Children's picture books are timeless treasures that not only entertain but also educate and inspire young readers. And many authors wonder whether to use photographs vs illustrations to bring the story to life. Both mediums have their unique advantages and charm, and the choice between them can significantly impact the overall appeal and effectiveness of a children's book. Read on to discover more about photographs vs illustrations in picture books and how to decide which to use in your story.
The Magic of Illustrations
Illustrations offer lots of freedom. If you work with a talented artist, the colours, shapes, scenes, and tones your story can take are endless. Young readers also love how bright and friendly illustrations appear.
When it comes to photographs vs illustrations, illustrations are much more common. They’re often associated with fictional stories, but they can also have a place in nonfiction.
The Realism of Photographs vs Illustrations
On the other hand, photographs bring a sense of reality and authenticity to children's picture books. Capturing real moments, people, and places, photographs provide a tangible connection to the world around us. The use of photographs can be particularly impactful in nonfiction books that educate or introduce children to diverse cultures, environments, or historical events.
Because of this, in the debate of photographs vs illustrations, photographs are more often associated with nonfiction picture books.
However, photographs can also be used in fictional books as additions to the stories: on resource pages, in “about the author” blurbs, and to show real-life versions of characters or moments within the story.
Photographs vs Illustrations: Finding the Right Mix
While the choice between illustrations and photographs may seem like a one-or-the-other kind of thing, many successful children's picture books have incorporated a balance between the two.
At the end of the day, it’s up to you to decide which of these three options will best suit your book:
Lean into the fictional world and convey your story through eye-catching illustrations.
Step into realism and let educational photographs take the lead.
Show that it’s not photographs vs illustrations anymore and incorporate both.
Ultimately, whether a children's picture book relies on illustrations, photographs, or a combination of both, your story must entice young readers. Consider the goal of your story, the narrative tone, and whether photos, illustrations, or both will fit best. And if you’ve decided to go with illustrations, check out THIS blog post to discover how to find the perfect illustrator.