I printed 12 of our photos from the day, including this one, to use for my 2-page layout. When I started arranging the pictures on the page, I realized that the Legoland sign in my photo was large and bold enough to serve as my title. I grouped some colorful accents both above and to the left of the photo to draw the eye. I added a third color grouping by my journaling. It forms a visual triangle that leads right back to the title. I think it works.
To contrast, let me show you a layout with a photo used as a title that doesn't work. This is from our cruise to Hawaii three years ago. Look closely in the middle left where I'm using a photo of a Hawaii sign as my title.
This layout does not work for a number of reasons. The title recedes into the background because it is not large or bold enough. My fussy cut flower accents form a visual triangle, but that triangle doesn't center on the title. There is nothing to lead the eye to the appropriate location. This is a case where I knew I was creating a layout that didn't work, but I couldn't figure out how to fix it and finally just gave up. Now in hindsight, it's so obvious to me why it didn't work!
Using a photo as a title can work well in a multi-picture layout. Just be sure that the title is large and bold enough, then use your embellishments to lead the eye to the title. Have you used a photo as a title? I'd love to see what you made!
What a great idea! I just loveeeeee both of them....but I do see your point on the second one! ;):):):):):):):):)
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of using a photo for the title. I love the visual triangle of bright bold colours in the first layout.
ReplyDeleteThe second layout is totally fixable...Add a bold frame around the photo and extend your visual triangle...maybe a smaller bloom or leaf to join the lone bloom?
P/s: The fonts on your blog are really small...
Yeah, I know I could fix the Hawaii layout, but if I went back and fixed all my troublesome layouts from the past I'd never have time to make anything new. This one is far from the worst- there's some pre-2006 stuff that could really use a makeover!
DeleteThe fonts on my blog are small? Always, or just on this post? The setting is 'regular' and they look largish on my screen. Hmm.
I think they both look great and I totally know what you mean, live and learn. I'd be redoing so many layouts if I went back to "fix" something! ;) As an aside, I'm so hopelessly behind on commenting on your blog - I'm so sorry! I have read everything so I'm all caught up now :)
ReplyDeleteI've used a photo as a title as well! When it "works", I love it! Saves on trying to find the correct letters and enough space on the layout to fit the title! Loving both layouts, but yes the first one is better when it comes to the whole "picture as a title" concept!
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