@marthadimeoSummary: Never be limited by the original aspect ratio of a photograph. See how an almost square image is turned into a full-bleed, double-page magazine spread.
The Art Director’s Vision
Big, bold, and beautiful—that is the vision the Art Director had for this photograph. His idea was to use the image across a double-page spread, full-bleed, for a feature article on tabletops in Grace Ormonde Wedding Style magazine.
There was a problem though—actually a couple of problems. The proportion of the photograph was drastically different from the proportion of the layout. Secondly, the composition and elements in the photograph are quite complex.
An All-To-Common Problem
Seldom—if ever—does the aspect ratio of a photograph correspond perfectly to the dimensions of the layout. Faced with this dilemma there are three options that usually come to mind first:
- Change the layout to accommodate the photograph
- Crop the photo
- Find a replacement photo
There is one other solution; a fourth option that will allow for the selected photograph to be used as desired. This method is employed routinely in magazine and book design. In fact, it was at People magazine, my first job in magazine publishing, where I learned this technique. The solution is to expand the photo, to change the aspect ratio, by adding an extension to the image.
Image extensions can be as simple as extending a non-descript, uncluttered, or solid background. And sometimes, the extension can be very complex—as was the case with this photograph.
The Retouching Process
A Careful Review of the Layout
The first step in creating an image extension is a careful and detailed review of the layout and text placement. The exact dimensions for the final image needs to be determined, including measurements for the page bleed. (Overlooking bleed considerations in an image with so much detail could result in something in the picture being chopped off in an undesirable way.)
Text Placement
Knowing where the text will be placed at this stage in the design process is imperative as well—it will save headaches down the road! Given clear directions from the start, I gave consideration to elements in the photo that the text overlaid—would they need to be darkened, lightened, or blurred to ensure the text was readable?
First Things First
But before tackling the Photoshop work to create the image extension, the next step in the retouching workflow is to address the retouching and color correction edits. Serving as both Production Director and Retoucher on the project, I created this markup to communicate to the Art Director my evaluation of the image and suggested color and retouching changes.
Creating The Double-Page Spread
Now, with the color correction completed, distracting elements removed, and wrinkles in the fabric ironed out, the final step is to create the extension.
Working collaboratively with the Art Director, we hit on the solution. Take the right side of the image and flip it to create a corner; making it appear as if another table was in the scene. This would give us the aspect ratio needed for a double-page spread, as well as, creating a visually pleasing solution. It worked perfectly!
The Final Result
A beautiful layout; the Art Director’s vision realized.
The final result as it appeared in the magazine.
The Takeaway
When the aspect ratio of a photo does not fit the layout, the important thing to remember is that there just might be a solution. You may not have to crop the photo or alter the design. Work collaboratively with a skilled photo retoucher who has both technical skills and a deep understanding of the intricacies of page design and page layout. (That would be me. 🙂 ) Together, we’re bound to find a solution.
Words & Photo Retouching: Martha DiMeo/The ChromaQueen
Image Copyrights Belong to The Respective Image Owners
© Martha DiMeo 2022
Related Content: Accommodating the Page Gutter For a Double-Page Spread
In this double-page spread layout, from the annual report of the IMF, I illustrate how the group photo of the board of directors was split apart, and then rejoined, so no one was lost to the gutter. (Take a peek; it’s a good one!)
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Let’s Work Together
Take advantage of my complimentary image evaluation service. We can review the layout and photos together. Two easy ways to get started:
- Submit files using the Complimentary Image Review page.
- Call me.