Photography Tutorial

Photography Best Practices Presentation

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Presentation Timestamps

0:26 – First impressions matter
1:59 – What are higher quality photos?
3:32 – Tell the story
5:48 – Look, think, and be patient
8:52 – Light is fundamental

11:08 – Pay attention to the frame
13:23 – Compose your shot
15:23 – Try changing your perspective
15:55 – Technical Tips
18:29 – Using photos effectively

Photography Tutorial Cheatsheet

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Photos give your audience a sense of who you are and what you do. They are also a fast way to signal to viewers that you are a trustworthy and valuable source of information. Studies have shown that it takes people 0.05 seconds to form an opinion about the credibility of a website mainly based on its visuals. The same principle applies to visual marketing materials, including social media and video where photography plays a central role. This guide will help you identify and create better, higher-quality images for more impactful and engaging marketing.

Characteristics of Higher Quality Photographs

Characteristics of higher quality photographs — WATCH IN VIDEO

Not cluttered or confusing
Tell a story – clearly show what’s going on
Convey a feeling
Authentic and novel
Pleasing composition, flattering to subjects
Crisp focus, bright, colorful
Not pixelated or stretched out photos

1) Tell the Story

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Represent a variety of perspectives by varying your shots: audience seats, behind the scenes, overall scene views, closeups, and so on.
Make the nature of an event or portrait very clear by frequently including easily recognizable or symbolic backgrounds, body poses, and facial expressions.
Watch for emotional highs, special moments, and obvious facial expressions for authentic photos.

2) Look, Think, and Be Patient

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LOOK

Look around, what is visually interesting to you? What colors, expressions, angles might be nice to include in your shot?

THINK

What aspects do you want to emphasize? What messages do you want to communicate?
Have a loose idea of the picture you’re going for.
Assess the factors involved in creating this image (timing, lighting, composition, background).

BE PATIENT

Take as many photos as you need. Look at them before moving on and take more or try new options if needed.
Wait for the right moment. Avoid “spray and pray.” Remember that on phones, the image is captured when your finger is removed from button.

3) Photography is Drawing with Light

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Ask yourself “Where is the light coming from?”
Generally speaking, shoot portraits where light is the most even and flat. Avoid direct light which causes harsh shadows.
Outdoor light is best for portraits. Get in the shade on a sunny day. On overcast days, light is naturally even.
Indoors, light from a window on one side of your subject is best. Avoid backlighting and overhead lights.
Avoid flash. Use only as last resort as it is unflattering photos.

4) Pay Attention to the Frame

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Use the entire frame: move in closer than you think you need to be. Don’t leave a lot of “blank” space in a shot.
Moving slightly can make a big difference in your shot.
Don’t be afraid to crop people and things off frame. It can add a professional look.
Become aware of the frame edges. Avoid awkward intrusions and clutter near the edges.

5) Compose Your Shot

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Rule of Thirds: Turn on grid lines on your camera phone and place important parts of image at intersections and lines to create a more pleasing effect. Avoid placing subject in the middle.
Focus guides viewers’ eyes. Set your focus on the important part of image.
Beware of “Mergers.” For example, objects in the background “sprouting” from people’s heads.
Experiment for different effects and emotional tone in your shots. Try different angles, tilt camera, horizontal and vertical orientations, objects in foreground.

Technical Tips

The Last Mile: Using Photos Effectively