Finding Photos


Finding the right photo is the key to a great graphic. I used to spend way too much time looking for models who resembled the characters in my head, but no more. The best method is to find photos with three qualities:
  1. Emotional impact: drama, affection, humour, whatever feels your book has
  2. Horizontal layout, if that's the size you're making. 
  3. Blank space for your text.
Here are some examples of the photos with blank space. (Have I got you humming Taytay yet?) It's easy to visualize your text on the right hand side. This photo definitely has a Dirty Dancing vibe. The original movie and not that weird remake. I would curve my text around their silhouette.

For this photo, dialogue would fit nicely between the two figures, with the book title below their hands. Start imagining where your text will go when you evaluate photos.

To find more of these photos, there is a search feature in Deposit Photos. Say you begin your search with "romantic couple." I found this photo right away:

It's good. But if I want more choices, I can choose "Find Similar Images" and see what comes up. In this case, the similar images were not terrific. So instead, I clicked on the "same model" and found lots of photos with similar layout. Searching out the photographer, Wavebreakmedia, also revealed a lot of blank space photos. This dude or dudette knows what's up. You can also try searching the word "background."

I like this image. I like it so much that it's the cover on one of my books. But you can see that each photo has been altered slightly. Look for the one that best suits the mood that you are trying to convey.

This photo is more nostalgic and atmospheric because of the sepia tones.

Here the photo is in full colour, but faded. 🎶Misty watercolor memoreeees.🎶

Full colour seems a little sexier and more contemporary to me, especially since you can see his forearms. But then I have a thing for forearms. #newerogenouszone

My other photo tip is to download the sample (with watermarks) and try out your design first. It's cheaper than buying what you think is the perfect image and then finding it won't work. (Which I have done, damnit.)

Filtering photos

Let's say you ignore what I said above. (Gah, why do I even bother?) You've fallen in love with some photo and it has no blank space for the copy. There are other things you can do to adapt the photo for your needs. What you need to do is filter the image a little so that your words will pop better.

Here's the original photo. You chose it because your ex looked exactly like that, but it didn't work out because he kept eating crackers in bed.


The easiest fix is to make the photo black and white. You can do this with the filters. Now your text is in colour and voilá, easy to read.


Another idea is to darken your photo. You can add type in white or any light colour, and it will be easier to read. Try playing with the available filters on your program.


Another option is to blur your photo. But watch it, too much blurring and you lose the image. Like you've been drinking too much. Your sharp text will appear to float on the blurred image. Also like you've been drinking too much.


Photo Sources

So, where to get your photos?

Paid Image sources:

I use Deposit Photos because I have credits with them. But there are other good stock photo sites as well. Some of these sites have a free photo section as well.
https://depositphotos.com/
https://www.shutterstock.com/
https://stock.adobe.com/

Free image sources:

If you're looking for free stock photos here are some resources. Please read the fine print on each one though, some require that you credit the photographer. Others ask for donations.

Always respect the rights of the photographer. Never just use an image you've "found" on the internet. Same for fan-made teasers, you can't use them unless you have usage rights. You're promoting a book, which is commercial usage.

https://www.pexels.com/
https://negativespace.co/
https://stocksnap.io/
https://unsplash.com/

Questions? Requests? Know more stock photo sites? Comment below. Next Monday, it's a Christmas teaser makeover! Stores aren't the only ones doing holiday too early.

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