How to Take Professional-Quality Photos Your Business: DIY Tips and Tricks

Whether you're a small business owner or a social media influencer, you don't need to hire a professional photographer to get great photos. With just a few tips and tricks, you can take high-quality photos that will help you stand out from the crowd. As smartphone cameras get better and better the only thing that’s holding you back from taking decent photos is TAKING THAT FIRST SHOT. (which often sucks if you don’t put in the hours of practice.) that’s why you often hear people say that practice makes perfect.

Here are some basic tips to get you started on your DIY journey to photography.

1. Use natural light
   Photography is about understanding the different sources of light and shaping them accordingly, so try to take your photos near a window or outside on a sunny day. Take notes if you’re into that kind of thing and observe how the light affects your subject. Try to avoid using harsh overhead lighting or flash when starting your DIY journey, as this can cause you to unintentionally create unflattering shadows and highlights. Master natural light photography first before exploring artificial lighting.

2. Keep it simple
   When it comes to composition, less is often more. Keep your backgrounds clean and simple to ensure that your subject is the focus of the photo. A cluttered background can be distracting and take away from the impact of your image. Try creating a Pinterest board and imitate how other photographs are composed, it’s quite common to directly copy someone else’s composition when you’re first starting. You’ll eventually have your style of photography as your experience grows.

3. Experiment with angles
   Try shooting from different angles to find the most interesting and flattering perspective. Don't be afraid to get down low or shoot from above to add some variety to your shots. Take as many shots as you like, we’re shooting digital photos now so there’s no shame in taking tons of shots. The quality of your photos will eventually catch up with the number of images you take. Like all things in life, it takes time, just trust the process.

4. Edit your photos
   Editing can make a huge difference in the quality of your photos. You don't need expensive software to make basic adjustments like brightness, contrast, and saturation. There are plenty of free editing apps available for your phone or computer. Try using Canva, Snapseed, or a free version of Adobe Lightroom Mobile. These are great apps to help you gain basic knowledge of post-processing your photos.

5. Use props and accessories
   Adding props and accessories to your photos can make them more visually interesting and help tell a story. Just make sure that they don't overpower your subject and keep the focus on what you're trying to showcase.

While professional photography can certainly elevate your brand, DIY photography can still be a powerful tool in your marketing arsenal. With these simple tips, you can create high-quality photos that will grab your audience's attention and help you achieve your advertising goals.

Ready to up your photography game and take your advertising to the next level? Whether you're a small business owner or a marketing professional, our team at TBC Manila can help you create high-quality photo and video content that will elevate your brand. Contact us today to learn more about our photo and video production services and how we can help you meet your advertising needs.