Digital Media: Do you want to lift your photo game?

“The best camera is the one that you have with you.” – Chase Jarvis 

Have you ever purchased a product from a printed catalog that didn’t feature product photography? Maybe you did circa 1985! 

You need captivating photos for marketing, plain and simple. Of course, you aren’t going to live on Mac & Cheese just so you can save for that best-in-class Nikon D5 DSLR either. 

Reach into your pocket. 

Not the change or the receipts from your recent grocery trip. Your phone, I mean, YOUR PHONE. 

Each year, more and more images are captured with smartphones. The optics and camera sensors in smartphones continue to get better every year, leading to higher quality photos. 

So how can you get the best out of that little pocket device to support your marketing strategy? Glad you asked, please read on… 

1. General techniques 

• Please clean your lens as a first step. Always
• Do not use a filter. Natural photos add credibility to a product’s authenticity whereas filters scream #datingappsfail 
• Avoid taking photos or videos of crowds, empty spaces or messy, unkempt areas when taking photos of products
• Add depth and layers through the use of clear backgrounds (skies, nature, or an uncluttered canvas). Keep your backgrounds simple 
• Shoot straight and avoid tilted angles 

2. Let there be light 

• Use natural light if you can and/or move your subject closer to a light source
• Avoid using the flash function unless you aim to achieve a washed-out aesthetic with glowing eyes kind of a look 
• If you take photos during the night, find sources of ambient light such as streetlamps, brightly lit windows of department stores or even better, flood lights

3. The rule of threes or balanced asymmetry 

• Divide your frame into thirds both vertically and horizontally and place key elements on these lines
• Many camera apps will allow you to place a grid on the screen to help you compose your shot 
• Your subject can be off-centred and balanced out by another object in the opposite direction of the frame 

What are you waiting for? Snap away. Need help on other marketing things? Please contact us and follow Mai Jane, Digital Marketing Manager on LinkedIn.