HOW TO TAKE IMAGERY FOR SOCIAL MEDIA

WHAT DID WE DO BEFORE INSTAGRAM WAS AROUND?

Remember the days when you went out to eat and you just ate, you didn't take a snapshot of your food before you touched it and ruined the plating ? Some of our gorgeous followers may not even remember a time before this, but believe me, sometimes I miss those days. ( sigh, yes I am showing my age!)

Now that my work life revolves around creating content for brands, the team at TLSE are "on" constantly. Always looking for that moment to share on the plethora of Instagram accounts we manage, and share another brands story to connect with our audiences to keep them inspired, engaged and stimulated. Whether you are doing social for others or for yourself, it's the pretty pictures we seek. The visual stimulation to feed our greedy senses to such beauty. So with that in mind we thought we'd take a moment to share with you our tips on getting the best images to share on your social.

ONE | NOTHING BEATS NATURAL LIGHT

We all have the favourite go-to filter we love to use, and Instagram filters can make a half decent photo look ok with the right one; but nothing beats the glow of the natural light. Always have the light behind you, not behind what you are shooting. Side lighting always seems to gives a beautiful glow on faces.

TWO | CURATE YOUR FEED

Instagram stories is great for adding things on the go that we want to share, and this seems to be more forgiving for some not so perfect shots as they are gone in 24 hours !!

When launching yourself and sharing your story it's a good idea to plan ahead and curate your content. Stick to a theme, shoot multiple shots in one go if you can to get the same feel, set up a mini studio, collect some props to use and shoot away. And don't be afraid to delete images you don't love.

THREE | FIND A FRAME THAT WORKS

Do you like to shoot from over the top or on an angle? Do you like details, flatlays or in situ? Experiment by moving your camera or iPhone around, and check the screen to see the differences that the slight move of the camera can bring. It's the difference between the winning shot and an ok shot. If it doesn't work, move it. Start again and somewhere fresh.

FOUR | EVERYTHING LOOKS DIFFERENT IN A LENS

We can have the best laid plans in setting out to get a shot, and then we take a shot and it looks rubbish. Often we overcrowd and try and put too much into the one frame. Par everything back. Less is often more when it comes to getting the winning shot. Grab a little tripod stand that you can attach your phone to, so you can see exactly what it looks like through the camera before you press "shoot".

FIVE | STUDY

Start to really look at what shots you are drawn to of others and work out what it is you like about them, look beyond the "hero" product and look in more detail. Like the props used, the angles of the plates on the table, what's blurred in the background, what colours you like. Start to observe the tiny things that add up to your own personal style and stick to that. Practice makes perfect so don't give up. Try and Try again until eventually you start to get shots you love and share them with the world.

Just don't let your dinner get too cold in the process.

Still can't seem to get the images you need for your social?

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Send us an email and we can start shooting your content asap.