Stock photography subscriptions can be expensive, and it can be hard to find the right fit for an image on a royalty free site. What’s a presentation designer to do when they want great looking photography for a deck?
One option is to take your own images or pull from a set of images that you’ve taken in the past. If you want to create an investor pitch deck for instance, why not feature scenic images of your city? What about product-specific images or photos of your team?
An example from our portfolio archives you can use for inspiration is a presentation we created for Belmont University. Their Massey Program at the School of Business needed a deck that could provide an educational view of the program for prospective students. Luckily, the University had a collection of photos in their archive that featured the campus, which included a gorgeous set of images which showed off some of the natural beauty of Tennessee.
Check out all of the slides here, on our portfolio.
So, how did we put it all together? And how can you use the techniques in your own presentation?
Think local.
The appeal of a university isn’t restricted to its curriculum and campus. Students are invested in the community they move to, and need to see the appeal. We used scenic images to tell the specific story of Tennessee, and add local flavor throughout the deck. You can accomplish the same effect by photographing images which show off the most unique local places and things that you appreciate day-to-day.
Nature rules.
“Being in nature, or even viewing scenes of nature, reduces anger, fear, and stress and increases pleasant feelings. Exposure to nature not only makes you feel better emotionally, it contributes to your physical wellbeing, reducing blood pressure, heart rate, muscle tension, and the production of stress hormones.” (Source: University of Minnesota)
Even amateur photographers can take a beautiful image of a local nature scene. In this case, images of the rolling Tennessee hillsides added rich texture and color to our slides. You can accomplish the same effect by taking photos of nature around you, and then applying color overlays if you feel like the image needs a bit more design.
If all fails, go with texture.
If you’re not a great photographer but you want to save money on images for your deck, taking high-res photos of textures around you can be a quick, elegant solution. A close up of a grassy field, a rough concrete surface, or even a row of wooden boards on your porch can serve as an easy and rich background for your slides.
In the case of the example below, a close of image of a Nashville map was used behind a text with overlay to create a visually engaging slide:
Great photography doesn’t have to include fancy light rigs and professional models. Natural light, textures, and nature itself can all serve as inspiration for your presentation. It’s free, it’s always changing, and your audience will appreciate the local experience created with things you experience in your hometown.
Want to read more about how to create great design within your presentation? Check out these related articles on the subject:
Give Your Presentation A Makeover. Here’s How.
