Adding Photos and Galleries to an Article – A Visual Storytelling Guide

Adding compelling visual elements can transform a basic article into an immersive experience. Whether you’re crafting a news feature or a photo essay, “ gives depth, context, and emotional power to your storytelling. This guide walks you through everything you need to know — from sourcing the right images to displaying them in galleries — while respecting copyright and accessibility.

Why Multimedia Matters in Digital Journalism

Multimedia elements — like photos, audio, and graphics — are no longer optional in digital storytelling. They engage readers, enhance understanding, and break up long blocks of text. Most importantly, they bring stories to life. By embedding rich media, you allow your readers to experience the moment, not just read about it.

Start with Legal, Ethical Image Sourcing

Before uploading any image, know this: we can only use images we create, have permission to use, or that fall under Creative Commons or public domain. Just because an image is online doesn’t mean it’s free to use. Respect creators’ rights — and protect your own work too.

Be extra cautious with social media content. “The subject of a photo cannot give us permission to use a photo unless it is also OK with the photographer and, perhaps, the publisher.” It’s a rule every ethical journalist must follow.

Optimize Photos for Web Performance

Great visuals shouldn’t slow down your site. Optimizing your images improves load time, accessibility, and user experience. Before uploading, resize large files, compress without losing quality, and always save in web-friendly formats like JPEG or PNG. For best practices, see the Institute for Nonprofit News article on image optimization.

Uploading Images to the Media Library

To add images, go to Media > Library in the WordPress Dashboard. Click “Add New” and wait for the preview to appear. Don’t skip metadata — fill in the Caption, Alt Text, and Credit sections. These not only support SEO but also make your site accessible to visually impaired users.

Complete the following fields for every photo:

• Title – A short descriptive phrase.

• Caption – Tell what’s happening, name people, and provide context.

• Alt Text – A brief, functional description for screen readers.

• Credit – Name of the photographer or content creator.

Placing Photos in Your Article

You can add photos in two primary ways: as Featured Media or in-line images throughout the article.

To Add a Photo Throughout the Article:

1. Upload the photo to the Media Library.

2. In your article, insert an Image block.

3. Click “Media Library,” choose your image, then “Select.”

4. Save draft, preview, and confirm proper display.

5. Ignore preview errors like “This block has encountered an error” — your image will still appear when published.

These steps allow you to place photos exactly where they enhance your narrative.

Setting a Featured Media Image

A Featured Media image appears at the top of your article and on your site’s homepage, categories, and tag pages. Use a landscape image, ideally 1170px wide, for the best fit.

To add a Featured Media image:

1. Upload it and complete all metadata fields.

2. In the post editor, find the Featured Media module.

3. Click “Set Featured Media,” select your photo, and confirm.

You can also hide this image from the article page by checking “Hide on Single Post Display” — a helpful option if your photo is too tall or disrupts the reader’s flow.

Creating a Photo Gallery or Slideshow

Photo galleries add dimension and context to your story. Use a gallery for 2–5 photos and a slideshow for 5 or more. These formats allow you to guide readers through a visual journey, enhancing the depth of your article.

Steps to add a gallery:

1. Upload all photos to the Media Library and add captions.

2. Insert a new block in your article.

3. Choose “Gallery” or “Slideshow.”

4. Select your images and click “Create Gallery,” then “Insert Gallery.”

5. Rearrange images if needed by editing the gallery block.

When done right, photo galleries communicate progression, show different perspectives, and encourage users to linger on your content longer.

In Summary: Tell Stories Visually and Thoughtfully

Adding rich visuals doesn’t just dress up an article — it deepens storytelling, adds credibility, and respects all readers, including those with visual impairments. From uploading your own images to optimizing them for web and building galleries, mastering “adding photos and galleries to an article” is essential in today’s multimedia journalism world.