There is a quote that says “A picture is worth a thousand words”. But what happens when that photo is blurry; the subject is out of focus; or the background is too dark? What is worth then? And why should bloggers care?
Here’s why bloggers should care. Including images in your blog posts increases the likelihood of it being read. But blog posts with relevant images have 94% more views.
Also, when you take your own pictures, you own them. You don’t have to worry about being sued for “borrowing” someone else’s work. On the other hand, you can sue people if they “borrow” yours without permission. And you are guaranteed not to see those images on other people’s sites (unless they’re stolen) because they are original.
Since bloggers now have to care about images (even though we prefer to write), following are five tips for taking good photos for your site.
Photography Tips for Bloggers
1. Use a Camera that Takes Clear Pictures
All cameras are not created equal, which means some of them capture better images than others. Many of them adjust automatically, making it easy to take nice pictures without much effort. Other devices require a little work. If the camera you’re using doesn’t take clear pics, consider investing in better equipment.
2. Try to Have Sufficient Lighting
Lighting makes images pop. If you have to take photos in areas with low lighting, use the flash on your device. If the image is still dark, adjust the brightness using a photo editing program.
3. Fill the Frame
You have to stand close to the subject to make this happen. The exact distance you need to stand depends on your device. Check the user manual for more details.
4. Shoot at Different Angles
One slight adjustment can make a big difference in your photos. Shoot from the front, sides, back, top and bottom, depending on the subject. This is a creative suggestion, not a requirement.
5. Be Mindful of Your Background
It’s not always possible to have a clear background, especially in public places. Try to avoid distractions as much as you can. If the background is too crowded, then your subject will get lost in the noise and people won’t know what to focus on.
Because visuals are gaining importance online, it is important for bloggers to know how to capture their own images. Adding photos to your posts makes them more appealing, which increases the likelihood of them being read and viewed.
What About You?
Do you take your own photos for your blog? Tell us about your experience – the good, bad and ugly – in the comment box below.