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How to Take Better iPhone Photos for Your Blog or Website

August 18, 2015 by ShareASale 3 Comments

 

How to Take Better iPhone Photos for Your Blog or Website

Brand marketers and bloggers rely heavily on photos and graphics as part of their content strategy because images appeal quickly to readers’ emotions. Social media platforms recognize this impact and reward users who create this type of content. As a result, brands and bloggers need to produce high-quality images at a rapid rate. Nowadays, smartphones come equipped with a powerful built-in camera, so you can capture those amazing but ephemeral moments that would otherwise be forgotten. Additionally, it is easier than ever to take product shots or portraits for you blog. However, with great power comes great responsibility. If you choose to use this as a tool for your business, it is important to learn tips to improve your camera skills and increase the odds of making a visual impact on your audience.

1. Understand Lighting Basics

Successful photography is highly dependent on good lighting, so you may not be able to get that perfect picture on demand without a little assistance.  If you do not want to invest in additional photo supplies, plan to take photographs in a well-lit location in the mornings and evenings when natural lighting is optimal. Do not assume that your camera’s flash will save a picture after the sun goes down, in fact, a direct flash will degrade the artistic quality of your photo. For the flash to work in your favor, cover it with a piece of paper to deflect light from hitting your subject directly. Take it a step further and download the app Hipstamatic so you can choose different color options for your flash.

More: Check out these 3 Lighting Hacks for Photographers on a Tight Budget from ShareASale Merchant, Craftsy.

What may seem like a simple portrait shot often requires extensive behind-the-scenes support and setup.

 

Photo credit: picturecorrect.com

2. Arm Yourself With Apps

The key to getting the best looking end product is to start out with the best quality original image. Keep your subjects in focus and make sure that your camera preferences are set to the highest quality setting regardless of which app you are using. If you are willing to part with a few bucks, consider downloading enhanced camera apps like Camera+, ProCamera 8, VSCO Cam or Luminance. Facetune allows you to reach a whole new level of vanity by instantly giving you whiter teeth or smoother lines on your face with the click of a button. If product images or portraits are a big part of your business and you enjoy the lightweight no-fuss nature of shooting pictures with your smartphone, then it may be worth investing bigger bucks into an attachment lens. Ever wonder how certain bloggers seem to have untouchable quality in their Instagram posts? They are either importing a photo taken with a DSLR camera or using an attachment lens. Purchase a smartphone lens from ShareASale Merchant, Focalprice.com.

 

3. Go Easy on Editing

Many apps, including Instagram, give you the option to create a custom filter in the event that none of the pre-formatted filters suit your taste. You will notice that many of the default filters will downgrade the quality of your photo because they are meant to serve as a universal quick-edit option and do not take into account the details of your particular photo. I have found that using the custom filter options preserve the sharpness of the image and allows you to fine tune the photo effects. Less is more when it comes to using the custom edit options on Instagram or in your photo editing app. A very underrated feature within Instagram’s custom filter is the Vertical and Horizontal perspective, which is within the Adjust tool.

 

4. Consider Composition

The “rule of thirds” is so commonly practiced in photography that Instagram comes equipped with an option to display the 3 x 3 grid upon taking a photo. Place your subject matter at various intersecting points and experiment with points that are not in the center of your screen.  Keep hard lines entirely horizontal or vertical. Nothing throws off the balance of an image like a diagonal horizon line or slightly askew door frame. Experiment with different perspectives – the easiest shot to take is likely not the most intriguing one. This will require that you physically put your camera lens on a different plane (on the floor or extended overhead). If you want to get creative and expand your options beyond what you can reach with your body, then invest in a selfie stick (seriously). 

Tip: Check out more tips about composition here. 

 

5. Choose a Style

Just like the font or voice in which you write, the style of your photos should be consistent so they all belong to the same “family” and support the overall theme of your site. If you are fond of filters, try to choose one that reflects the tone and mood of your content apply it to all of your photos. Viewers will be more engaged and enticed if they see a consistent and branded experience.

 

Merchant programs featured in this post:
1) Craftsy – The premier destination for creative enthusiasts to pursue their passion. Affiliates join here.
2) XShot.com – Gear that’s solid, smart and optimized for your mobile devices. Affiliates join here.
3. Focalprice.com – 50000+ electronic products with free shipping. Affiliates join here. 

Additional resources:

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Comments

  1. erin mcgavin says

    August 19, 2015 at 6:46 am

    Thanks for the amazing tips, I had done most of the pictures by this way. Thanks for the post & for the share.

    Reply
  2. cuteek says

    August 20, 2015 at 8:22 am

    Great post Stephanie. I take all of my blog photos on my iPhone 5 or iPod touch 5. There is a corner in my home office with lots of natural light, so I love to take photos there in the daytime. I’m looking into a zoom lens attachment too, checking out Focal Price now.

    Reply
  3. Genie Monroe says

    September 14, 2015 at 12:14 pm

    Another great post!

    Reply

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