They say a picture is worth a thousand words. In today's business world, with smartphones, it is easy to take photos that can be shared and communicate more effectively than words alone. Today, people expect good quality photos. What is happening is that they glance at your picture on Facebook/Instagram. If it's not a clear, well-lit product photo, it makes it easier for them to see, and they move on to the next one. You only have a second today.
Here are some of the key ways to leverage your smartphone camera in business for visual communication:
Examples of communicating visually today
- Often, we attach photos to emails when describing an issue or product to provide visual context.
- Use the camera to photograph signed contracts or other documents for digital transmission quickly.
- Showing the product we are selling.
- A visual catalogue for our e-commerce site
- Pictures of the shop to showcase our business on social media
- Photograph equipment, buildings, products, and other relevant items to report issues that need addressing.
Tips for Taking Good Business Photos with Your Smartphone
- Activate gridlines in your camera app to help frame and level your shots.
- Take multiple photos and move around to get different angles and perspectives. You can delete the bad ones later! I, as a rule, take about 20.
- Shine a light on it before photographing products or other objects. Sunlight is best as it's more natural.
- If possible, put it on a small table so the light falls across the product from the side. Then place a sheet of white card on the opposite side of the product to bounce light back in and gently fill the darker side. It both keeps the photo clean without needing a flash and reduces the harsh shadows.
- Hold the phone steady because a steady shot looks sharper.
- Move the object, if possible, rather than the camera.
- You want three angles ideally.
- Turn off the flash to avoid overexposure and glare.
- Take many photos, it costs nothing to take a picture, so take a heap and delete the bad ones.
- Don't strive for perfection - smartphone photos don't need to be works of art to serve your business needs!
While smartphone cameras have limitations, they can produce more than good enough visuals for everyday business needs. Following a few basic best practices goes a long way.
Don't let the quest for perfect photos stop you from visually communicating to improve your operations and marketing.
“Your first 10,000 photographs are your worst.” Henri Cartier-Bresson
Written by:
Bernard Zimmermann is the founding director of POS Solutions, a leading point-of-sale system company with 45 years of industry experience, now retired and seeking new opportunities. He consults with various organisations, from small businesses to large retailers and government institutions. Bernard is passionate about helping companies optimise their operations through innovative POS technology and enabling seamless customer experiences through effective software solutions.
