Looking through the internet, you’ll come across thousands of beautiful photos. Companies are always looking for ways to captivate their target audiences with photos. After all, they are more compelling than text. If you are looking for the best images to suit your business aesthetic, stock photos may be right.
Here are a few ways to find the best pictures for your business.
1. Know When to Use Stock Photos
Experimenting with stock photos could give your business aesthetic the wow factor. Stock photography sites have an endless variety of images. You can always find one that matches your aesthetic.
However, it would help if you were careful to avoid overusing these photos. You want a good mix of your pictures and stock photos. You want photos that tell your own stories. Use stock photos strategically to build your general image strategy.
Even though photography is intimidating, practice will make you better over time. If you can, get a professional to handle tasks like taking, editing, and publishing pictures. Before you know it, photography will be part of your marketing strategy.
Here are a few reasons to consider using stock photos:
- They save you time
- You can edit them to match your specifications
- They are free
- There is a vast database of videos and images.
With the help of BeFunky, you can replace or edit color in your photos. This way, you always have something to match your business aesthetic. The color tool is easy to use. It gives you a sense of control even though you aren’t taking photos of your products.
2. Get a Good Camera
If you are trying to improve the quality of your business photos, consider investing in a good camera. While your iPhone may take decent images, a primary DSLR camera will improve them.
You don’t need anything fancy. However, your new camera should take good photos. It should allow you to adjust settings, zoom in, and focus. Do some research and get a camera that matches your needs and budget. If you need more information, consider taking a photography course.
3. Take Advantage of Natural Lighting and Avoid Staged Photos
Artificial lighting is excellent for your photos. However, nature is always better. This tip is crucial if you are a beginner. If you can, shoot outdoors or in spaces with lots of natural light.
Your photos need to feel natural as well. Staged shots are awful for marketing. If you have people smiling into the camera, your message could seem forced. Try taking photos of people interacting and items in their natural setting.
4. Use Your Photos to Tell Stories
Stories are the best ways to represent your business and everything it represents. The right photos are engaging. Even though static shots are great, you need to mix things up. You must have a few images showing how people engage with your products or employees at work.
Such photos are very helpful on Instagram, Facebook, and other social media platforms. People want to see beautiful images. However, that isn’t all. They also want to understand your business and everything it stands for.
5. Use the Rule of Thirds
This principle will give your photos a professional look and feel. Centering your products makes you feel like an amateur. When the subjects are off-center, they don’t look staged. They look professional, and your target audience is likely to pay attention.
If you would like to focus on an object, have it in a spot where the lines cross. Hot zones are great for placing your main subjects. They give your images a feel of interest and movement.
When applying this principle, always make sure that your subject is clear. Your photo shouldn’t appear to be cluttered or busy. Viewers should have a clear idea of where you want to put your focus.
6. Edit But Don’t Go Overboard
It may be impossible to achieve your desired aesthetic without editing your photos. However, you shouldn’t over-edit. Even with a good camera, you still need to get the right photo editing software. From Photoshop to newer editing programs, there is always something for you.
Use it to adjust color, saturation, or brightness. However, you should avoid using overly cute frames, dramatic text, or unrealistic edits. The goal should be to improve your photos, not change or overpower them.
7. Take Lots of Photos
Take as many photos of your products and business as you can. Most times, you won’t get the perfect picture on your first attempt. Make a habit of bringing your cameras to events, launches, and your business. Photographing your daily tasks is the surest way to give potential customers an idea of who you are.
Ensure that your photos are varied in brightness, color, and resolution. Create a list of every image that you need and plan to get each one.
Ensure that you plan for lots of headshots as they make your business feel relatable. Include headshots of every important employee and some of your customers.
8. Always Look for Symmetry
Symmetry is a critical visual element, and people are naturally attracted to it. If you have the chance to capture the symmetry in your photos, take advantage of it. Learn how to position your camera to capture symmetry. Usually, it takes a lot of practice and experimentation before you find something that works. If your pictures look like everyone else’s, they reflect poorly on your business.
Every business needs photos for its websites and social media platforms. The right images tell a story. They are your chance to make a good first impression. Luckily, you can always find the best photos to match your business aesthetic. In addition to stock photos, you can take great photos of your business and products.
You don’t need to have a wide library of original pictures. However, using random or poorly-taken images can be detrimental. It makes you seem like an amateur or don’t care about your business. Take advantage of the above tips and grow your business.