COX INTRANET

Unsuitable Photographs

We've developed a matrix to help you decide if you should use a specific photograph or if you should select another photograph or layout.

These are examples of photographs that are unsuitable for use on the site for a variety of reasons.  We'll explain each one as we go.  The 5 things that defnine a technially good photograph are focus, color balance, exposure, compostion, and resolution. 

These are aside from any aesthetic considerations.

• Focus means that the photo's subject is "in focus" - not fuzzy or blurry. This is not an issue we can correct through editing (i.e. Photoshop, etc.)
• Color Balance means that the whites are white, not yellowed or greyish. It means that the black areas are black and not purplish or greenish. It means that the colors are true and life-like. If this issue is not severe, sometimes it can be corrected through editing.
• Exposure means that the photos are not too dark (underexposed) or too light (overexposed). If this issue is not severe, sometimes it can be corrected through editing.
• Composition refers to the subject matter in the photo. This is not an issue we can correct through editing.
• Resolution refers to the "density" of the pixels in the photograph. This is not an issue we can correct through editing.
• Orientation refers to the vertial or horizontal nature of the photo.

This first photo is acceptable in appearance, but is unsuitable for it's intended usage.  A major consideration is the orientation of the photograph. Because this photograph is very vertial in orientation, it is not suitable for use in the banner, which is very horizontal in orientation.

Be sure the photograph has the proper perspective. If you look at this photo, you'll notice that the buildings appear to be "twisted".

This particular image has several problems.  It is out of focus, it lacks sufficient resolution and is starting to pixelate.  Once information is gone from a particular image, it cannot be recovered.  This is not an issue we can correct with editing.  You would need to select another photograph. 

This particular image is too dark.  The subject's skin tone and clothing are dark and the photograph is not well lit.  Also notice how the "white" background of the photograph is not white, but is an off color.   The color balance is also off in the particular image.

You also want to be concious of subject matter when selecting a photo.  While the technical aspects of the photo are correct, the image you are considering may not be appropriate for the web site.  Be aware of any activities that may be taking place in the photo, such as the consumption of alcohol, hand gestures, etc.  An important thing to keep in mind that this is the image that total strangers will have of SMU Cox. If this isn't a photograph you'd be willing to attach to your resume and send to a prospective employer, you probably don't want to post it on the web site.

Also consider your target audience.  The photo below might be considered appropriate for the Undergraduate portion of the web site, yet might not be considered all that appealing to the Executive MBA program participants. 

You may also want to check the composition of the photograph for subtle psychological messages. For example, this particular image is "cut off at the knees".  Another common problem is the appearance of background objects which often appear to be protruding from the main subject (i.e. the "antler" effect).