Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
evidence shows that we should strongly consider the use of images in the design of
presentation visuals.
Slides adapted from
Brain Rules
by Dr. John Medina. (Images in slides from
iStockphoto.com
.)
Power of the Photograph
I love still images because the photograph captures a moment in time, allowing the
viewer to slow down and think and wonder and reflect. Many filmmakers—especially
documentary filmmakers—use still photos as a complement to motion pictures or video.
Photos allow for greater emphasis and may have less distracting elements, giving the
presenter or narrator/filmmaker more freedom to augment the photo for a desired effect.
Still images also allow the viewer time to interpret their own meaning from the image.
We can learn a lot from documentary film, especially from the kind created by Ken Burns,
whose films rely heavily on still images.
One tip is to avoid the usage of imagery only as ornamentation. What you see in a Ken
Burns film is a simple and powerful use of photos and other imagery that support the
narrative and illuminate the story on a visceral level, thereby making the experience
richer and more memorable. When we hear a story that is amplified by compelling
photography, the issue becomes less of an abstraction. The issue becomes more
concrete and emotional. The next time you give a presentation about an important but
complex topic—especially a social issue—see if you can illuminate the general topic by
focusing on a particular story. This is a technique that storytellers, such as filmmakers,
often use. Powerful images plus thoughtful narration—and maybe even a bit of text—can
