A micro keywording standard, aimed at delivering the most important keywords at low cost, has been launched by New Zealand-based keywording company Keedup.
The new standard of up to 15 keywords includes technical, literal, thematic and conceptual keywords, and is aimed at companies and photographers on a budget, or large archives where the cost of full keywording would be prohibitive.
Keedup CEO, Kevin Townsend, said that in developing the standard it had become apparent that as the number of words is reduced, the importance of each increased dramatically.
“A lot can be achieved with relatively small numbers of words, but only if they are chosen carefully."
“It is tempting for amateurs to double up on words, use plurals, extra synonyms or not include the most important aspects of an image.
“For instance, you can have a picture of a building which is rather elaborately adorned. Possible keywords include: intricate, elaborate, and highly decorated. Ornate sums up as precisely as possible the style of building. Concentrating on parts of the building that collectively make it ornate would be a big waste of keywords.
“Knowing the right balance between the literal and conceptual is also important. A picture of a woman meditating could include many keywords describing her literal appearance such as eyes closed and legs crossed, but more useful keywords could relate to the subject of meditation, or words such as peace, harmony, and well-being.”
Mr Townsend said the best results would always be achieved by keyworders with experience and an excellent grasp of the English language.
The micro standard could also be used as a first step to deeper keywording which could be added later.
“In some cases it can make sense to get this base keywording done, then, when budgets allow, to improve the level of keywording and searchability. Using the Micro standard is also a way for people who have not used professional keywording before to put their toes in the water.”
Posted by Will Carleton