How to drastically improve your social media photos
As if strategy, copywriting, messaging, tone of voice, tech setup and research isn’t enough to be getting on with as you draft your social media posts, the creative imagery you use also needs lots of thought. I’ve learnt – oftentimes after the fact – that the success of your social media post is going to be reliant on the quality of the images you’re using.
Never has this been truer than when I was hired to sell chocolate (I KNOW! A glorious thing to be paid for!).
When East Grinstead-based online shop, Chocolate Lodge, hired me to take care of their social media posts, it was by complete accident that I fell into becoming their Official Chocolate Photographer. I’d mentioned I was going to start specialising in the food sector, and that I was keen to practise food photography. This married nicely with their feeling that their chocolate photo library was left a little wanting and in need of a shake-up. And so glorious days of faffing about with rich chocolate, adventurous fillings and pretty gift boxes ensued.
Side note: I have never trained in photography and I wouldn’t call myself a photographer. I have an SLR camera but actually tend to get better results and have an easier time shooting on my iPhone XR.
As SOON as the re-shot product photos started going up online, they sold more of those products. And therein lies the importance of using good photos for your marketing channels.
Now I’ve seen how effective this has been for Chocolate Lodge, I can look around at my own channels and realise that any time I’ve been a bit lazy on the visual content side of things, it’s very clearly impacted how well that social media post has done. As a social media professional, that is quite a blow!
Have you been feeling like your social media imagery is a little… icky? Here are my top tips for taking great photos of products (most of them apply to people too) using nothing but a few handy props and a smartphone.
Tip #1 - Working against shadows
The bain of my life is lighting and shadows. Think carefully about your angles and positioning to eliminate as much shadow as you can (unless shadows are part of the image you want to capture).
Tip #2 - Clear up
Give yourself as much clear space as you can to work. Trying to eliminate clutter from the background of a photo can drive a girl crazy.
Tip #3 - Use natural light
Work with as much natural light as you can (although not direct sunlight - your pics will be really overexposed). Invest in a studio light or two to knock shadows out of the image too.
Tip #4 - Mix up your shots
Take a variety of shots for each product, like a flat-lay and a situational scene, to cater to different marketing requirements.
Tip #5 - Use landscape and portrait
...Not to mention a portrait and landscape option for each, too!
Tip #6 - Use what you have
Use what’s around you to enhance your pictures. Take a look at the picture below - you won’t believe what a few leaves and an acorn did for Walnut Peak sales!
If you use any of these tips and they improve your photos, please tag me in them on Instagram @heartsouldigi!
Looking for a content planner to plan your snazzy new photos into? I sell award-nominated all-digital content planners too!
