The document provides guidance on selecting good images for commercial purposes. It outlines key elements that make an image appealing such as good lighting, engaging subjects, and strong composition. Specific tips are given for lighting, location, color, subjects, and emotional appeal. The rule of thirds composition technique is explained. Legal considerations for using images commercially such as copyright and releases are also summarized. Photographers are invited to upload their portfolios to the PhotoAbility website for potential sale and use in marketing.

1. Image Selection Guide
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PhotoAbility Image Selection Guide V 1.02 © PhotoAbility 2012

2. A good image
A picture is worth a thousand words.......
A good image
• Has emotional appeal
• Is well composed
• Has spontaneity
Key elements of a good image
• Lighting
• Environment/ location Colour
• Talent
• Emotional appeal Engaging subject
matter Spontaneity Composition &
scale PhotoAbility
Good Lighting
• Adds drama and emphasis to the
subject
• Creates mood
• Strengthens the composition
• Enhances the experience
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A Good Location
• Engages
• Inspires
• Motivates
• Invites
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PhotoAbility Image Selection Guide V 1.02 © PhotoAbility 2012

3. Colour
• Gives life and energy
• Creates mood
• Enhances the sense of place
• Colours should reflect the natural
surroundings
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PhotoAbility Image Selection Guide V 1.02 © PhotoAbility 2012

4. Talent
• Look for shots with real people – they should be authentic, welcoming, engaging,
inviting.
• Do not over stage shots so that they look posed or artificial
• Take shots of people with a disability on their own, with friends or partners and in
groups
• Avoid modelling type images
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PhotoAbility Image Selection Guide V 1.02 © PhotoAbility 2012

5. Emotional Appeal
• Engage the viewer and stimulate them to want
to know more.
• Demonstrates immersion
• Tells a story
• Inspires and motivate
• Breaks through preconceptions
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PhotoAbility Image Selection Guide V 1.02 © PhotoAbility 2012

6. Engaging Subject Matter
• Sometimes you need to look a bit harder
to find a picture that the viewer can’t
ignore
• Combines and contrasts elements
• Finds the story in the detail
• Can be a bit unusual
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PhotoAbility Image Selection Guide V 1.02 © PhotoAbility 2012

7. Composition Guide
• Composition makes or breaks a photo
• A photo has to draw the eye through it
• It has to have a context
• It has to have a sense of place
• Above all else it must convey a message
and captivate the viewer.
Rule of Thirds
The most common mistake in photography is to put the subject into the centre of the frame.
The eye is immediately draw to that subject and does not then explore the depth of the
picture, as a result the photo can appear flat and lifeless.
A photograph should be imagined as being cut into thirds in both directions. The subject of
the photo should be placed on one of the four intersecting points.
The horizon, or natural scenery breaks should be placed on one of the two horizontal third
lines, not across the centre of the picture.
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PhotoAbility Image Selection Guide V 1.02 © PhotoAbility 2012

8. Action Shots
Action shots should follow the rule of thirds.
Place the subject at one of the four
intersection points.
The direction of travel should then
follow the diagonal line to the opposite
intersection.
This draws the eye through the photograph
and creates a sense of involvement.
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Framing a Context
A photo should have a sense of purpose
and context.
It must be recognizable and the eye
should be drawn from the subject into the
background.
PhotoAbility Create a Sense of Drama - Get in
Close
Photography is about involvement and
captivating interest.
Sometimes the background is clutter and
doesn’t provide a context.
The whole activity doesn’t need to be
captured, and can often result in a boring
or static image.
Don’t be afraid to get in close or experiment
to create dramatic effects.
Even in these cases the rule of thirds creates
balance in the image, in the example the
rear wheel and helmet provide the anchor
PhotoAbility points and the riders torso the balancing
line.
PhotoAbility Image Selection Guide V 1.02 © PhotoAbility 2012

9. Commercial Photography Legalities
Commercial photography differs greatly from images that may be used for personal use or
social networking.
As the images are being sold and used in a commercial context then everyone with an inter-
est in the photo must be protected.
Copyright
The copyright of all photographs resides with the photographer regardless of whether he
was paid for the assignment or not, unless there is an assignment of copyright agreement.
Any photo offered for sale must be offered by the copyright owner only.
People appearing in photos.
Unlike social networks, commercial photos cannot contain any person, who is identifiable,
without their express written permission. This normally takes the form of a model or talent
release. A proforma document is available for download at http://www.photoability.net/
contributions.html.
Photos taken on private or public property
Most private property and some national parks and other open spaces have restrictions on
photography for commercial purposes. You should check with the property owner before
conducting a commercial photoshoot. A property release proforma document is also avail-
able at http://www.photoability.com.au/contributions.html
Logos, brand names and clothing
The maximum value for a photograph is obtained when it appeals to the widest possible
audience of commercial clients. Many bags, clothing items, wheelchairs and even props like
wine bottles have manufacturers logos or brand names on them. Where possible it is better
to shoot photographs that do not contain any visible brand names or logos. It is far easier to
remove the items before the shoot than in post production.
Upload and sell your portfolio with PhotoAbility
Your photograph(s) can be used in marketing, media, and advertising campaigns used by
such entities as resorts, cruise lines, vacation properties, travel venues, home communities,
tourism bureaus, lifestyle products, corporate employers and more! Media and advertising
professionals, web/graphic designers, as well as small and large companies will purchase
photos from stock photo libraries to represent their or their client’s message and image.
To upload your images go to http://photoability.net/contributions.html
There you can register as a photographer and upload your photos.
Our two prefered methods are:
• Our easy upload facility or
• Our YouSendit drop box
PhotoAbility Image Selection Guide V 1.02 © PhotoAbility 2012