Does it really help using social media photos? 7 handy tips to take your own social media photos

So – I’m probably doing myself out of a job here, but I thought I would share with you how you can take better photographs to use on your social media posts. Obviously ideally you’d book me to take them for you (!) but if not, these tips will at least make your social media photos as good as they possibly can be!

But first – why use social media photos?

According to Media Blog - tweets that include a photograph are 35% more likely to be retweeted . Plus - Facebook posts that have a photograph in will obtain on average, 87% more interaction . So there is definitely big value in adding some pictures to get more people interacting with your posts.

How to take the best social media photos:

Tip 1 – The rule of thirds: images where the subject is off centre are always much more interesting. Divide your camera frame into 9 squares (see below) and place your subject on one of the intersecting lines – instantly your photo will look much better.

Tip 2 – Use leading lines to create interest in your shot. So – a bit like the rule of thirds, you are basically just making your shots that little bit more creative than just photographing from straight on. For example, use things like walls, horizontal lines and a pathway to add that interest. See below for an example.

Tip 3 - Do NOT use flash! Particularly if you are using a phone, the flash is never good and the photos end up looking really rubbish. So – take my advice, take your photos on overcast days – you won’t get any shadows or rings under the eyes. Or – if you can’t avoid a bright sunny day, head for some top-shade. This is created either by doorways or under trees. Your subject will still be lit beautifully but won’t be blinded by the sun.

Tip 4 – on the same subject as tip 3 (ie – lighting….) try to shoot your photos during the ‘golden hour’. This is the time either shortly after sunrise or before sunset during which almost all photos look absolutely gorgeous. (Think those holiday photos early evening when the sun is going down). Literally everything looks good in this light! Again, see below for an example.

Tip 5 – Control Exposure. This is fairly limited on smart phones, but can still make a big difference. On I-phones when you have a photo you’d like to take, simply tap and hold the screen and you will see a slider, which allows you to increase/decrease exposure, and lock it. This can also lock focus – so you can decide what is in focus and what is not.

Tip 6 – minimize your editing effects. I’m a sucker for a filter on instagram, and it can be fun to apply them but before you do it, ask yourself is it really necessary? Is it possible they detract from the image? Sometimes, a simple crop, good lighting and composition are all that is necessary.

Finally, Tip 7 - Keep your lens clean! It may sound really obvious, but you’d be amazed what I see…..your phone sits in your pocket, your handbag, on your desk etc. and gathers finger prints and goodness knows what else in the process. Before you take a photo – give it a little wipe and you’ll be guaranteed crystal clear photos every time!

Happy snapping!

But remember…….if you want really fantastic professional photographs to represent your brand, take a look at www.photosbypennie.co.uk or call me on 07715 889457. I have worked with all sorts of businesses including interior designers, schools, commercial lighting companies and many more to supply them with a bank of photos for them to use on social media. Thanks for reading!