I’m sure you know that images are important for presentations. (If you don’t, you haven’t been reading my blog or newsletter.)
I’ve realized that I have a repertoire of image treatments that I use. You can use it, too. With these treatments, you’ll always have a way to create beautiful image slides.
Here are the 4 image treatments that I use.
1. 3-side rule
When the image touches at least 3 sides of a slide, it will always look good. Here are 3 slides that use this treatment. Often, you’ll need to crop the image so that it fits.
This is easy, right?
2. Isolated image
An image with no background is sometimes called an isolated image. You get the same effect if the image has the same color background as the slide, usually white.
Here’s an example. You find more information on how to do this here.
3. Snapshot treatment
Sometimes, you can’t enlarge an image enough to meet the sides of the slide and you can’t remove the background. Also, you may not want the image to be so dominant on the slides or you need to include several images on a slide. In this instance, I often use a “snapshot” treatment. Here’s an example.
You can get instructions here.
4. Images in SmartArt
Some of the SmartArt diagrams have spaces for images and this is a great way to include images on a slide, especially small images. Here’s an example in which I use the images as icons for topics. You can also insert photos of presenters on a slide that introduces them.
If the SmartArt includes an image shape, you’ll see an image icon on it. Just click the shape to insert the image.
Do you have other standard treatments that you often use? Leave a comment and share them!
I like looking at advertisements in magazines for slide layout ideas. I tear out the best ones, and keep them in a folder.
I use your same SmartArt idea for my agendas.
Idea. I framed my LinkedIn headshot, tilted it, and added a shadow…all in PowerPoint, of course. It now stands out among anything else on a page of updates.
Peggy, those are great ideas. I looked up your profile in LinkedIn and it looks great!
Very helpful post. I just want to add that you can fill any shape (not just SmartArt) with a picture using Fill/Texture or Picture.
Konrad,
That’s a good one. Yes, you can fill any shape with an image and then also add a shadow or other formatting if you want.
I also sometimes use bezier curves on shapes, then fill with a picture or create a shape with a gradient over the edge of the picture to create a fade. Both of these wonderful ideas came from previous posts of yours!!! Thanks! I have also added shapes to create my own borders and used MS paint to “steal” colors from the image and make the shapes match perfectly. I taught my students how to do this, and you should see their work!
Randall, thanks for the mention of those other posts. For people who haven’t seen them, they are at:
http://ellenfinkelstein.com/pptblog/create-bezier-curves/
http://ellenfinkelstein.com/pptblog/how-to-get-a-photoshopped-look-by-fading-in-an-image/
I’d love to see an example of your 3rd technique, since I’m not sure I’m imagining it exactly. In PowerPoint 2013, there’s an eyedropper that lets you match colors.