Amanda Taylor’s 10 Tips for Taking Great Photos
1. Natural Light
You don’t need to own studio lighting equipment to create beautiful photographs. Used in the correct way, natural light can look just as effective, if not more, than traditional studio lighting techniques.
2. Shooting for Light
Remember that the definition of photography is ‘writing with light’. The biggest element of a photograph is the light. Remember to look for shadows and backlighting when photographing to help keep your image clean and to separate it from the background.
3. Consistency
If you are photographing a product line–for example: jewellery, invitations, clothing etc–try to use a prop or lighting setup that is similar in each photograph. This will keep the viewers’ attention on the product, not the difference in lighting etc. You want your images to be about the product, not what your lighting or setup you are using. Although important, you are selling your items not your photography skills. That’s my job!
4. Less is More
Try not to add too many items in one photo. This good old saying our mums used to preach makes sense. Again, it’s about our products not how many products we can stick in the same photo. Basic, good images are what you want.
5. Backgrounds
A great image can be completely ruined by fussy backgrounds. Sometimes items left in the background can ruin an image in an instant. Try and keep your backgrounds simple or colour co-ordinate to your business look and feel.
6. Composition
Try new things; you don’t always need to photograph front, middle and centred. When studying photography, they teach you exactly that. Try photographing from the side, above and at eye level. You will pleasantly surprised with the results.
7. Camera Equipment
Good camera equipment is a must! There would be nothing more disappointing then setting up a perfect product shot, only to find your image lacks image quality. Use the highest resolution setting possible and shoot in good, clean light. Don’t use a poorly exposed photo and edit it later. It just won’t work.
8. Editing
To separate yourself from your competitor, you also will need to ‘fancy’ up your photos with some basic editing. Familiarise yourself with a post production program and do some basic touch ups. Add contrast, saturate if needed, sharpen and darken edges (slightly!) to bring the attention of the viewer into the image.
9. Normal Doesn’t Get Noticed
Now you know the basic rules. Learn them and then break them. You can’t do this until you learn them. We all know in business that to stand out, you need to think outside the box. Use dramatic lighting. Use models. Shoot in the middle of a shopping centre. Who knows? Do it to suit the personality of your business and what you’re trying to sell.
10. Get a pro to do it!
As you can now understand, there is alot that goes into photography, no matter the style or type. Professional photographers often study for years to know their craft back to front and are also very creative. Equipment, skills, talent and experience all add to the experience and imagery of a pro photographer. The end result of a professional set of images might be the difference between a sale and non sale. If you feel confident giving it a go, go for it! If not, seek out a pro to do it for you. It will be well worth it – just be sure to find the right one for you! Goodluck and happy shooting!
