The phrase “a picture says a thousand words” has never been more true than today. Digital images abound and beautiful photography is no longer only reserved for magazines and billboards. Your social media feeds are filled with thousands of images each day, with friends, families and brands fighting for your attention.

Marketing ShotJust like there are different strokes for different folks, so to speak, there are different shots for different marketing mediums, especially when considering social media and traditional marketing collateral. There is one main difference that some marketers forget – social media is social. Potential customers want to hear and see a genuine message. Brand images used on platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat don’t have to be polished or Photoshopped images. In fact, some of the most engaging materials for brands include the utilization of user-generated content and photos. On the other hand, photography used in traditional marketing collateral such as brochures, websites, newsletters, postcards and billboards are generally sharp, high-resolution, skillfully edited images.

The Picture-Perfect Marketing Shot – Marketing content is vastly more effective with photos because it increases visibility and supports branding. The images you use on any media should tell your brand’s story and share your message. Below are a few simple tricks to help you take marketing shots that accomplish your brand’s goal. However, keep in mind that authentic, “less professional” photos can be highly effective on social media platforms.

  • Keep cropping and photo orientation in mind when taking photos. Whether using these for social sites, a website, or any manner of printed or online ads, know the recommended photo orientations and dimensions of the platform.
  • Know your lighting. Shaded light is key for soft skin in portraits and will eliminate harsh shadows.
  • To find the right composition, think about the “rule of thirds” and divide your photo into a grid with three horizontal lines and three vertical lines. Experiment with different angles to add interest to your subject. While your natural instinct may be to center photos, sometimes they are more interesting when the subject is captured off center.
  • Color is a powerful tool used to make designs stand out, grab the attention of potential clients, communicate a particular message and evoke an emotional response.