A Guide to Copyspace in Stock Photography
Stock photography is something that broadens the scope of subjects you can choose. While you are on the way to perfection, it is essential to know where you are doing good and the areas that need improvements. Taking a look at the way stock photography works, you will find commercialisation to be an important part of the overall process.
Stock photos are licensed for specific purposes mainly business-related usage. Your efforts to create the best photos for such purposes may not be so fruitful without proper copyspace.
Copyspace simply increases the overall usability of those photos for sure. This guide to copy space photography will cover some essential aspects associated with it.
What is copyspace in stock photography?
Copyspace is the process of leaving some space in your photograph. It enables the designer or other persons to add something to the photo. That something might be a headline, etc.
It all depends on the way the next person wants to use this photo. Not having that space simply makes these images useless for several purposes. You must have seen such photos as they are very common in the case of magazines. Magazines often have photos that are spread across two pages. The text is right inside the frame.
Having adequate and appropriate space in the image frame simply makes the image flexible for varying usage. The designers from different genres will be able to use it for specific purposes.
Even if they don’t have to add text, they might crop the image and focus more on the subject, etc. More usability in stock photography simply means more downloads and copyspace may lead your photos to that state. This is why a guide to copyspace in stock photography is a must for beginners.
Things to care about in this process
The background is very important
Every background is not going to work here. That is why you need to be more specific. If you are thinking of copyspace, make sure the background is uncluttered and plain-looking. Vivid and vibrant backgrounds look great but they can’t be fit for including text, etc.
Stock photos, in general, work the best with plain backgrounds but the importance of such backgrounds increases further here. Going with wider shots will help you in a large number of ways for getting photos with copyspace.
Consider using the subject as the spot for copyspace as well
If you think copyspace is meant to be in the background of the image only, you are wrong. There are several ways in which you can include copyspace right on your subject. In case your subject is a paper clipboard, blank sheet of paper, monitors/screen, blank walls, etc. you can easily include the text, etc. on the subjects without any problem.
Any part of your photo that is not affecting the overall dominance of the subject in the frame can be a copyspace. Just make sure that the copyspace is not too vibrant.
The right way to create copyspace in photos
This is a fairly simple thing if you are already familiar with the basics of photography, especially the inclusion and importance of empty/negative space in the frame. Having enough space in the frame lets the subject breathe.
It becomes even more important when you have to show motion with the help of a static photograph. Once you learn the right way to include negative space in the photos, you can easily create copyspace for text, etc.
Whether you shoot the photo of a kid running forwards or the motion of ocean waves, you must have enough space in front of the subject to depict the motion. That extra space not only gives more meaning to the photo but also makes it suitable for copyspace.
In case the subject is singular and static like your pet sitting on the lawn and you have to take an outdoor portrait image or something like that. Simply zoom out or take a few steps back before clicking the photo.
This will not only create enough space in the photo and give some perspective to it but will also give you the ability to add text based on your demands. All you need to focus on is including breathing space inside the frame wherever you can.
This needs a lot of practice based on the scenario and subject involved in the photoshoot. You will get to learn more about it over time.
A little bit about adding the text to copyspace
Adding the text inappropriately might ruin a well-contained copyspace as well. It is vital to keep some points in your mind before implementing your desired text in the frame.
Make the text visible
First and foremost, the text should be visible and easily readable. You can achieve this quality by maintaining proper contrast in the frame.
It is the job of the photographer to ensure that there is enough colour difference to make the text speak out. But refrain from making it too bright or dark as compared to the subject. Try to keep it smooth and warm so as to create a soothing effect.
Try to include text as a part of the image
Doing it is not possible for every image because it depends a lot on the subject and surroundings present in the frame. If you find things suitable enough for it, you should try.
As per the nature of the subject in the frame, you can try to include the text somewhere else except the copyspace. This is quite a subtle art that needs precision. Inaccuracy may ruin your whole efforts.
This has to be done in a way that never interrupts the visual flow of the image. Interrupting the visual flow means avoiding putting the image at important parts of the image/subject.
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Final words
We hope this article taught you enough about copyspace in stock photography and some relevant ways of including text and other things in the frame. The art of making a good photo lies in your attention to detail and aligning with the demands of the subject.
About the Author
Emma Taylor is an Australian blogger and photographer, who lives in Melbourne with her two cats, where she frequents live theatre and wine bars.