colour and contrast in both creative arts cannot be understated. Tones and hues that are subtly different can produce varied emotions and moods. They tell a story about your brand or product without the use of words. A graphic designer understands this well, but perhaps even more so when they are required to capture the perfect photographic image to match.

Images remove language barriers and can connect with an audience in a split second. They don’t even need to read any text. Think about the most powerful websites, memes or posters you have seen recently. Chances are, the image was the thing that captured your attention and stuck in your mind long after you had forgotten the associated text.
 
How You Can Utilise The Skills In Your Business
Whether it’s a banner, brochure, webpage, or poster, the fine art of combining texts and graphics can make an impact. It can transform your content from a piece of media that gets scanned and overlooked, into an eye-catching and valuable asset that raises brand awareness, draws customers in and converts into sales!

Engaging the services of a graphic designer/photographer is a wise move. Not only do they have a deeper understanding of design concepts, but you can also save yourself money. You don’t need to hire separate specialists and then try to explain the brief to both of them. By engaging my skills in both areas, it makes it easier for us all.
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Quite often, one of the most time-consuming aspects of my design work is searching for an image that is “just right” and fits both my vision and yours. Because I can produce my own images, it saves me hours of time! And, all of them will be tailored to the right size and composition, creating a quality end product that is consistent with all your associated media and theming.

So, if you are looking for a one stop graphical design shop, then get in touch with me here at One Bite Graphic Design & Photography. I would love to help make your business shine.