How to decide First Photograph of your Blog-post or website page?

It’s been more than 8 years that I have been blogging at www.Travellingcamera.com , but never thought too much about first photograph to be shown in a blog-post. Initially my posts would start with first photograph which depicts the beginning of the story. Gradually I moved to my fav in the lot and used that as first photograph. But why am I specifically talking about first photograph? There are multiple reasons to it and learned it over the time. Here are few I could think of -1. That’s what your viewers see at first glance, so it’s important to have the best here. (We will talk what’s the definition of ‘Best’)2. When shared on social-media, by default first photograph is picked and hence it should convey what you want to express in the post.3. As they say, visuals say a lot and the primary visual is most critical.Now let me come to the point. While compiling this post I thought of searching same topic on web and do some research. Unfortunately I couldn’t find very relevant posts. Found few, which were too generic to follow. So I will keep this post simple and crisp, without much gyan.First photograph should express your blog-post title.It’s as simple as that. Does your photograph translates into the title you chose? If yes, your first and most important job is done.Viewers/Readers should be able to relate to it well.the next step. Do you have relevant elements in your first photograph. E.g. - If you are talking about Trekking, clouds and tips; are you able to depict these elements in your photograph?It should have a ‘Wow’ factor.Do I need to define it? A well shot photograph, properly processed and a little different from usual. And definition of wow also varies from one blog to other, depending upon it’s genre, viewer segment etc. What seems cool to a yough girl can be absurd for an gentleman in 40s (does it make sense? I am not sure :) ).Something that creates curiosity.Focus more on Image Quality Vs loading time.If you are using 10 images in a blog-post, give highest priority to first photograph in terms of quality.Carefully decide the size of the photograph. (Resolution Vs Kbs)This is again related to quality but also the size you show on blog. Bigger the image, better the impact, unless there are strong reasons to give lesser space to first photograph. Now when you use bigger image, you also need to think about kbs it take. So balance the loading time, size to shown and quality well.Don’t forget about different screen sizes, especially if you have significant traffic through mobile devices.It’s more about alignment of first photograph and formatting of your web-page. It should look good on all screens and easily adjustbale. Here is another thing and I don’t have data to prove if it works or not :). If your blog has major traffic through mobile, think of adding photographs which have depth or top shots. It’s a little interesting and my personal observation. Click a food plate from top. View it on your laptop and mobile. I am sure that it would look better on mobile. My hypothesis is that it looks better because you look down when you see your mobile as compared to laptop, where screen is parallel to your eyes.Humans in photograph bring more value to a photograph.This works at times. Photographs where you are present get more eyeballs in general. I am a camera-shy person so you hardly see my photographs on blog or social media. But I need to improve on this factor. This also helps in your branding. But if not done well, it can negatively impact your & blog’s image.......When I compiling this list, I realized that I don’t think this much when I compile my posts and I need to be more disciplined with it. Hope some it made sense to you and would help you create interesting and appealing content for your viewers.Here are some examples which worked well for me and I can only create hypothesis why.Above photograph is an unusual shot of Gateway of India and it's well composed (at least in my opinion) and it certainly creates curiosity about other photographs clicked around Gateway of India.  Resonates well with the title and me sitting in front of this cloud store makes people relate to it. Lot of my friends and viewers asked me about this particular photograph and that certainly proves that it also makes people curious about the place and the experience.  It goes very well with the title and has wow factor for traveling & trekking enthusiasts.  What do you think about this one?Kasol and this photograph has lot in common. If you didn't understand, just read about Kasol and you would get the answer. And for many, who don't know Kasol but recognize the subject in photograph would certainly click and come to read the post.Now it's your turn.  Please do your comments if you think it makes sense or not. Or if you have any learning to share.

It’s been more than 8 years that I have been blogging at www.Travellingcamera.com , but never thought too much about first photograph to be shown in a blog-post. Initially my posts would start with first photograph which depicts the beginning of the story. Gradually I moved to my fav in the lot and used that as first photograph. But why am I specifically talking about first photograph? There are multiple reasons to it and learned it over the time. Here are few I could think of -

  1. That’s what your viewers see at first glance, so it’s important to have the best here. (We will talk what’s the definition of ‘Best’)
  2. When shared on social-media, by default first photograph is picked and hence it should convey what you want to express in the post. 
  3. As they say, visuals say a lot and the primary visual is most critical.
Now let me come to the point. While compiling this post I thought of searching same topic on web and do some research. Unfortunately I couldn’t find very relevant posts. Found few, which were too generic to follow. So I will keep this post simple and crisp, without much gyan.

