As a wedding photographer, you do so much more than just capture moments; you weave visual narratives, with each image representing a stunning storybook chapter that evokes emotion and memories that last a lifetime.
When uploading your images to your website or online portfolio, that little box marked 'Alt Text' is not to be underestimated. It's not just another task in your workflow - it's a golden opportunity to make those narratives accessible and resonate with every visitor.
Sure, it has great SEO properties, but alt text is also all about inclusivity. Whether it's a tearful exchange of vows or roars of laughter at the speeches, alt text allows you to convey the essence of these moments to all.
So, grab your favourite cup of coffee as we delve into crafting the perfect alt text that does your wonderful work justice, enhancing accessibility and enriching the experience for every visitor.
The Lowdown: What is Alt Text?
Alt text, or 'alternative text', isn't just tech jargon; it's the unsung hero of web accessibility. It's the HTML image tag that gives your images a voice, especially when they can't visually speak for themselves. Without it, someone using a screen reader might only hear 'image' or, worse, a cryptic file name.
Not the best impression, right?
The W3C (aka the pros of web accessibility), give one of the best descriptions of where to use Alt:
“Imagine that you’re reading the web page aloud over the phone to someone who needs to understand the page. This should help you decide what (if any) information or function the images have. If they appear to have no informative value and aren’t links or buttons, it’s probably safe to treat them as decorative.”
So, what's the goal here?
To make sure your site's storytelling prowess doesn't miss a beat, ensuring everyone gets the full picture, whether they're seeing your images or having them described.
Invisible to Essential: Why is Alt Text Important?
The alt text box is a hidden gem for making your images speak to all of your visitors.
Let’s spill the tea on why getting alt text right is a game changer, covering the three biggies: Accessibility, UX (User Experience) and SEO.
- Accessibility: Give everyone the VIP pass to your visual stories, including folks who use screen readers. Making sure no one’s left out and aligning perfectly with those UK web standards we all aim to meet.
- UX: There’s nothing like a bit of alt text to maintain site experience, even when images decide to play hide and seek (thanks, slow internet!).
- SEO/Image Traffic: Help your stunning images pop up in searches and drive extra traffic your way by sprinkling-in just the right amount of keywords.
Think of alt text as your website’s trusty sidekick – it’s there to make sure your images are seen, felt and understood by everyone.
7 Tips for Crafting the Perfect Alt Text
Crafting the perfect alt text for your wedding photography images isn't just about ticking a box; it's an art form that enhances accessibility and enriches your online gallery.
Here's your recipe for alt text that hits the mark:
- Specificity Is Key: Be precise but not verbose. Picture your alt text as a succinct tweet, capturing the essence of the image in a crisp sentence.
- Avoid Redundancy: Skip phrases like "image of." Dive straight into the description, and if there's a caption, let it do the talking when appropriate.
- Concise Yet Complete: Aim for full sentences with proper punctuation and keep it short - think 15 words or 125 characters. This is where every word counts.
- Keywords with Care: Include relevant keywords, locations and even your studio name, but only where they add value. Don't force them; let them fit naturally into the description.
- Unique Descriptions: Each photo should have its unique alt text. Repetition is a missed opportunity for richness and SEO.
- Punctuation Matters: Screen readers handle punctuation differently, so use it to guide the flow without expecting vocal emphasis.
- SEO Is Secondary: Remember, search engines use alt text, but the primary purpose is accessibility. Descriptions should be image-focused, with SEO a happy byproduct.
Keep these pointers in mind, and you'll craft alt text that not only brings your images to life for everyone but also bolsters your online presence.
Alt Text Examples for Wedding Photographers
For the skilled wedding photographers out there, crafting alt text is like setting the scene for a story where every detail matters, giving every image the narrative it deserves.
Let's look at how a simple line of text can transform an image from just another pretty picture to an inclusive experience for all your viewers:
Bad: Bride looks out of a window.
Better: Natural light falls on Sophie as she gazes out of the window.
Optimised: Sophie's soft glam bridal makeup emphasised by natural light as she gazes out of window at [venue] with the bridal bouquet in hand.
Bad: Image of brides pink and white bridal bouquet with cream ribbon on a brown wicker chair with white cushion ready for wedding last year #bridalbouquet #roses #wedding
Better: Elegant white and pink roses tied with ivory ribbon ready for Emma’s wedding.
Optimised: Beautiful white and blush pink bridal bouquet of roses and dusty miller, tied with long ivory ribbon, at [wedding venue].
Bad: B&W photograph of newly-weds walking after wedding.
Better: In black and white, Hannah and Sam stroll hand in hand beside a lake after their wedding.
Optimised: Hand in hand, the bride and groom wander through the serene woodland by the lake at [wedding venue], in black and white.
Do I need Alt Text on Every Image on my Website?
No, you don't necessarily need alt text for every single image on your website.
Alt text is crucial for images that convey important information or are part of your content's narrative. If an image is purely decorative and doesn't add new information or context, it might not need alt text.
In your bustling world of wedding photography, decking out every single photo in your blog posts with alt text can feel pretty overwhelming. So, here’s a little insider tip: focus on garnishing 5-10 standout images per page or post. It's about quality, not quantity.
This way, you spotlight your prime moments without the stress. A touch of alt text here and there does wonders, making your visual tales accessible and your SEO grateful.
Snapshot Summary
From the gentle clasp of hands to the intimate moments of a couple in love, each wedding photo tells a story – both yours and your newlywed’s.
With the right alt text, you ensure it's a story that everyone can enjoy, bringing your stunning wedding photos to life for every visitor - sighted or not.
From being descriptive yet concise to strategically sprinkling in your chosen SEO-friendly keywords, alt text ensures your photography not only looks good online but ranks better on search engines and makes sure it’s accessible to everyone.
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Need a hand adding alt text to your website images or uploading your blogs? We’re here to help.
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