Hello rlathem

You can easily use a photo for a background on your master slide. Here's a
quick 7 step tutorial:

1. Select View>Master>Slide Master this will take you into a mode where you
can change the fonts, colors, layout and background (which is what you want)
of your Master Slide

2. Now select Format>Background which will bring up a box with a dropdown
menu. Click on the down arrow to open the drop down menu and choose Fill
Effects...

3. A new window will open, choose the Picture Tab, then click the Select
Picture button.

4. Now you will have to find the photo you want to use on your computer and
click insert, then OK

5. PowerPoint now wants to know if you want to apply the picture to this
slide or all of them. In this case you are working on the master so you can
choose either option.

6. Now you need to find a button in your toolbar which says Close Master
View which will take you back into the mode where you can edit your
PowerPoint Presentation.

If you would like a more detailed tutorial please visit:

http://www.superpresentationman.com/PDFs/Design_Templates_01.pdf

Send me a message if you would like more help.

Have fun
-SuperPresentationMan

"Our PowerPoint Hero"
www.SuperPresentationMan.com