First photograph should express your blog-post title. 

It’s as simple as that. Does your photograph translates into the title you chose? If yes, your first and most important job is done.

Viewers/Readers should be able to relate to it well. 

That’s the next step. Do you have relevant elements in your first photograph. E.g. - If you are talking about Trekking, clouds and tips; are you able to depict these elements in your photograph? 

It should have a ‘Wow’ factor.

Do I need to define it? A well shot photograph, properly processed and a little different from usual. And definition of wow also varies from one blog to other, depending upon it’s genre, viewer segment etc. What seems cool to a yough girl can be absurd for an gentleman in 40s (does it make sense? I am not sure :) ).

Something that creates curiosity. 

Ohh, this one is tricky and I have to master this skill. At times, I could do it by accident and results were phenomenal. 

Focus more on Image Quality Vs loading time.

If you are using 10 images in a blog-post, give highest priority to first photograph in terms of quality.

Carefully decide the size of the photograph. (Resolution Vs Kbs)

This is again related to quality but also the size you show on blog. Bigger the image, better the impact, unless there are strong reasons to give lesser space to first photograph. Now when you use bigger image, you also need to think about kbs it take. So balance the loading time, size to shown and quality well. 

Don’t forget about different screen sizes, especially if you have significant traffic through mobile devices. 

It’s more about alignment of first photograph and formatting of your web-page. It should look good on all screens and easily adjustbale. Here is another thing and I don’t have data to prove if it works or not :). If your blog has major traffic through mobile, think of adding photographs which have depth or top shots. It’s a little interesting and my personal observation. Click a food plate from top. View it on your laptop and mobile. I am sure that it would look better on mobile. My hypothesis is that it looks better because you look down when you see your mobile as compared to laptop, where screen is parallel to your eyes. 

Humans in photograph bring more value to a photograph. 

This works at times. Photographs where you are present get more eyeballs in general. I am a camera-shy person so you hardly see my photographs on blog or social media. But I need to improve on this factor. This also helps in your branding. But if not done well, it can negatively impact your & blog’s image. 
......

When I compiling this list, I realized that I don’t think this much when I compile my posts and I need to be more disciplined with it. Hope some it made sense to you and would help you create interesting and appealing content for your viewers. 


Here are some examples which worked well for me and I can only create hypothesis why.

It’s been more than 8 years that I have been blogging at www.Travellingcamera.com , but never thought too much about first photograph to be shown in a blog-post. Initially my posts would start with first photograph which depicts the beginning of the story. Gradually I moved to my fav in the lot and used that as first photograph. But why am I specifically talking about first photograph? There are multiple reasons to it and learned it over the time. Here are few I could think of -1. That’s what your viewers see at first glance, so it’s important to have the best here. (We will talk what’s the definition of ‘Best’)2. When shared on social-media, by default first photograph is picked and hence it should convey what you want to express in the post.3. As they say, visuals say a lot and the primary visual is most critical.Now let me come to the point. While compiling this post I thought of searching same topic on web and do some research. Unfortunately I couldn’t find very relevant posts. Found few, which were too generic to follow. So I will keep this post simple and crisp, without much gyan.First photograph should express your blog-post title.It’s as simple as that. Does your photograph translates into the title you chose? If yes, your first and most important job is done.Viewers/Readers should be able to relate to it well.the next step. Do you have relevant elements in your first photograph. E.g. - If you are talking about Trekking, clouds and tips; are you able to depict these elements in your photograph?It should have a ‘Wow’ factor.Do I need to define it? A well shot photograph, properly processed and a little different from usual. And definition of wow also varies from one blog to other, depending upon it’s genre, viewer segment etc. What seems cool to a yough girl can be absurd for an gentleman in 40s (does it make sense? I am not sure :) ).Something that creates curiosity.Focus more on Image Quality Vs loading time.If you are using 10 images in a blog-post, give highest priority to first photograph in terms of quality.Carefully decide the size of the photograph. (Resolution Vs Kbs)This is again related to quality but also the size you show on blog. Bigger the image, better the impact, unless there are strong reasons to give lesser space to first photograph. Now when you use bigger image, you also need to think about kbs it take. So balance the loading time, size to shown and quality well.Don’t forget about different screen sizes, especially if you have significant traffic through mobile devices.It’s more about alignment of first photograph and formatting of your web-page. It should look good on all screens and easily adjustbale. Here is another thing and I don’t have data to prove if it works or not :). If your blog has major traffic through mobile, think of adding photographs which have depth or top shots. It’s a little interesting and my personal observation. Click a food plate from top. View it on your laptop and mobile. I am sure that it would look better on mobile. My hypothesis is that it looks better because you look down when you see your mobile as compared to laptop, where screen is parallel to your eyes.Humans in photograph bring more value to a photograph.This works at times. Photographs where you are present get more eyeballs in general. I am a camera-shy person so you hardly see my photographs on blog or social media. But I need to improve on this factor. This also helps in your branding. But if not done well, it can negatively impact your & blog’s image.......When I compiling this list, I realized that I don’t think this much when I compile my posts and I need to be more disciplined with it. Hope some it made sense to you and would help you create interesting and appealing content for your viewers.Here are some examples which worked well for me and I can only create hypothesis why.Above photograph is an unusual shot of Gateway of India and it's well composed (at least in my opinion) and it certainly creates curiosity about other photographs clicked around Gateway of India.  Resonates well with the title and me sitting in front of this cloud store makes people relate to it. Lot of my friends and viewers asked me about this particular photograph and that certainly proves that it also makes people curious about the place and the experience.  It goes very well with the title and has wow factor for traveling & trekking enthusiasts.  What do you think about this one?Kasol and this photograph has lot in common. If you didn't understand, just read about Kasol and you would get the answer. And for many, who don't know Kasol but recognize the subject in photograph would certainly click and come to read the post.Now it's your turn.  Please do your comments if you think it makes sense or not. Or if you have any learning to share.

