By now, you know about my BFA in graphic design, my art direction experience, and my passions for creativity and color. For more than 25 years, I’ve worked closely with brands to elevate impressions and increase appeal.

You may not yet know about my talented brother, so I’d like to introduce you. His creative eye and extensive technical skills as a photographer allow him to reveal his appreciation for the true beauty of each subject. While I ride horses and he rides bikes, we share the ability to be creatively inspired, and we both prefer to communicate in visual form.

Mike, Cynthia & Sasha shot on location: Georgia Pass, Park County, CO ©Robert D. Jones Photography.

Meet Mr. Jones

Based in the Front Range of Colorado (Boulder and Denver), Robert D. Jones finds inspiration on his doorstep. As an avid cyclist, he’s outdoors daily, experiencing the majesty of the landscape and enjoying the soothing effects of the elements. Perhaps his ability to immerse himself in nature explains his reputation for producing “relaxed and unguarded” work, but his creativity isn’t just tied to his surroundings.

Robert says, “There’s a difference between taking a picture and making a photograph.” He’s not just a documentarian; he’s a storyteller. He’s able to draw his audience into a photo or series so that each person feels included in the experience. His photos translate the way he sees and how he understands the world in a way that’s viscerally accessible to others.

Take, for example, his “My Favorite Bike” portrait series, which evolved from static portraits into people with their favorite bikes in their personal environments. He invites us into a deeper story through the personal choices they’ve made in equipment and surroundings.

Kristen and her Ridley for the My Favorite Bike Portrait Series.. ©Robert D. Jones Photography

There’s also the “Before. After. Portrait Series,” in which Robert’s allowed us to witness the depth of a cyclist’s journey through bike racing. By artfully staging photos of the same cyclists both before and after a race, we can visually experience what it’s like to race and wordlessly understand how racing becomes a transformation in itself.

Dan. Before. After. From the Before. After Photo Booth. ©Robert D. Jones Photography

Photography and Design

While Robert chooses photography and I choose design, there’s no doubt we’re related, just as there’s no doubt that photography and design are a similarly close-knit team. Mastery of composition, line, rhythm, balance, and color is required for both. Both design and photography also require high levels of creativity, problem-solving, and artistic nuance. And 90% of the information processed by the brain is visual.

The visual nature of photography communicates beyond words. While graphic design relays information via a carefully constructed hierarchy, photography has a more immediate — and often more emotional — impact. Photographs convey a more emotional response because they’re more realistic; viewing a photograph is closer to an actual sensory experience than reading through a well-designed spread.

Graphic design can enhance a photograph’s impact, though, just as a photograph can draw attention to specific information in a layout. Well-executed design gives a photo more of a direct purpose; instead of an artful story, the photo becomes a tool to achieve a specific goal. While a wordless photograph often leaves interpretation up to the viewer, a designer can add structure and messaging to communicate a specific message and directly inspire action.

5 Reasons to Add Photography to Your Designs

Photos add credibility. If a viewer can literally see something, they’re more likely to trust it, which means they’re more likely to trust you. A viewer’s perception becomes reality.
Photos attract attention. A viewer’s eyes are automatically drawn to images on a page. Add photographs to your designs where you want the viewer to look first.
Photos tell stories. A photograph can communicate far more than its literal subject(s). Use photos to convey stories so that your viewers “get the picture” as quickly as possible.
Photos evoke emotion. As mentioned above, they allow viewers to viscerally “feel” like they’re part of the experience. And ultimately, emotion sells.
Photos are memorable. 80% of people remember what they see, while only 10% remember what they hear and 20% remember what they read.

5 Reasons to Add Design to Your Photographs

Design directly communicates. While you may hope to communicate something specific through a photograph, only design can make sure there’s no room for misinterpretation.
Design directly inspires action. While your photographs emotionally impact viewers, design is what will get them to take action based on that emotional response.
Design affects usability. Research shows that usability is key to retaining your audience. A website full of gorgeous photos won’t hold anyone’s interest for long if it’s difficult to navigate and visitors end up confused or frustrated.
Design creates consistency. It’s inevitable that your photos will vary. Whether you shoot a variety of subjects, a variety of environments, or in a variety of lighting conditions, good design around your portfolio can make sure your viewers know whose work they’re admiring.
Design builds trust. Surrounding your photography with the consistent look and feel of a brand will build trust in your audience over time. They’ll begin to feel familiarity and comfort, which makes them much more likely to inquire and hire.

Ready for More?

At JonesHaus, we specialize in high-level graphic design to support your business goals, whether that includes elevating your brand perception, motivating visitors to purchase products and services, or communicating your alignment with a specific movement or mission. We also work with professional photographers (like my brother!) to incorporate thoughtful imagery as a tool for greater impact. Reach out if you’re ready for a stronger presence.