Overview
Photography at The Conversation exists to support and amplify our message. We choose images that are clear, purposeful, and aligned with our values of trust, clarity, and accessibility. When in doubt, it's better to skip an image than use one that doesn't meet our standards.
Do
- Choose quality, and high resolution images
- Select photos that convey credibility
- Look for emotive, authentic photography
- When in doubt, don't use a photo
Don't
- Use generic stock photos
- Mix different photographic styles
- Use poorly lit or unclear images
- Apply overlays that hide important content
Editorial photography
For articles, podcasts, reports, and other editorial content, photography plays a crucial storytelling role.
- Choose images that support the story, never just for decoration
- Follow editorial standards to maintain journalistic integrity
- Enhance understanding and engagement with purposeful imagery
- Support the narrative with carefully selected visuals
Non-editorial
Outside of editorial use, photography should stir emotion and embody our mission.
- Perfect for marketing, social campaigns, reports, presentations, and promotions
- Choose images that represent our values: people in conversation, sharing knowledge
- Use elements like sky shots or natural backdrops for texture and wonder
- Avoid black-and-white photography to maintain bold tone and impact
Portraits
Portrait photography serves an important role as attribution to authors and profiles.
- Best used for staff and author profiles
- Shoot against a plain background with good lighting
- Avoid heavy filters, vignettes, or casual smartphone effects
- Professional retouching is encouraged
- Crop portraits to a circle format, framing faces evenly
