Design Guidance on Cropping and Layout

Cropping helps a subject stand out on a page or spread by bringing the desired focal point into clear view. It effectively zooms in on the subject, making it more prominent within the layout and guiding the viewer’s attention with intention.

If the image is serving as a presentation page for a new section of the yearbook, less is often more. Strategic use of negative space allows the viewer to focus directly on the featured photo or illustration, presenting it with clarity and authority.

Content should guide layout decisions. If the text refers to a specific program, club, or activity, placing the corresponding image nearby creates a clear visual connection. Requiring the viewer to flip back and forth to compare text and imagery can be counterproductive.

Scale also plays an important role. Enlarging a subject to highlight detail adds energy and visual impact to a spread. Images surrounded by white space tend to draw the viewer in more effectively than images crowded among too many competing elements.