Imagery is key! BIG TIME !!
Take you own photos
I believe it is best to take your own photos, not stock photos you bought, they can look cheesy and by taking your own photos you can stamp your blog with your style. There are a number of free online editing programs such as iPiccy, Pixlr and picmonkey. Instagram is also a cool tool to use. These programs can turn an average photo into something blog worthy.Size Matters
I have noticed my favourite bloggers have large images, usually 500px by 700 px wide. It has been suggested that images should be no bigger than 600 px. If you want your photo to be larger so your viewers can see more detail, simply make the clickable to larger sizes.It is also a good thing to keep all images the same width. Preferably the size of the column. Don't be afraid of big images, fill those columns. Also keep the side bar images the same width if possible. This will give your blog a balanced look which is more appealing to they eye.
Using other people's images
If you do decide to use images that are not your own you need to attribute the image. Bobbi Newman of 'Librarian by Day' suggests that you:- Keep intact any copyright notices for the Work
- Credit the author, licensor and/or other parties (such as a wiki or journal) in the manner they specify;
- Include the title of the Work
- The URL for the work if applicable
- If you are making a derivative word or adaptation, in addition to the above, you need to identify that your work is a derivative work i.e., “This is a Finnish translation of the [original work] by [author].” or “Screenplay based on [original work] by [author].”
- Let the author know. Leave a comment on the image, send them an email, a Flickrmail whatever. Flickr doesn’t provide trackbacks, if you don’t tell them you used it they may never know. People like to know when others are using their works or citing them. Plus, it’s just nice.
Copyright marks - Yes or No?
The debate about placing copyright marks has been around for quite a while now. Some people suggest that copyright marks should be left off images, as it interferes with the story telling. Some say that it's great branding. Make up your own mind.If you are placing copyright marks make sure you are consistent. The image below has copyright marks (right bottom corner). Personally I copyright mark the majority of my photos.
Using alt attribute
When saving your photos you should saved them as with a useful name. For example '1 Plus size Aussie Curves Red Wearing Sara Tunic Virtu skirt Jeanie Inspired Wish'. |
| Source: Inspired Wish "Aussie Curves - Red" |
You can view the html code for your posts and include 'alt' code reference for each photo. The 'alt' attribute specifies an alternate text for an image, if the image cannot be displayed. It also provides alternative information for an image if a user for some reason cannot view it, because of slow connection, an error in the src attribute, or if the user uses a screen reader (Source: www.w3schools.com). By inserting this code it tells Google what the image is. This is how your images come up in google searches.
Please note that Google says don't over pack key words in, apparently then can tell when it's over done and consider you a spammer.
CHA Blogging 101 Series:
Week 1: Why do I need a Blog?
Week 2: How to start
Week 3: Rookie mistakes to avoid
Week 4: Content & Topics
Week 5: Photos can grow your audience
Week 6: Where do I find readers?
Week 7: If you build it, they will come
Week 8: Technical Stuff
About the Contributor:
Jeanie is a curvy, accessory loving, blogger. Exploring colour and style to suit a plus size. Jeanie encourages you to be you. Jeanie is for positive body confidence, and wishes all women would feel beautifully confident. Jeanie also gets her geek on with blogging, photography, & photoshop.
Visit Jeanie at inspiredwish.com or follow her on Facebook.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Thank you for commenting on the {CHA}