Boost Social Media Posts with Photography Tips
Written by  Daisie Team
Published on 7 min read

Contents

Ever wondered how to use photography for a social media post? Well, you've come to the right place! With the rise of visual platforms like Instagram and Pinterest, the quality of your photos plays a key role in your social media success. So, let's dive in and give your social media posts a boost with these practical photography tips.

Capture High-Quality Photos

First things first—you can't have a photo that wows without it being high-quality. But don't fret if you don't own a professional camera. High-quality doesn't always mean high-tech. With a few simple tricks, you can take top-notch photos using just your smartphone.

  • Keep it clean: Start with a clean lens. Sounds obvious, right? But you'd be surprised how often this simple step is overlooked. A quick wipe can remove any smudges or dust that could affect your photo's clarity.
  • Focus on the subject: Use the tap-to-focus feature on your smartphone. This helps to ensure the main subject of your photo is clear and sharp.
  • Try different angles: Don't just stick to taking photos head-on. Experiment with different perspectives—shoot from above, below, or even from the side. It adds depth and interest to your photos.
  • Pay attention to the backdrop: A cluttered or distracting background can take away from your subject. Try to keep it simple and clean.

Remember, high-quality photos don't just happen—they're a result of intentional decisions you make before you even press the shutter button. So, take the time to set up your shot, and you'll be amazed at the difference it can make in your social media posts.

Use Natural Lighting

Now, let's talk lighting. When it comes to photography, light is your best friend—and there's no better light than the natural kind! But how do you use natural lighting to enhance your social media post?

  • Shoot during the golden hours: These are the hours just after sunrise and just before sunset. The light during these times is soft, diffused, and golden, which can give your photos a warm, magical look.
  • Avoid harsh midday sun: The sun is at its strongest around noon, which can result in harsh shadows and washed-out colors. If you must shoot during this time, seek shade to soften the light.
  • Use window light: If you’re shooting indoors, position your subject near a window. Window light can be beautifully soft and directional, making it great for highlighting details.

Remember, lighting can dramatically change the mood and feel of a photo. So, play around with it. See how different light conditions affect your shots. With a little practice, you'll start to see how much of a difference good lighting can make in your social media posts.

Compose Strategically

Composition is the way elements are arranged within a photo. It's a key factor in creating eye-catching images for your social media posts. So, how to use photography for a social media post with strategic composition?

  • Rule of Thirds: Imagine your frame divided into nine equal parts by two equally spaced horizontal lines and two equally spaced vertical lines. The rule of thirds suggests placing your subject along these lines or at their intersections to create more balance and interest in your photo.
  • Fill the Frame: Don’t be afraid to get up close and personal with your subject. Filling the frame can reveal details that might otherwise go unnoticed.
  • Use Leading Lines: Lines can guide the viewer's eye towards the main subject of your photo. These could be anything from a road to a fence, or even a line of trees.
  • Experiment with Angles: Don’t just stick to eye-level shots. Try shooting from high above or down at ground level. You might be surprised at how different the same scene can look from a new angle.

Remember, these are not hard and fast rules, but guidelines. Feel free to break them and experiment. After all, photography is all about creativity and expressing your unique perspective.

Edit Photos for Social Media

Editing is like the final garnish on a well-cooked meal—it can elevate your photos from good to great. But how can you use photography for social media post with the right kind of editing? Let's break it down:

  • Adjust Brightness and Contrast: A good photo should have a clear distinction between its darks and lights. If it doesn't, play around with the brightness and contrast settings until you get a pleasing balance.
  • Correct Colors: Sometimes, the camera doesn't quite capture the colors we see with our eyes. Use the saturation, hue, and temperature sliders to make your photos look more natural or to create a mood.
  • Sharpen: If your photo seems a little blurry, don't worry. The sharpen tool can help bring out the detail in your photos, making them look clearer and more professional.
  • Use Filters Sparingly: While filters can add a fun and unique twist to your photos, they can also make them look overdone if not used carefully. Use them sparingly, and always make sure they enhance rather than distract from your image.

Just remember, less is often more when it comes to editing. It's about enhancing the beauty that's already there, not creating it from scratch. And don't forget to have fun with it!

Create a Cohesive Theme

Creating a cohesive theme is like setting up a visual handshake for your followers — it tells them what they can expect from your feed. Your theme is the aesthetic you want to project to your followers. So, how do you use photography for a social media post to create this theme?

