DO YOU WANT YOUR WEBSITE TO LOOK 10X BETTER (IF NOT MORE)?
Simple trick: Have a photoshoot.
It is seriously such a big difference if:
1) You have real photos versus stock photos (although in some areas great stock photos can work like a charm!)
2) If those photos are great, you are much more ahead of the game.
I work with a lot of different photographers, and I’m always just as excited and anxious to get the photos because the quality of them will make a tremendous difference.
You can think of it like sourcing the best ingredients for cooking a meal… you know the difference on a store-bought tomato and a home grown one… yeah, it’s like that!
Today I thought I would give you some tips on how to set up a great photoshoot.
FIRST, FIND YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER.
- You can ask a friend for recommendations
- Search Instagram using hashtags, and easily get a spread of delightful photos so you can see if you like their style
- If you are on a budget, ask a photography student
- Or simply just ask a friend who has a creative eye
Type of photos
- Client meeting – invite a client (or ask a friend to act like a client) and have him/her dress appropriately – colors, style etc. – then set up a meeting with them portraying exactly how it would be in real life. The point of a photoshoot is to let your potential new client get a sneak peek into your world, who you are, and how you do things, so be authentic.
- You at work – you at the computer, in your office, at your desk, etc.
- You working – you with a notepad, pen, on the phone, researching, etc.
- You communicating – you on the phone, video conference, talking to co-worker, etc.
- Filler photos – they should not have you in them, or you in focus, but rather portray your essence. It can be a blazer on a chair, big jewelry, glasses, fun socks, nice car or watch, a glass of wine, etc.
- Family – if family is part of your life bring them either in focus or out of focus
- Pop of brand color – incorporate your brand colors in accents like an armchair, wall, plant, flowerpot, pen, bag etc.
Technicalities
- Horizontal images: Because we are shooting for a website, horizontal images work better. I know it is tempting to do vertical photos for bio/head shots, but I would suggest shooting horizontal, so you have space next to you, and the images will fill up the computer screen. If you don’t need the entire image, you can always crop it to fit. Having space next to you gives more depth as well as a perfect opportunity to lay a call to action on top of the photo
- Interesting angles: Shooting at slightly unexpected angles makes for a much more interesting shoot and immediately takes your site to another level
- Lighting: Great lighting is essential. You want it for removing shadows, illuminating your face, etc. You can also use lighting in a creative way, for example if some sunlight is coming in creating a ray on your desk etc. Lighting can take your photos to whole other level.
- Negative space: Negative space is, actually, positive 😉 What negative spaces means is that you have empty space around you/the object. As mentioned above, it’s a great place to lay text over the photo, but it also gives the viewer breathing room and a sense of space.
What to wear
- Wear what you would wear when meeting with a client
- Brand colors: Dress in something that has your brand colors or complementary to your brand colors. However, you do not want to go overboard (unless that is your thing). Using subtle placement makes the photoshoot natural while reminding the user of your colors.
- Multiple looks: If you can, shoot in a couple different outfits. Changing up your looks is as simple as swapping out your blazer, changing your blouse, or putting on a new pair of shoes! It will give you better variety for the site, give it more life, and it is fun!
Where to shoot
- Your office – If it is on brand and looks nice
- Office-like space – Find a space you like visually, can be a coffee shop, hotel lobby or co-working space. It’s okay that it’s not your space. What you are doing is creating the experience of working with you and if it’s not exactly where you would work that’s totally fine.
- Home – Depending on what kind of work you do, or how you work with your client, you can just shoot in your kitchen, your patio, etc.
- Outdoors – Shoot in a park, city scape, beach, hiking trail, biking to work etc.
I HAVE CREATED A GUIDE FOR YOUR PHOTOSHOOT, DOWNLOAD IT BELOW!
Extra goodies
It can be a little uncomfortable if you are not used to being in front of the camera, so make sure to have fun. I recommend candid lifestyle shoots; they are more genuine and comfortable. Perhaps bring a friend who can help with the shoot, provide their perspective, or just make you feel at ease.
I also recommend, checking out the location beforehand so you are comfortable know what to expect. Being comfortable in your environment will make your photoshoot run smoothly and be more fun!
Whether you have a friend or photographer shooting, optimizing your time is thoughtful.
Have fun!!
I hope this inspires you to get in front of the camera!
