Web Photography Tips

Do-it-yourself website photography tips on how to achieve perfect images.

Photographic Images Bring Life to Your Web Pages

Photographic images can bring life to your web pages and make them "pop." Even the best designed web pages can benefit from high-quality, relevant, and well-placed photographic images. You can remove the anonymity of the Internet by personalizing your website with photos of yourself (the friendly business owner) and your staff. You can show, and not just tell about, satisfied customers using your products or services. With before and after images, photos can vividly illustrate the benefits of using your service. And, there is no substitute for eye-catching product photos to appeal to your customers and get them to buy.

Photography of People and Places
Focus on Your Subject—Close-ups

When the focus of your photograph is an individual, you want to use a close-up shot, typically confined to the head, or head and shoulders. Have your subject wear clean, solid colors. Avoid loud patterns on clothing, stripes or checks on ties, white shirts (without jackets or blazers), clothing with writing, and hats, which put shadows on the face. Also, have your subject wear long sleeves instead of short sleeves.

The background should be uncluttered, such as a plain solid-colored wall, or even a sheet hung up to hide a cluttered background. Don't position your subject so close to the wall that a harsh shadow will be formed behind him.

Control the Lighting—Natural Indirect is Best

Natural indirect lighting is the best lighting for most of your photography. The light source should provide evenly-lit conditions, so your subject doesn't have areas of deep shadows or areas of over-bright light. If possible, turn off the auto-flash to keep from creating a harsh look in your photos. Avoid red-eye by using the red eye reduction setting on your camera.

If shooting outdoors, avoid having your subject facing into the sun, which results in squinting (and no sun glasses unless that's your product), and overly bright lighting. Also, avoid shooting into the sun or into bright lights. Early morning or early evening offers the best outdoor light.

Put your subject at ease and have them smile. Say something amusing. A natural smile radiates through to the viewer. An artificial smile looks forced.

Eliminate Blurred Photos

Eliminate blurred photos by controlling camera shake. When you're ready to take the photo, be sure your elbows are pulled in to your sides or anchored on a solid surface. You may also lean against something solid (wall, tree) to provide stability. Take a deep breath and hold it and then gently squeeze the shutter release. Pressing too hard may move your camera. For best results, use a tripod to completely steady your shots.

Frame Your Shot for Effective Composition

If you're photographing a place or a large subject, such as a building, consider the overall composition when taking the photo. Using elements that can frame your shot, such as trees and doorways, will help bring the eye into the photo and onto your subject. Be sure to keep any horizontal or vertical elements level. A tilted horizon or light post will not aid the integrity of your photo.

For improved composition, consider putting your subject off-center. Mentally divide your intended "canvas" into thirds both horizontally and vertically and place your subject on one of the dividing lines in one off-center third of the canvas.

Avoid Distracting Background Components

Make sure there are no components in the background that will distract from your photo. If your photo is of your store interior, make sure the trash can is out of sight. If your shot is of someone working at her desk, be sure that both the desk and area behind the desk contain only a few essential items. On outdoor shots, be aware of power lines, reflections in glass, and other unsightly elements. Also, watch our for objects "growing" out of your subject's head, such as trees or sign posts.

Product Photography
Select a Suitable Background or No Background

Determine whether you want your product photographed with a background. If so, the background should compliment your product. Show the product in use, or placed with companion products. Keep the background uncluttered so the focus will be on your product. Read the tips above on avoiding distracting background elements.

You may choose to have no background so the photo is only of the product. Usually, this can be accomplished by photographing your product against a smooth surface that contrasts in color to your product. For example, use a sheet, a piece of posterboard, or a smooth worksurface in a solid color (not wood grain).

Shadows, Lighting, and Reflections

Use natural indirect light and turn off auto-flash to avoid harsh shadows around your products. If your product has shiny surfaces or glass, position the product so as to avoid reflections in these surfaces. Avoid casting your own reflection or shadow on the products.

Additional Tips

Try photographing your subject from unusual angles. Photograph from the ground looking up or from up higher looking down. Try angling your subject for a more unique look.

Don't be afraid to take a lot of photos. It often requires taking dozens of photos to come up with just the right one. Not only does practice make perfect, but it could be that last shot that gives you just the right image.

About Cool Plum Design

Cool Plum Design is a full-service web design business. We work with clients throughout the United States who need to represent their business online. We offer quality, customer-focused solutions integrating design, functionality, and content.

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