  • Choose a Color Scheme: Consistency in your color scheme can give your social media page a professional and visually appealing look. Pick a few main colors that represent your brand or personal style and stick to them.
  • Follow a Format: Whether you prefer close-ups or wide-angle shots, maintaining a consistent format can help your feed look organized and thoughtfully curated.
  • Maintain a Mood: Your social media feed should evoke a certain feeling or mood. This could be anything from bright and cheerful to dark and moody, depending on what you want to convey.
  • Consistent Content: If you’re a food blogger, stick to food! If you’re into fashion, make sure your feed reflects that. Consistency in content can help you build a loyal following who are genuinely interested in what you have to share.

Creating a cohesive theme is not about restricting your creativity, but about creating a recognizable and consistent brand image. It's the secret ingredient that keeps your audience coming back for more.

Utilize Photography Apps

With the right apps on your phone, you don't need an expensive DSLR to capture stunning photos for your social media posts. So, how can you use photography for a social media post with the help of apps? Here's a rundown:

  • Adobe Lightroom: This is a powerful editing app that can transform your images with a few swipes. It offers a range of editing tools and filters to adjust the light, color, and details of your photos.
  • VSCO: Known for its film-like filters, VSCO is a favorite amongst photography enthusiasts. It doesn't just stop at filters; it allows you to adjust the exposure, contrast, and saturation for a personalized touch.
  • Snapseed: This is a comprehensive photo editing app that offers a wide variety of tools and filters to enhance your images. Its unique selling point is the selective adjust tool, which lets you tune specific areas of your photo.
  • Canva: If you're looking to add text or create collages, Canva is your go-to app. With its user-friendly drag-and-drop interface, you can create professional-looking designs in minutes.

Remember, the best photo editing app is the one that matches your unique style and meets your specific needs. Experiment with different apps and find the one that helps you best express your artistic vision.

Engage With Your Audience

The beauty of social media is that it's not just a broadcast platform—it's a two-way street. You're not just posting content, you're creating a dialogue with your audience. So, how can you use photography to engage with your audience on social media?

  • Ask for Feedback: Don't be shy about asking your followers what they think about your photos. Did they like the composition? The lighting? The subject matter? Their feedback can provide valuable insights for your future posts.
  • Host a Photo Contest: Encourage your audience to share their own photos by hosting a contest. This can generate user content and increase engagement. Remember to make the contest fun and easy to participate in.
  • Share Behind-The-Scenes: People love getting a sneak peek into how things are made. Sharing behind-the-scenes photos of your photography process can make your audience feel more connected to your work.
  • Respond to Comments: If someone takes the time to comment on your photo, take a moment to respond. Whether it's a simple "thank you" or a longer conversation, your audience will appreciate the personal touch.

Engagement is a key metric on social media platforms. By using photography to engage with your audience, you're not just boosting your post engagement—you're building a community around your brand.

Maintain Consistency Across Platforms

Have you ever visited a brand's Twitter page after seeing their Instagram and felt like you just walked into a different universe? Let's prevent that from happening with your brand! One of the important tips on how to use photography for a social media post is to maintain consistency across all your platforms. But how do you do that? Here are a few suggestions:

  • Stick to Your Branding: Your photography should reflect your brand's personality. Is your brand playful or serious? Modern or vintage? Whatever it is, make sure your photos convey the same message.
  • Use the Same Filters: Using the same filters across your photos can create a cohesive look and feel. It's like having a signature style that your audience will come to recognize.
  • Consistent Posting Schedule: Try to post at the same frequency across all platforms. If you're posting on Instagram daily, aim to do the same on Facebook, Twitter, and other platforms. This can keep your audience engaged and anticipate your next post.
  • Same Content, Different Format: You may have to adjust the format of your photo to fit different platforms, but the content should remain the same. For example, a square photo might work better on Instagram, while a landscape photo could be more suitable for Twitter.

Remember, consistency doesn't mean monotony. It's about creating a cohesive brand image that your audience can recognize, no matter where they interact with you. So, go ahead, start snapping those photos and watch your social media posts shine!

If you're looking to enhance your social media presence with stunning photography, don't miss the workshop 'Navigating Social Media As A Photographer' by Bryony Coles. This workshop will provide you with valuable tips and insights on how to create eye-catching photos that will boost your social media posts and engage your audience.