Photographs do not lie - they reveal reality that no other media form can match! Graphic design is more or less an off-shoot of the generic photographic representation of any idea or product. In fact the art of graphic designing or even web designing is based on the knowledge of photography and cinematography to depict events, projects, illustrations, educative tools, and many such topics. This title says that photography "can be" an important part of graphic design. This is an understatement since photograph IS an important part of pictorial designing or graphic design as we normally term this subject. Photography is also included in most graphic design activities - both off line and online. It must co-ordinate with print design since at one time or the other, the representation is converted into a hard copy printout!
What knowledge base must the designer and photographer have?
To work together and create unique and attractive display it is necessary to co-ordinate the activities of both designer and photographer. Many industries employ a designer cum photographer to carry out their design jobs. This avoids the confrontation between the two disciplines and a smoother execution takes place. Though this is the ideal situation one cannot always achieve a combined talent in a single professional. Therefore it is more reliable to award the job to two professionals who can do justice in their respective areas. The knowledge base can be stipulated and each person does a complementary job that ensures inclusion of all related aspects in the best possible manner.
The basic knowledge and experience that each discipline must have can be enumerated as follows:
Graphic Designer -
A graphic designer must be an artist by nature.
Graphic designers should possess a diploma or degree and adequate experience in the web designing field if requirements are for the Internet.
Graphical representation is only an extension of visual observation and photography to capture reality. A basic knowledge of photography therefore is a must for graphic artists and designers.
The genre of graphic designers is important to assess the expert areas they can work on.
Photographer -
For the purpose of converting reality into graphic designs it is essential to have some knowledge of basic designing principles. The photographer is therefore trained to understand how the graphic transcription can take place in any situation.
Photographers are expected to have a good idea of the printing processes and their limitations in reflecting real life situations captured on a photograph.
They must also be aware of the modern software that is used to create designs and touch up photographs to enhance the impact required to be demonstrated in print or online.
Graphic Designers must consult Photographers - and vice versa!
The ideal situation would be to have a graphic designer and a photographer working on the required project. At least a close association is desired to ensure a smooth flow of information with an aesthetic look. Reality and visualisation as contributed by a photographer and graphic artist respectively makes all the difference between an impact bearing result and one that falls flat in the marketing world. The combination will evolve greater interest and if further amalgamated with the inputs of a good copy writer will influence the customers in a much more effective manner.
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