In today’s digital age, social media has become an integral part of business marketing strategies. High-quality photos and videos can significantly enhance your online presence and engage your audience. Here we share some best practices to guide you through the process of capturing professional-looking content using your smartphone – all while ensuring your business stands out on social media platforms.
Camera Settings and Orientation
Your smartphone’s camera is a powerful tool when used correctly. Here are some tips to optimize your device with settings and orientation for the best results:
- Make sure your phone’s camera lens is clean.
- On your phone’s camera settings, turn on HDR.
- If possible, take a horizontal and vertical version of a photo.
- Opt for vertical orientation for video.
Lighting: the Key to Great Photos
Lighting can make or break your photos and videos – yes, it is THAT IMPORTANT of a consideration. Proper lighting techniques can dramatically improve the quality of your content:
- Ensure that the light is behind you so that it shines on the subject.
- Flash is not your friend – don’t use it!
- Try to use a big bright, soft natural light source, like a window.
- When natural light is not readily available, have a back-up light or a ring light.
– Use LED white light sources.
– Avoid using tungsten (yellow) bulbs that create a golden cast.
– Avoid the subject being under overhead lights that cast shadows.
Focusing on the Right Elements
Composition and focus are crucial for creating engaging visual content. Consider these tips when framing your shots:
- Hold your camera at eye level or at a height just above so that it can be angled slightly down.
- Whenever possible, make people the focus. If the subject is a piece of equipment, try to capture someone using it.
- Try to capture people in their natural environment. It doesn’t need to be a posed picture starting directly at the camera. Candids are great!
- For maximum impact, it is preferable to capture images of a few people in action rather than a large group.
Attire Considerations
While not always possible to control, the clothing worn in your photos and videos can significantly impact the final result:
- Solid colors are the best choice. As a rule, darker colors show up better on camera.
- Make sure you choose clothing colors that contrast with your background, so you don’t blend into it.
By following these best practices, you can elevate the quality of your social media content and create a more professional and engaging online presence for your business.
Remember, consistency is key – apply these techniques regularly to build a cohesive and attractive social media portfolio that resonates with your audience and reflects your brand’s identity.
This blog was written by Erin Dalton, an Empirical marketing specialist who is known for her creating compelling and engaging content. She also has been around more than a few photo shoots, so knows the ins and outs of best practices in this area! Be sure to connect with her on LinkedIn.
The Empirical team can drive your marketing efforts forward to help meet your business objectives! From building brand awareness, increasing website traffic, generating leads, and so much more, be sure to connect with us: hello@thinkempirical.com; (610) 994-1139.
