Website Photography Guide
Website Photography Guide
Photo Use Rules
Can I use a photo I found online?
Although it might be tempting to include a photo you found online on your website this may not be advisable.
You CAN use:
- Photos of your Practice, doctors etc. that you took or had taken on your behalf (see the section on the use of patient photos below).
- Photos from the EyeCarePro stock image library (easily accessible from the admin tools you use to edit your website - watch a how to video now).
- Vendor images such as frame, lens and equipment shots are often ok because you are promoting the vendor. However, when in doubt, ask!
- Stock/professional images that you have paid for! These images from vendors such as istockphoto.com and bigstockphoto.com are often as low as $5/image, so please pay for what you use.
You CAN'T use:
- Photos from stock image companies that you haven't purchased (even if they don't have a watermark).
- Photos from sources or websites other than the ones listed above. Unless you have permission (and quote and link the source of the image) don't use the image.
Can I use patient photos on my site?
Photos of your staff in action or of your Practice may include patients. It is very important to get permission (ideally written) from patients to use their photos on your site. Download a Photo Consent Form you can keep handy for when it is needed.
While you are getting permission to use their photo consider asking patients for a testimonial to use on your website!
Enhancing your website with imagery is a great way to keep the interest of your viewer and add professionalism and credibility to your web presence.
There are a variety of approaches you can take to gathering photos for use on your website. You don't have to choose just one; they can & should be used in combination for an effective end result.
Read on for information on where to source photos, ideas for using photos to improve your site and suggestions for the types of photos to take (or buy).
General Photography Tips
Regardless of who is taking the photos keep these helpful tips in mind:
- Get Permission. Always obtain permission from patients if you would like to use their photo on your website. Read the sidebar above for more on this.
- Remember the Basics. Ensure photos are crisp and in focus. Blurry or pixelated shots should not be used.
- Avoid clutter! Check the surfaces, walls and floors of the area you are shooting and remove whatever you can.
- Get Close. Close up on an interesting area, piece of equipment or product for a more focused and interesting end result. Backgrounds are rarely interesting.
- Smile. Make sure that subjects in the photos are smiling and appear happy and relaxed.
- Pose. When arranging groups of people or "people in action" have them sit or stand very close to each other - so close it is uncomfortable. Surprisingly this will result in a natural looking photo composition.
- Check the Lighting. Whenever possible natural light is best. Avoid using a flash if possible by shooting in a bright room, on a sunny day or positioning subjects near a window.
- Create a Strong Composition. When shooting people check the background carefully. Be sure there is no visual clutter behind their head or face. Don't cut off the tops of heads or the bottoms of legs. Don't include "parts" of other people in the sides of the shot.
