Great photos get the most clicks and likes and are an essential part of any post you create.  If a photo lacks some creativity or basic photo skills then chances are it will be ignored and that means a missed opportunity to grab your viewer’s attention.  Not every blogger has access to a professional photographer but that doesn’t mean that you can’t achieve beautiful images on your own or with a friend to help you out.  I am often asked for some easy photo tips that influencers can use whether they are shooting with their phone or with a DSLR, that can make a big difference in the outcome of their photos.

Give these four pro tips a try and let me know what other issues you have creating visual content and I will address those as well in an upcoming post:

Outdoor beauty shots:  since summertime is here, mix things up and head outdoors to have some natural light.  Look for areas that are in a bit of shade so there will be no harsh shadows on the face and where it is easy for the subject to open their eyes without squinting.  This sort of light is called “open shade” and is just what it implies.  If this area faces a bright area it will reflect onto the subject’s face creating a flattering light for beauty and makeup shots.  In this image the light was coming through the trees behind the model and she was facing a bright, wide open area that reflected softly onto her face. 

Framing fashion shots:  framing puts the focus squarely on the subject and zeroes in the viewer’s eye.  Look for locations where the there are are architectural or natural details that encompass the subject.  For this shot I positioned blogger Amy of @jeansandatea under an archway that repeated itself behind her and had her take big strides towards me, which made her hair and styling animated and more visually interesting.  

Three-color palette: most social media images have to be visually understood when they are minuscule on our phones or tablets.  Using a three color palette is visually attractive as it makes an eye-catching statement even when the image is small.  In this photo the three colors are the blues of her blouse and the tiles on the wall behind her, whites in her clothes, hat and tiles, and the natural tones of her skin, hair and the wooden counter behind her.  The image wouldn’t have such an impact if there was another colored element in the shot, such as a green cup on the counter.   Simplifying the color scheme of a shot can give it a lot of visual punch.

Scale and a sense of place:  It’s tempting to want to zoom right in on the subject and make a strong and obvious statement with the styling, but giving your image a bit of space and air around the subject can have a big impact.  It gives a sense of place and can really transport us.  Step back and take in the location and let your subject inhabit the shot.  In this case Amy of @jeansandatea was wearing a long red dress and I placed her at the bottom third of the image, and even though she is quite small in the shot, there is no mistaking what the image is about.  (“Rule of thirds” – divide your image into thirds when composing the shot to draw the eye to the subject creating drama and interest, pulling your attention away from the center of the picture).

Don’t be afraid to try all sorts of shots and up your visual identity to separate yourself from the crowd.  Comment with your questions.  More tips to follow!

                                                                                 Allana 

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