Images and Treatments

Images and Treatments

When working for a company, it’s common to repurpose imagery from multiple sources, including:

  • Library images from photoshoots
  • Supplier-provided images (especially if you’re reselling products)
  • Personal photography (e.g., phone photos)
  • User-generated content (UGC)

With images coming from so many sources, variations in style, tone, and quality can quickly disrupt the cohesive look of your brand. Each photographer—or even device—captures colours, lighting, and mood differently.

Creating Consistency

A simple way to create cohesion is to apply a subtle photo filter across your images. Canva makes this easy and can help unify:

  • Tone
  • Colour balance
  • Contrast
  • Mood

Tip: Keep it subtle. Over-filtering can make images look artificial or overproduced.


Licensing Considerations

  • Photographer-supplied images: Some commercial licenses forbid post-editing. When in doubt, ask the photographer or supplier.
  • Stock and Canva imagery: Generally safe to edit to match your brand.
  • User-generated content (UGC): Often comes pre-edited. You should not alter UGC without permission. Instead, consider using a brand-aligned cover image or overlay to maintain consistency.

Other Considerations

  • Black and white photos: Can create elegance, nostalgia, or focus on subject rather than colour. Use consistently if chosen.
  • Flash photography and style: Be mindful of harsh shadows or unnatural tones. Minor adjustments may be needed to match your brand’s visual style.

Documentation in Brand Guidelines

Include in your expanded brand guidelines:

  • Example images
  • Filters or treatments applied
  • Notes on when and how to use each style

[Screenshots and examples of filters here]