Corporate Presentation Design:
Picking the Right Image

As we mentioned last week, adding imagery to your corporate presentation design can make your content more memorable. But which images should you include?

The secret is to find stirring images to which your audience can relate. In this post, we’ll take a look at three image selection considerations. There are many more, so look for more image selection posts in the future!

Avoid Photo Studio Backgrounds and Posed Imagery

The stock image industry continues to produce posed and isolated imagery. Don’t take the overabundance of these images as a sign that you should use them. Imagery on white backgrounds or photos that are obviously staged are difficult to relate to and can come across as cheesy.

To make a real connection with your audience, choose a real life scene as a backdrop for your content.

Corporate Presentation Design Images

When to Go Literal

The question of metaphorical versus literal imagery is sometimes hotly contested. We like to decide this one on a case-by-case basis. Does the metaphorical picture create an emotional reaction or is it merely a representation of an abstract idea? If a representation, can we find a more powerful image that will also be relatable?

If so, go literal. In this example, burned out matches were switched out in favor of an exhausted physician.

Corporate Presentation Design Images

When to Go Metaphorical

In the same deck, we later chose to go metaphorical – don’t be afraid to mix & match! Metaphorical images should also reflect real life scenes and feel recognizable.

In the example below, the literal image felt posed and unrealistic. The image also reflected burnout, whereas, the content had turned to the more hopeful idea of resilience. We chose a metaphorical image that inspires warm feelings of hope in the face of adversity.

Corporate Presentation Design Images

While images make your content more powerful and memorable, selecting the right ones can be daunting. Remember to target images that will:

  • Connect with your audience
  • Support the content
  • Reflect real life
  • Inspire emotion

Want to step up your image game? We can help!