Though most non-specialists approach the selection of images from a purely subjective standpoint, electing some to be nicer or more "appropriate” than others, there are indeed better and more objective methods to identify images that suit best the need to communicate, present or visualize an idea, concept or
fact.

Here are some simple tips which may help you in simplifying you're ability to select images when several alternatives on the subject selected are available:

a) Look for pictures where the subject, theme or heart of the matter is immediately recognizable. Photos where the subject is not easily recognizable, or is lost among too many other relevant items do not work well. In your final use photos are also frequently reduced in size, making it even more difficult
for the viewer to see beyond the immediate key items in your image.

b) Make sure that the image colors are vivid and not faded, or with blue, green, red or yellowish tints.

c) Select photographs in which the subject and details are in good focus. As images will be viewed not always under optimal conditions you want to make sure to go in excess of your standard minimum requirements when evaluating the effective clarity and immediate "legibility” of an image.

d) Identify pictures where the subject is so evident as to be apparent also if the picture is viewed by squinting your eyes or by drastically turning down the brightness of your monitor.

e) Choose images which maintain their clarity and message also when printed or photocopied in black and white.

f) Avoid selecting images that are significantly smaller than the final publication size you intend to use. Enlarging images is always cause of trouble and of certain degradation of image quality.

g) Look for images that have a common style, look, dominant of colors, format (vertical vs horizontal) as to create some consistency even across the visual part of your publication.

h) Evaluate images in print and next to each other. Make your search in advance and, once your inventory of acceptable images is sufficiently large, print some thumbnail sheets and look at them by comparing them next to each other

i) Rule of two neighbours (Jared Spool). Let always at least two other people, not involved in your project look at your visual choices and understand what the image selected is suppose to represent. Or use the two outsiders to re-evaluate or confirm your selection of subjects among different alternatives.