How to take better photos to tell your organizations story?

Tip #1 - Show the full story.

Use a sequence of shots similar to what is used in video and campaign photos. Capture detail shots, wide shots, medium shots, over the shoulder shots, transitional shots, and very importantly - intimate close up shots to show the expression of the people in the photos.

Tip #2 - Try using point of view.

So many photos these days on social media are of influencers smiling with product in hand. While there is a place and time for that, you can also show what the journey of using your product or service is. Capturing photos of dog toys that you sell? Try showing that scene from the point of the dog parent reaching out with hand to give the dog the ball. Trying to highlight photos of your yoga class? Try staging the photos so someone can feel like they are actually present there in line with others doing the exercises.

Tip #3 - Make it about the people you are serving.

Learning from industry experts in branding, marketing and multimedia like Seth Godin, I want to share some valuable info from him. "Marketing is our quest to make change on behalf of those we serve, and we do it by understanding the irrational forces that drive each of us."

Think of it this way, at the end of the day people don't care about your product, unless it can solve their problems. Simple, right? So instead of making an ad with campaign photos about the coffee you sell at a coffee shop you just opened, what can you do instead? Make it about the environment. And then take it one step further, do people just go for the environment? Or do they go for the social connection? The possibility to meet a date there? Share the experience you can provide to people. And take it as far as you can. People don't buy shovels because they want shovels. They buy them because they want to dig a hole? No. Because they want to plant a garden? No. Because they want fresh grown organic produce? Yes. And take this even further by showing parents cook healthy organic food with their kids.

Tip #4 - Use good lighting.

If you are Try to avoid harsh sunlight if shooting outdoors. Or use the shade.

If shooting indoor portraits for your organizations website, make sure that the people are not backlight. Always have them face the window instead. And crack a joke. A bad one.

Tip #5 - Other good practices.

Like everything, practice makes perfect. Make sure to watch for good composition as well, be patient when taking photos in crowded areas as well. There have been instances in the past when I did not realize someone was "photobombing" (before it was a term) until I got back to upload my photos. And make sure to always ask for consent or get something signed if you plan to use images of someone for promotion, or ads.

Interested in working with me to produce some images?

Feel free to reach out through the contact section.