PHOTO TIPS

Here are some tips for the do-it-yourself photographers, when photographing a subject for a website:

TIPS FOR the SUBJECTS being photographed (and for amateur photographers):

1 – take the photo standing in front of a white or solid color background (not too dark)

2 – take the photo at the highest quality rating / megapixel available

3 – natural lighting if possible (shoot in the early morning or late evening – NO harsh sunlight or shadows). If outdoors, be aware of the background (no tree limbs or flowers behind your head).

4 – stand at an angle to the camera (do not take the photo face or straight on)… Stand with your body at sideways angle to the photographer and then turn your face towards the photographer)

5 – make sure the photographer is not shooting “up” towards your face (it will make you look chubbier).

6 – clothes – no prints or stripes, no loud or bright colors. Wear solid colors. Be aware of the colors used on your website, when you choose your clothing so you’re not ‘clashing’ with the web colors. If taking a group photo, make sure the group is color coordinated (solid, neutral colors work best).

7 – pose – look relaxed, be yourself as if you’re talking to a friend (rather than sitting stiffly for a portrait). Remember to hold your shoulders back (almost exaggerated… Because most people look slouched in photos unless they are holding themselves straight with shoulders back.

8 – for a more personal look on the website – we want more of your body in the photo… So take photo of entire body, and from waist up — remember, we can always crop the photo. Too many people take photos of just the head and neck (it looks weird).

9 – Line up the camera so that walls and other vertical structures are as close to vertical as you can get them.

10 – Get close – make sure the subject of the photo dominates the image. (Most amateur photographers do not get close enough to the subject.)

MEETING WITH A PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER:

Show the photographer your website, or the basic layout or structure of your website page. The photographer needs to know the orientation (portrait or landscape style) and the best composition (whether a full figure portrait, a head and shoulders shot, or a photo from the waist up).

Have several types of photos taken – Have the photos composed with a little extra room around the subject – we can always crop out background and part of your body as needed.