Above photograph is an unusual shot of Gateway of India and it's well composed (at least in my opinion) and it certainly creates curiosity about other photographs clicked around Gateway of India.  

It’s been more than 8 years that I have been blogging at www.Travellingcamera.com , but never thought too much about first photograph to be shown in a blog-post. Initially my posts would start with first photograph which depicts the beginning of the story. Gradually I moved to my fav in the lot and used that as first photograph. But why am I specifically talking about first photograph? There are multiple reasons to it and learned it over the time. Here are few I could think of -1. That’s what your viewers see at first glance, so it’s important to have the best here. (We will talk what’s the definition of ‘Best’)2. When shared on social-media, by default first photograph is picked and hence it should convey what you want to express in the post.3. As they say, visuals say a lot and the primary visual is most critical.Now let me come to the point. While compiling this post I thought of searching same topic on web and do some research. Unfortunately I couldn’t find very relevant posts. Found few, which were too generic to follow. So I will keep this post simple and crisp, without much gyan.First photograph should express your blog-post title.It’s as simple as that. Does your photograph translates into the title you chose? If yes, your first and most important job is done.Viewers/Readers should be able to relate to it well.the next step. Do you have relevant elements in your first photograph. E.g. - If you are talking about Trekking, clouds and tips; are you able to depict these elements in your photograph?It should have a ‘Wow’ factor.Do I need to define it? A well shot photograph, properly processed and a little different from usual. And definition of wow also varies from one blog to other, depending upon it’s genre, viewer segment etc. What seems cool to a yough girl can be absurd for an gentleman in 40s (does it make sense? I am not sure :) ).Something that creates curiosity.Focus more on Image Quality Vs loading time.If you are using 10 images in a blog-post, give highest priority to first photograph in terms of quality.Carefully decide the size of the photograph. (Resolution Vs Kbs)This is again related to quality but also the size you show on blog. Bigger the image, better the impact, unless there are strong reasons to give lesser space to first photograph. Now when you use bigger image, you also need to think about kbs it take. So balance the loading time, size to shown and quality well.Don’t forget about different screen sizes, especially if you have significant traffic through mobile devices.It’s more about alignment of first photograph and formatting of your web-page. It should look good on all screens and easily adjustbale. Here is another thing and I don’t have data to prove if it works or not :). If your blog has major traffic through mobile, think of adding photographs which have depth or top shots. It’s a little interesting and my personal observation. Click a food plate from top. View it on your laptop and mobile. I am sure that it would look better on mobile. My hypothesis is that it looks better because you look down when you see your mobile as compared to laptop, where screen is parallel to your eyes.Humans in photograph bring more value to a photograph.This works at times. Photographs where you are present get more eyeballs in general. I am a camera-shy person so you hardly see my photographs on blog or social media. But I need to improve on this factor. This also helps in your branding. But if not done well, it can negatively impact your & blog’s image.......When I compiling this list, I realized that I don’t think this much when I compile my posts and I need to be more disciplined with it. Hope some it made sense to you and would help you create interesting and appealing content for your viewers.Here are some examples which worked well for me and I can only create hypothesis why.Above photograph is an unusual shot of Gateway of India and it's well composed (at least in my opinion) and it certainly creates curiosity about other photographs clicked around Gateway of India.  Resonates well with the title and me sitting in front of this cloud store makes people relate to it. Lot of my friends and viewers asked me about this particular photograph and that certainly proves that it also makes people curious about the place and the experience.  It goes very well with the title and has wow factor for traveling & trekking enthusiasts.  What do you think about this one?Kasol and this photograph has lot in common. If you didn't understand, just read about Kasol and you would get the answer. And for many, who don't know Kasol but recognize the subject in photograph would certainly click and come to read the post.Now it's your turn.  Please do your comments if you think it makes sense or not. Or if you have any learning to share.

