Shooting for Social
By Erinn Christopher, Brand Specialist
82% of consumers say that visual content is the most important type of content for businesses to share on social media. With social media users spending an average of 53 minutes per day on Instagram and 89 minutes per day on TikTok, it's clear that visual content is important. The foundation in creating great content for social media is understanding how to take the best photos and videos. In this blog post, we’ll share our tips for taking high-quality visual content that will engage your audience and help you achieve your social media goals.
SUBJECT
Telling a complete story
Here at The Social Collective we are huge advocates for replacing marketing with storytelling! Photos and videos are meant to tell a story so make sure that you’re capturing it from beginning to end! To create compelling content, it's crucial to consider your subject carefully. Here's how you can ensure your subject shines in your photography:
Capture the Entirety and Details
Every story has a beginning, middle, and end - and so should your content! To tell a story, your visual story should encompass both the broader picture and the finer details. When photographing a subject—be it a product, a person, or a scene—strive to capture it comprehensively. Take shots that showcase the entire subject, providing viewers with a context to understand it better. Simultaneously, zoom in on the captivating details that make your subject unique.
Example: If you're showcasing a brand new shirt, start with wider shots that display the entire garment. Then, focus your lens on the intricate details like buttons, the collar, and the cuffs. These close-up shots create a more immersive experience for your audience.
Focus for clarity
Regardless of whether you're photographing the entire subject or its intricate details, one fundamental rule remains constant: focus. To ensure your photos are sharp and clear, tap the screen of your smartphone to focus the camera on your subject. This simple action can make a world of difference in the quality of your shots.
Example: Before snapping a picture of a beautifully plated dish, tap on the main course to ensure that the camera focuses on it, making the food the star of your shot.
Invest Time in Setup
Great photography often requires a bit of patience and preparation. Don't rush through the process. Invest extra time in setting up the perfect shot. Move slowly and pay attention to lighting, angles, and the overall composition.
Composition
The Art of Balance and Creativity
Composition plays a pivotal role in transforming ordinary photos into extraordinary ones. To enhance your smartphone photography, consider these composition tips:
Camera GriD
The "rule of thirds" is a tried-and-true composition principle that can instantly improve your photos. To apply it, activate your phone's camera grid, which divides your image into nine equal parts with four points of intersection in the center. Placing points of interest at these intersections or along the lines creates balanced and engaging compositions, allowing viewers to interact with your visuals more naturally.
Experiment with Angles
Routine shots are taken at eye level to your subject. These are important baseline images when telling your visual story but don’t be afraid to experiment with different angles! Sometimes, a high or low perspective can infuse your photos with creativity and intrigue. If you lack a tripod, improvise by propping your phone up on books, a box, or a table for steady shots. When capturing handheld shots, lock your elbows close to your torso to eliminate shaky images.
Example: When photographing a towering skyscraper, try shooting from a low angle to emphasize its height and grandeur, or experiment with a high-angle shot to capture its unique architectural features.
Options
Unlocking your smartphone’s potential
Modern smartphones offer a treasure trove of features, modes, lenses, and settings that can enhance your photography skills. Here's how to make the most of your smartphone's capabilities:
Features and modes
Take the time to explore your phone's camera features and modes. Features like HDR (High Dynamic Range) mode can help you capture more details in high-contrast scenes. Experiment with panorama mode for sweeping landscapes and portrait mode for beautiful bokeh effects. Each mode offers a unique way to tell your story.
Example: Photo taken with a long shutter speed!lENSES
Many smartphones now come equipped with multiple lenses, such as wide-angle, ultra-wide-angle, and telephoto. Familiarize yourself with these lenses and their capabilities. Switching between lenses can dramatically alter the perspective and composition of your photos.
Example: Photo taken with fisheye lens!sETTINGS
Don't shy away from adjusting your camera's settings manually. Explore options like exposure, ISO, and white balance to take control of your photos. Customizing settings allows you to adapt to different lighting conditions and achieve the desired artistic effect.
By mastering the art of Subject, Composition, and Options in smartphone photography, you can elevate your social media visuals to a whole new level! Each facet of this guide contributes to creating engaging, memorable, and visually appealing content.
So, next time you pick up your smartphone to document a moment, tell a story, or showcase a product, remember these tips and watch your photography skills and social media presence flourish.