Incorporating new photos on your small business’s website or social media accounts can give you an upgraded look and help you engage your online audience. If your business is struggling to take product shots, photos for social media, headshots and other images, we have a few tips that can help you get started on your own— whether you use a camera or a cellphone.
1. Lighting Is Everything
Lighting is the most important aspect of photography. You can take a captivating picture, but without proper lighting, it will never turn out the way you want. Natural lighting is best, but if you do not have access to natural light or a window, try to find soft lighting that will not leave harsh shadows. Mornings, evenings, and overcast days tend to produce the best lighting results.
2. Photography Is About Storytelling
Whether you are taking action shots or product shots, your photos should tell the story of what the viewer needs to understand. If people are in the shot, capture critical moments or emotions. For product shots, include other relevant materials, and shoot the item in its typical environment with the brand name clearly showing.
3. The Rule of Thirds Is Important
Besides lighting, this is one of the first skills that photographers learn. When you take a photo, imagine that the scene is split into a grid of nine equal rectangles. Photos are more engaging when the focus of the shot is on the top or bottom third, the left or right third, or in one of the four corner intersections. Never center the subject in the middle of your photograph.
4. Angles Bring Eye-Catching Perspectives
Most of the time, you won’t get the best photos on your first attempt. By using a variety of angles and perspectives, you may come up with a new, more compelling idea. A good angle can make a world of difference, and it can also diversify your social media feed and website content.
5. Good Editing Techniques Can Go a Long Way
The last step to taking a photo is the editing. Overediting an image can make it look fake or out of place, but proper editing with the right tools can highlight the content of the image to better grab a viewer’s attention. Adobe Lightroom and VSCO are two free apps that have great editing capabilities and are relatively easy to use. Simply import the photo and slide the bars to alter the image. Remember, less is more.
Photography skills come with practice, and the best images tell the story of your brand and your goals. As you continue to try new elements and shots, incorporate these tips. You will be pleasantly surprised with the results.
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