Resonates well with the title and me sitting in front of this cloud store makes people relate to it. Lot of my friends and viewers asked me about this particular photograph and that certainly proves that it also makes people curious about the place and the experience.  

It’s been more than 8 years that I have been blogging at www.Travellingcamera.com , but never thought too much about first photograph to be shown in a blog-post. Initially my posts would start with first photograph which depicts the beginning of the story. Gradually I moved to my fav in the lot and used that as first photograph. But why am I specifically talking about first photograph? There are multiple reasons to it and learned it over the time. Here are few I could think of -1. That’s what your viewers see at first glance, so it’s important to have the best here. (We will talk what’s the definition of ‘Best’)2. When shared on social-media, by default first photograph is picked and hence it should convey what you want to express in the post.3. As they say, visuals say a lot and the primary visual is most critical.Now let me come to the point. While compiling this post I thought of searching same topic on web and do some research. Unfortunately I couldn’t find very relevant posts. Found few, which were too generic to follow. So I will keep this post simple and crisp, without much gyan.First photograph should express your blog-post title.It’s as simple as that. Does your photograph translates into the title you chose? If yes, your first and most important job is done.Viewers/Readers should be able to relate to it well.the next step. Do you have relevant elements in your first photograph. E.g. - If you are talking about Trekking, clouds and tips; are you able to depict these elements in your photograph?It should have a ‘Wow’ factor.Do I need to define it? A well shot photograph, properly processed and a little different from usual. And definition of wow also varies from one blog to other, depending upon it’s genre, viewer segment etc. What seems cool to a yough girl can be absurd for an gentleman in 40s (does it make sense? I am not sure :) ).Something that creates curiosity.Focus more on Image Quality Vs loading time.If you are using 10 images in a blog-post, give highest priority to first photograph in terms of quality.Carefully decide the size of the photograph. (Resolution Vs Kbs)This is again related to quality but also the size you show on blog. Bigger the image, better the impact, unless there are strong reasons to give lesser space to first photograph. Now when you use bigger image, you also need to think about kbs it take. So balance the loading time, size to shown and quality well.Don’t forget about different screen sizes, especially if you have significant traffic through mobile devices.It’s more about alignment of first photograph and formatting of your web-page. It should look good on all screens and easily adjustbale. Here is another thing and I don’t have data to prove if it works or not :). If your blog has major traffic through mobile, think of adding photographs which have depth or top shots. It’s a little interesting and my personal observation. Click a food plate from top. View it on your laptop and mobile. I am sure that it would look better on mobile. My hypothesis is that it looks better because you look down when you see your mobile as compared to laptop, where screen is parallel to your eyes.Humans in photograph bring more value to a photograph.This works at times. Photographs where you are present get more eyeballs in general. I am a camera-shy person so you hardly see my photographs on blog or social media. But I need to improve on this factor. This also helps in your branding. But if not done well, it can negatively impact your & blog’s image.......When I compiling this list, I realized that I don’t think this much when I compile my posts and I need to be more disciplined with it. Hope some it made sense to you and would help you create interesting and appealing content for your viewers.Here are some examples which worked well for me and I can only create hypothesis why.Above photograph is an unusual shot of Gateway of India and it's well composed (at least in my opinion) and it certainly creates curiosity about other photographs clicked around Gateway of India.  Resonates well with the title and me sitting in front of this cloud store makes people relate to it. Lot of my friends and viewers asked me about this particular photograph and that certainly proves that it also makes people curious about the place and the experience.  It goes very well with the title and has wow factor for traveling & trekking enthusiasts.  What do you think about this one?Kasol and this photograph has lot in common. If you didn't understand, just read about Kasol and you would get the answer. And for many, who don't know Kasol but recognize the subject in photograph would certainly click and come to read the post.Now it's your turn.  Please do your comments if you think it makes sense or not. Or if you have any learning to share.


