Photos 101: A Very Simplified Rundown of How to Take Amazing Photos for Social Media
Whether you have a $5000 camera or an iPhone X (no promises for models before this) follow these basic guidelines when creating that fire content.
Tip #1 - So fresh and so clean, clean. This may sound silly, but make sure your lens is free of any dirt/dust/pet hair/etc. This applies to smartphones, point & shoot cameras, and professional cameras. Have a microfiber cloth handy to clean your lens of any obstructions.
Tip #2 - Size does matter…wait, what? Image size is important. If you are not posting directly from your phone/tablet, know that apps can shrink your image size, therefore quality. When emailing an image, and if given the option, always choose to send the file as the “Actual Size”. Also, keep in mind sending images between Apple and Samsung devices can sometimes result in reduced image quality. Note that 1080px x 1080px is the ideal size for a standard square post so think about orientation prior to starting your photoshoot.
Tip #3 - Focus. This topic can get really deep (ha, photographer humor) but in all honesty, reviewing a ton of images you just captured and realizing none are actually clear and crisp, is a huge letdown. Make sure to tap on the subject when using a smartphone, and adjust the lens focus on a camera if you’re not using auto-focus.
Tip #4 - Bomb lighting. Lizzo knows what’s up. This obviously depends on the subject or scene, but natural lighting is always amazing. Bluebird skies are beautiful, but you know what isn’t? Sweat, shadows, and squinting. My favorite photoshoots have been on overcast days with even light, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get awesome photos when it’s sunny, windy, or rainy! Just be prepared and have realistic expectations. If you’re using an indoor room or studio, try to have at least 2 forms of light on the subject (one on each side), unless you are wanting that moody portrait, then just one is ideal. Play around with flash too, but double-check pupils on your subjects so that you avoid the zombie look.
Tip #5 - Does symmetry soothe your soul? Or does it make you cringe? Either way, that’s fine! That fluffy little Jack Russell can be sitting right in the middle, or he can be off to the side allowing room for text, a sun flare, or his favorite toy to also be in the frame. Play around with this, go nuts!
Tip #6 - Filter Finesse. I have a love/hate relationship with filters. This includes the ones that adjust your photo settings (contrast, highlights, white balance, etc) but also the ones that add ridiculous overlays such as piercings or rabbit ears. You want to get your point across, you want the photo to be aesthetically pleasing, but you also need it to be real. If possible, avoid them. If you’re a filter fanatic, try branching outside of the standard filters that come with Facebook or Instagram and add some user-created ones. Also, play around with adjusting the opacity of the filter on your image. 10% might do more for your image than 100%. Last but not least, remember that wrinkles are real, blemishes are real, and pet hair will always be a part of life.
Tip #7 - Do more. I have 30,046 images on my phone… and I am totally fine with that because I’d rather have too many options than too few. Keep this in mind when attending functions or events. Capture people interacting with each other, products that are featured, the venue and space you are utilizing, and a wide shot of the whole production. These aspects will help give your followers a better “feel” of what you’re showing and we all know vibes are important.
Moral of the story, there’s no such thing as a bad photo. That is a lie.
Following some of these simple tips will help portray your creativity and hopefully help you gain some engagement when it comes to social media. Likes on likes, that’s what we want!
Explore, have fun, and while it is great to unplug sometimes… ALWAYS take photos.