Are you hesitant to post photos for your outdoor brand because you don't have the latest and greatest camera equipment or the budget for a professional photographer?
Don't let that hold you back. It’s better to get started rather than delay, as photography is a powerful tool on social media for reaching and engaging your target audience.
Sure, professional-grade cameras and lenses can produce amazing images, but they can also be expensive and difficult to use - hence the need for a professional.
With a little bit of knowledge and creativity, you can take great photos even with just your smartphone. Perfect for getting started with content for your outdoor brand.
Here are some tips to help you capture amazing outdoor shots:
1. Take advantage of natural light
The best time to take outdoor photos is during the "golden hours" - the hour after sunrise and before sunset.
During these times, the light is softer and warmer, adding a beautiful glow to your photos.
Avoid taking photos in the harsh midday sun, which can create unflattering shadows and washed-out colours.
2. Experiment with composition
Composition is crucial in creating visually appealing photos.
Don't just centre your subject in the middle of the frame - try different angles and perspectives to add interest to your shots.
For example, try shooting from a low angle to capture the vastness of the landscape or use leading lines to draw the viewer's eye into the photo.
A great tool to use for composition is the rule of thirds.
The rule of thirds is a composition technique used in photography where the image is divided into thirds, both horizontally and vertically, creating nine equal parts.
The main subject is then placed at one of the points where the dividing lines intersect rather than in the centre of the frame.
This creates a more balanced and visually interesting composition instead of placing the subject directly in the centre of the image.
3. Edit your photos
Editing your photos can take them from good to great.
You don't need expensive software - there are plenty of free apps available that can help you adjust brightness, contrast, and colour saturation.
Just be careful not to overdo it - you want your photos to look natural and true to life.
This is where many brands fall short when shooting their photos - images that are either flat and not edited or photos which are overly processed (both making your customers scroll by).
4. Focus on the story
Ultimately, the most important thing is to tell a story with your photos.
What message do you want to convey about your outdoor brand?
Are you showcasing your products and services in the beauty of nature or the thrill of adventure?
Keep your brand's message in mind when taking and selecting photos.
Remember, the gear doesn't make the photographer - it's the photographer's skill and creativity that produces great photos.
So get out there and start experimenting - you might be surprised at the amazing shots you can capture with your smartphone.
