Can you take high quality photos yourself? You sure can! Your mobile device lets you take some pretty great photos on the fly to use for promoting your business.
You don’t even need expensive equipment to get the job done. I love my Nikon DSLR, but I tend to take photos with my phone more because it’s always with me.
September is one of my favorite months to take photos in Northern Michigan. Everything is lush and green, some of the flowers are still in bloom, and there’s less traffic to fight with.
Here are a few tips and techniques to think about as you start taking your own marketing photos.
Try Different Photo Angles
Put yourself at the same level as your subject. If you sell pet products, get down on the ground next to a dog or cat with your products in the shot.
The same goes for shooting photos of kids. Get down closer to their level instead of shooting from above.
For other product shots, take photos from above and snap different side angles.
Frame Your Subject Differently
Add visual interest by placing your subject off center within your frame. It can be more effective than a typical centered shot.
Pay Attention to Lighting
The right light changes your photo from mediocre to fabulous!
When shooting people, natural light makes for some great photos. Overhead lights can be quite harsh and tend to create some unflattering shadows on faces.
Make sure the light is in front of your subject, not behind. I see lots of people taking photos in front of our beautiful sunsets, but you can’t see people’s faces.
Use a Tripod
A tripod makes a huge difference when it comes to clarity and quality of your photos!
You can use a small tripod that holds your phone steady for you. Some bigger tripods have an adapter for smartphones.
Products in Context
Show us someone actually using your product! If you sell furnishing, show someone sitting on your furniture in a staged setting.
Photos taken in context help us envision what it likes to own and use your product.
Edit and Crop
Make sure you have software on your computer or an app on your phone to edit and resize your images.
- If you’re using your photos on a website, you will need to reduce the size of the photo to reduce the size of the file.
- Crop out any unnecessary clutter that might be in the background.
Get out there and start stocking up on photos to use year round!