It goes very well with the title and has wow factor for traveling & trekking enthusiasts.  

It’s been more than 8 years that I have been blogging at www.Travellingcamera.com , but never thought too much about first photograph to be shown in a blog-post. Initially my posts would start with first photograph which depicts the beginning of the story. Gradually I moved to my fav in the lot and used that as first photograph. But why am I specifically talking about first photograph? There are multiple reasons to it and learned it over the time. Here are few I could think of -1. That’s what your viewers see at first glance, so it’s important to have the best here. (We will talk what’s the definition of ‘Best’)2. When shared on social-media, by default first photograph is picked and hence it should convey what you want to express in the post.3. As they say, visuals say a lot and the primary visual is most critical.Now let me come to the point. While compiling this post I thought of searching same topic on web and do some research. Unfortunately I couldn’t find very relevant posts. Found few, which were too generic to follow. So I will keep this post simple and crisp, without much gyan.First photograph should express your blog-post title.It’s as simple as that. Does your photograph translates into the title you chose? If yes, your first and most important job is done.Viewers/Readers should be able to relate to it well.the next step. Do you have relevant elements in your first photograph. E.g. - If you are talking about Trekking, clouds and tips; are you able to depict these elements in your photograph?It should have a ‘Wow’ factor.Do I need to define it? A well shot photograph, properly processed and a little different from usual. And definition of wow also varies from one blog to other, depending upon it’s genre, viewer segment etc. What seems cool to a yough girl can be absurd for an gentleman in 40s (does it make sense? I am not sure :) ).Something that creates curiosity.Focus more on Image Quality Vs loading time.If you are using 10 images in a blog-post, give highest priority to first photograph in terms of quality.Carefully decide the size of the photograph. (Resolution Vs Kbs)This is again related to quality but also the size you show on blog. Bigger the image, better the impact, unless there are strong reasons to give lesser space to first photograph. Now when you use bigger image, you also need to think about kbs it take. So balance the loading time, size to shown and quality well.Don’t forget about different screen sizes, especially if you have significant traffic through mobile devices.It’s more about alignment of first photograph and formatting of your web-page. It should look good on all screens and easily adjustbale. Here is another thing and I don’t have data to prove if it works or not :). If your blog has major traffic through mobile, think of adding photographs which have depth or top shots. It’s a little interesting and my personal observation. Click a food plate from top. View it on your laptop and mobile. I am sure that it would look better on mobile. My hypothesis is that it looks better because you look down when you see your mobile as compared to laptop, where screen is parallel to your eyes.Humans in photograph bring more value to a photograph.This works at times. Photographs where you are present get more eyeballs in general. I am a camera-shy person so you hardly see my photographs on blog or social media. But I need to improve on this factor. This also helps in your branding. But if not done well, it can negatively impact your & blog’s image.......When I compiling this list, I realized that I don’t think this much when I compile my posts and I need to be more disciplined with it. Hope some it made sense to you and would help you create interesting and appealing content for your viewers.Here are some examples which worked well for me and I can only create hypothesis why.Above photograph is an unusual shot of Gateway of India and it's well composed (at least in my opinion) and it certainly creates curiosity about other photographs clicked around Gateway of India.  Resonates well with the title and me sitting in front of this cloud store makes people relate to it. Lot of my friends and viewers asked me about this particular photograph and that certainly proves that it also makes people curious about the place and the experience.  It goes very well with the title and has wow factor for traveling & trekking enthusiasts.  What do you think about this one?Kasol and this photograph has lot in common. If you didn't understand, just read about Kasol and you would get the answer. And for many, who don't know Kasol but recognize the subject in photograph would certainly click and come to read the post.Now it's your turn.  Please do your comments if you think it makes sense or not. Or if you have any learning to share.


 What do you think about this one?

