Writing Tips
Use Your Own Photos
It makes a difference
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Before I get into why this is important, I want to explain what my definition of “own photos” is. When I use that phrase, I mean using photos that you have personally taken and edited. I am not considering images used from someone the writer may know as “own photos”.
Using personal photos brings a new element to your piece, and it reveals a depiction of who you are as an artist. Using Unsplash or other platforms is easy when trying to piece together an article. Yet, I find more value when people use their photos.
Photos are an added element that highlights an author’s authenticity. As dramatic as it may sound, I am more apt to read an article that includes photos taken by the author. It tells me that the author took the time to be mindful of what they are projecting to their audience.
Show Yourself
This brief article is probably more of an expression of my inner artist than it is demanding that everyone follow the same exact formula. However, I genuinely believe that when someone puts the time and effort into taking, editing, and using their own pictures, then it connects more with the reader. To me, it fully completes a substantial piece of writing.
Pictures provide a personal perspective that enriches the author’s work. When a writer offers their photos, it allows readers a brief glimpse into what is important to the writer. It helps drive home some of the points that the writer is trying to make. If the picture sticks out enough, it could become a constant reminder of your work every time someone sees something that reminds them of your photo.
Words are extremely powerful, but pictures are equally as powerful. There are many different learning styles. There’s a good chance that many of us writers didn’t learn in the same ways many of our peers did. With that in mind, providing visual learners with meaningful photos may help bring the writer’s content to life in a way that wasn’t initially expected.
