Photos can add a lot to a web design. They can provide initial impact, reinforce concepts and break up text. Unfortunately, most of the photos seen on the web are stock photos of people at computers or customer service people with headphones grinning ear-to-ear. Or how about some circuit boards or the ever-popular 1's and 0's?

Sometimes stock photos and clip-art are the only way to incorporate some kind of imagery into your website. Original photography and illustrations are usually just too expensive and time-consuming. At Relay, we provide a solution.

At Relay, we make original imagery affordable. Mostly thanks to digital photography, creativity and a dash of ingenuity. When designing the website for Tribe Creative Inc., of Atlanta. Relay proposed a different original image for each page. Outrageously expensive? No.

First, you have to start with a real photographer. Lighting and composition are critical and no amount of Photoshop can fix a bad photo. However, digital photography allows for more simple lighting and and less equipment. With skill, backgrounds can be added digitally so locations are not as critical. Often, existing light will be just fine.

The photography for Tribe was shot on location using objects that were readily available. Similar shots done in a studio with conventional film could cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

Resolution isn't a problem if the image is to be used solely on the web. Even an inexpensive camera can provide adequate resolution. For example the portraits on the contact page of The Episcopal Media Center, located in Atlanta, GA were shot with a simple point and shoot camera. A sound knowledge of lighting and composition, along with some digital manipulation, all added up to make professional looking photography at a fraction of the cost.

Images can make a world of difference in making your site stand out from the crowd. Including custom, original photography in your site will cost less than you think.


Summary: Relay is an Atlanta web design, website developer and internet marketing solutions company. In addition to web design, we offer digital photography, video web optimization, logo/itentity design, programming, e-commerce development and more.


© Relay 2005. Atlanta web design, website design and website development.