It’s been more than 8 years that I have been blogging at www.Travellingcamera.com , but never thought too much about first photograph to be shown in a blog-post. Initially my posts would start with first photograph which depicts the beginning of the story. Gradually I moved to my fav in the lot and used that as first photograph. But why am I specifically talking about first photograph? There are multiple reasons to it and learned it over the time. Here are few I could think of -1. That’s what your viewers see at first glance, so it’s important to have the best here. (We will talk what’s the definition of ‘Best’)2. When shared on social-media, by default first photograph is picked and hence it should convey what you want to express in the post.3. As they say, visuals say a lot and the primary visual is most critical.Now let me come to the point. While compiling this post I thought of searching same topic on web and do some research. Unfortunately I couldn’t find very relevant posts. Found few, which were too generic to follow. So I will keep this post simple and crisp, without much gyan.First photograph should express your blog-post title.It’s as simple as that. Does your photograph translates into the title you chose? If yes, your first and most important job is done.Viewers/Readers should be able to relate to it well.the next step. Do you have relevant elements in your first photograph. E.g. - If you are talking about Trekking, clouds and tips; are you able to depict these elements in your photograph?It should have a ‘Wow’ factor.Do I need to define it? A well shot photograph, properly processed and a little different from usual. And definition of wow also varies from one blog to other, depending upon it’s genre, viewer segment etc. What seems cool to a yough girl can be absurd for an gentleman in 40s (does it make sense? I am not sure :) ).Something that creates curiosity.Focus more on Image Quality Vs loading time.If you are using 10 images in a blog-post, give highest priority to first photograph in terms of quality.Carefully decide the size of the photograph. (Resolution Vs Kbs)This is again related to quality but also the size you show on blog. Bigger the image, better the impact, unless there are strong reasons to give lesser space to first photograph. Now when you use bigger image, you also need to think about kbs it take. So balance the loading time, size to shown and quality well.Don’t forget about different screen sizes, especially if you have significant traffic through mobile devices.It’s more about alignment of first photograph and formatting of your web-page. It should look good on all screens and easily adjustbale. Here is another thing and I don’t have data to prove if it works or not :). If your blog has major traffic through mobile, think of adding photographs which have depth or top shots. It’s a little interesting and my personal observation. Click a food plate from top. View it on your laptop and mobile. I am sure that it would look better on mobile. My hypothesis is that it looks better because you look down when you see your mobile as compared to laptop, where screen is parallel to your eyes.Humans in photograph bring more value to a photograph.This works at times. Photographs where you are present get more eyeballs in general. I am a camera-shy person so you hardly see my photographs on blog or social media. But I need to improve on this factor. This also helps in your branding. But if not done well, it can negatively impact your & blog’s image.......When I compiling this list, I realized that I don’t think this much when I compile my posts and I need to be more disciplined with it. Hope some it made sense to you and would help you create interesting and appealing content for your viewers.Here are some examples which worked well for me and I can only create hypothesis why.Above photograph is an unusual shot of Gateway of India and it's well composed (at least in my opinion) and it certainly creates curiosity about other photographs clicked around Gateway of India.  Resonates well with the title and me sitting in front of this cloud store makes people relate to it. Lot of my friends and viewers asked me about this particular photograph and that certainly proves that it also makes people curious about the place and the experience.  It goes very well with the title and has wow factor for traveling & trekking enthusiasts.  What do you think about this one?Kasol and this photograph has lot in common. If you didn't understand, just read about Kasol and you would get the answer. And for many, who don't know Kasol but recognize the subject in photograph would certainly click and come to read the post.Now it's your turn.  Please do your comments if you think it makes sense or not. Or if you have any learning to share.

Kasol and this photograph has lot in common. If you didn't understand, just read about Kasol and you would get the answer. And for many, who don't know Kasol but recognize the subject in photograph would certainly click and come to read the post. 

