Take better photos!

Photos are a vital part of every social channel. They make your content more engaging and more shareable—and the best part? You don’t need expensive equipment, just a few reliable tricks.

Here are the key things to keep in mind:

1. Use good lighting

   Great light is essential for great results. Shoot in natural daylight when you can, or experiment with artificial light, and avoid poorly lit rooms. A classic mistake is placing the strongest light source right behind the subject (for instance, standing in front of a window). Turn things around—let the photographer face the window so the light falls on the subject instead.

2. Think about composition

   Composition makes your images more interesting. The subject doesn’t always have to sit in the centre. Try changing the angle—what does the scene look like from above? Use compositional rules such as the rule of thirds to create balance, and switch on the grid in your camera app for guidance. Not sure what the rule of thirds is? I explain it in this article.

3. Keep your lens clean

   A smudged lens kills sharpness and detail. Carry a small cloth or glasses wipe in your kit so you can clean the lens before you shoot.

4. Lean on editing tools

   Editing apps help you polish images and tailor them to each platform. Try my favourites:

   1. Snapseed (free) – Adjust light, colour, and contrast, and add filters with an intuitive interface. It’s one of the best free editing tools out there for a reason.
   2. Canva (free, with a Pro upgrade) – Perfect for designing visuals, adding text or icons, and using ready-made templates. The free version takes you a long way.
   3. Adobe Lightroom (paid) – A powerhouse for both amateurs and professionals. Fine-tune light, colour, contrast, and apply custom presets. It has a learning curve, but Adobe offers plenty of free tutorials.

5. Pay attention to details

   Little details can transform a scene. Add props that support the story—a rose next to a rose-scented perfume, or a teammate in the break-out area with a coffee cup. Details add information and texture that a plain product shot can’t deliver.

6. Vary your images

   Don’t just photograph the product. Capture the workplace, the people, the behind-the-scenes moments. Build routines that create natural variety—perhaps “Wednesday faces” (a quick portrait of a colleague), a “Thursday tip” (a new way to use your product), or a “Monday kick-off” snapshot. Play, experiment, and have fun.

A strong example

The photo below nails lighting, composition, and storytelling details.

Photo: Svitlana, via Unsplash.

A weak example

This shot suffers from flat lighting, sloppy composition, and a lack of details. The product is even out of focus, which makes it far less appealing.

Feeling ready to elevate your photos and boost your creativity on social media? Keep experimenting—and remember that mistakes are part of the learning curve.

Want me to visit and kick-start the process? I’d love to run a workshop on how you and your team can take better marketing photos.

Get in touch!