Tips, Tricks and Do’s & Don’ts
Photo Guide
People
Before you get started: A clean lens is the best place to start. Wipe your lens before taking any photos.
Make them shine: We want our people to look their best. Keep an eye out for crooked collars, stains, and messy hair. A few small adjustments can go a long way.
Keep standards up: Make sure all staff are wearing their uniforms and are dressed appropriately, including wearing their name tags correctly.
Light them up: If you find you don’t have enough light, turn everyone in the photo to face towards a window. Using a flash is also an option, but it should only be used as a last resort.
Tell a joke: If someone is looking less than content, try telling a joke. A happy and smiling person always makes for a great photo.
Try for candid: Staged and posed photos have their place, but to add some life to a photo try capturing candid moments. Sometimes the best photos happen when no one is expecting it, or when they are pretending that they’re not.
Building Interiors
Tidy up: Before you start shooting, take a minute to make sure that everything is in its place. Bedspreads should be flat, chairs should be pushed in, curtains should be consistent, etc.
Turn the lights on: Take a look around to make sure that all of the lamps that will be in the photo are on. Open the curtains and let some light in.
Add some life: If your photo is looking sparse, try adding a plant in a corner, or a flower on the table. It can add warmth and life to an otherwise stale photo.
Look out the window: If your camera is pointed towards a window and you find it is too bright, try tapping on your screen in a darker area to brighten up the image.
Activities
Move around: You never know what will look great until you try. Move around and find the best angles. Try wide shots and closer detail photos.
Context is key: If you’re trying to highlight a specific type of activity, include something in the photo that gives context. For example, in an exercise scenario you could include a yoga ball, resistance band, or an exercise machine.
Find some shade: An outdoor activity around noon on a sunny day can have unflattering light. If you run into this issue, capturing photos of people in the shade often gives better results.