It’s been more than 8 years that I have been blogging at www.Travellingcamera.com , but never thought too much about first photograph to be shown in a blog-post. Initially my posts would start with first photograph which depicts the beginning of the story. Gradually I moved to my fav in the lot and used that as first photograph. But why am I specifically talking about first photograph? There are multiple reasons to it and learned it over the time. Here are few I could think of -1. That’s what your viewers see at first glance, so it’s important to have the best here. (We will talk what’s the definition of ‘Best’)2. When shared on social-media, by default first photograph is picked and hence it should convey what you want to express in the post.3. As they say, visuals say a lot and the primary visual is most critical.Now let me come to the point. While compiling this post I thought of searching same topic on web and do some research. Unfortunately I couldn’t find very relevant posts. Found few, which were too generic to follow. So I will keep this post simple and crisp, without much gyan.First photograph should express your blog-post title.It’s as simple as that. Does your photograph translates into the title you chose? If yes, your first and most important job is done.Viewers/Readers should be able to relate to it well.the next step. Do you have relevant elements in your first photograph. E.g. - If you are talking about Trekking, clouds and tips; are you able to depict these elements in your photograph?It should have a ‘Wow’ factor.Do I need to define it? A well shot photograph, properly processed and a little different from usual. And definition of wow also varies from one blog to other, depending upon it’s genre, viewer segment etc. What seems cool to a yough girl can be absurd for an gentleman in 40s (does it make sense? I am not sure :) ).Something that creates curiosity.Focus more on Image Quality Vs loading time.If you are using 10 images in a blog-post, give highest priority to first photograph in terms of quality.Carefully decide the size of the photograph. (Resolution Vs Kbs)This is again related to quality but also the size you show on blog. Bigger the image, better the impact, unless there are strong reasons to give lesser space to first photograph. Now when you use bigger image, you also need to think about kbs it take. So balance the loading time, size to shown and quality well.Don’t forget about different screen sizes, especially if you have significant traffic through mobile devices.It’s more about alignment of first photograph and formatting of your web-page. It should look good on all screens and easily adjustbale. Here is another thing and I don’t have data to prove if it works or not :). If your blog has major traffic through mobile, think of adding photographs which have depth or top shots. It’s a little interesting and my personal observation. Click a food plate from top. View it on your laptop and mobile. I am sure that it would look better on mobile. My hypothesis is that it looks better because you look down when you see your mobile as compared to laptop, where screen is parallel to your eyes.Humans in photograph bring more value to a photograph.This works at times. Photographs where you are present get more eyeballs in general. I am a camera-shy person so you hardly see my photographs on blog or social media. But I need to improve on this factor. This also helps in your branding. But if not done well, it can negatively impact your & blog’s image.......When I compiling this list, I realized that I don’t think this much when I compile my posts and I need to be more disciplined with it. Hope some it made sense to you and would help you create interesting and appealing content for your viewers.Here are some examples which worked well for me and I can only create hypothesis why.Above photograph is an unusual shot of Gateway of India and it's well composed (at least in my opinion) and it certainly creates curiosity about other photographs clicked around Gateway of India.  Resonates well with the title and me sitting in front of this cloud store makes people relate to it. Lot of my friends and viewers asked me about this particular photograph and that certainly proves that it also makes people curious about the place and the experience.  It goes very well with the title and has wow factor for traveling & trekking enthusiasts.  What do you think about this one?Kasol and this photograph has lot in common. If you didn't understand, just read about Kasol and you would get the answer. And for many, who don't know Kasol but recognize the subject in photograph would certainly click and come to read the post.Now it's your turn.  Please do your comments if you think it makes sense or not. Or if you have any learning to share.

Now it's your turn.  Please do your comments if you think it makes sense or not. Or if you have any learning to share

If you liked this post and found it helpful, I would request you to follow these things when traveling -

- Manage your waste well and don’t litter
- Use dustbins. Tell us if you went to a place and found it hard to locate a dustbin.
- Avoid bottle waters in hills. Usually you get clean water in hills and water bottles create lot of mess in our ecosystem.
- Say big no to plastic and avoid those unhealthy snacks packed in plastic bags. Rather buy fruits.

- Don't play loud blaring music in forests of jungle camps. You are a guest in that ecosystem and disturbing the locals (humans and animals) is not polite 

Comments

Anonymous said…
Very nice post
Thanks ! This post is primarily for me as a reminder that I should be more careful when I chose first photograph in a post. I would like to hear other bloggers about how they plan it and if there is anything common here?
Some great tips VJ. I have been guilty of using 10 MB photographs on my blog at one point of time only to realise later that they don't open with slow internet connections in our country!

For me, the first photograph has to be a great pointer to the post - as you have mentioned too.
divsi said…
Wonderful blog topic. It is indeed important to choose a pic that resonates not just with the title but the whole post!
Shubham - I think all of us have made that mistake in beginning except the folks who researched well before starting the blog. But as I strongly believe, it's an evolving process and there are lot of things to be learned on the way.

Disvi - Thanks :) Would like to hear if you have any suggestions to add here. or anything which you think is not very important.

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