In a fast-paced world where most of us have already updated our Facebook status, squeezed in a workout and grabbed a venti soy latte all before 7am, it is important when marketing a business, to figure out what the most effective form of communication is. You want to get your point across quickly, efficiently and effectively. One powerful way to do that is by taking better photos that immediately capture attention and tell your brand’s story at a glance.
Ninety-three percent of communication is non-verbal. What you see greatly affects your decisions throughout the day, and showing someone an image or photo is the simplest way to provoke the response you want. Now I know what you’re thinkingsure, it would be nice to have gorgeous, professional photographs to upload to your Instagram, website, or Pinterest promoting your business, but that will cost you a fortune! So, here are a couple of tips to help you start taking better photos on your own, so you can stick to your budget (those venti soy lattes really add up).
Here are 5 basic tips that every amateur photographer should know…
- Get up close and personal – Especially if you are using a smartphone camera, the closer the better. Because the size of the lens is smaller, you are able to focus much more clearly on objects that are up-close. By photographing closely, you also gain more control over lighting, which is key when taking better photos.
- Crop, Don’t Zoom! – While many smart phone cameras are now coming equipped with more and more megapixels (which make your photo quality better), you are still likely to sacrifice photo quality when you use your zoom. Learning to work with your cropping tool can be incredibly helpful. This will enable you to take the most clear photos, which is essential when taking better photos, with the option of going back to crop and enlarge the images at a later time.
- Go “au naturale” – Try your very best to find good natural light. Flash rarely works properly unless you’re working with a high-end camera. The flash can be used as an alternative to natural light, but isn’t preferable. If the area is too dark, do your best to move and find better light or take darker photos, editing them later. Taking better photos often starts with using natural lighting effectively. Be sure to have your subject face the light, otherwise you might end up with a dark silhouette instead of a clear, well lit photo!
- Level the playing field – Get level with your subject. For the best images, try to see eye to eye with your subject. If it is higher or lower than your direct line of vision, duck down or get yourself up on a ladder so you are in line with the person or object you are aiming to photograph.
- Keep it clean – Clean your lens! It sounds obvious, but you would be surprised how many people forget to clean their lenses regularly. If your lens is dirty the result will be blurry, dark photos that won’t look good no matter what filters you put on them. You can buy a gentle lens cleaning solution to use once in a while. Also, a soft cloth will work for cleaning regularly.
Don’t forget that it’s important to be creative. Mess around with your filter options, crop tool, and more. After all, this is supposed to be fun. So go ahead – give your newfound expertise a try, and let us know how it goes! If it still just isn’t working for you, that’s okay too! Give us a call at 201-345-4556 or shoot us an email at getstarted@crearemarketing.com, and we’ll help you capture the images your business needs to stand out.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best tips for taking better photos with my smartphone?
Taking better photos with your smartphone starts with getting up close to your subject. By focusing on smaller objects, you can control lighting more effectively, which is key for taking better photos. Remember to avoid using the zoom function—crop your photos later instead. Also, use natural light whenever possible to achieve clearer, more vibrant shots.
How can I improve the quality of my photos without a professional camera?
You can start taking better photos right now by using natural light to your advantage. Flash often doesn’t work as well as natural light, especially on a smartphone. To improve your photos, also focus on getting closer to your subject instead of using zoom. By practicing these tips, you’ll quickly enhance the quality of your photos without needing a professional camera.
Why should I avoid using the zoom feature when taking better photos?
Zooming in on your subject can compromise the quality of your photos, even with higher megapixel cameras. Instead, focus on getting closer to your subject and cropping the image later. This technique will help in taking better photos, ensuring your images are clear and sharp every time.
What role does lighting play in taking better photos?
Lighting is one of the most important aspects when it comes to taking better photos. Natural light is your best friend—always try to photograph in well-lit areas or face your subject towards the light. If natural light isn’t available, avoid using the flash and instead adjust your photos later in editing to improve the overall look.
How can I make sure my photos are clear and not blurry?
To avoid blurry photos, first, make sure your lens is clean. It’s easy to forget, but dirty lenses can result in unclear images. Regularly clean your camera lens with a soft cloth or a gentle lens cleaner to ensure you’re taking better photos every time.
