Who says you have to hire a professional to take images for your blog or business? If you simply feel you suck at taking photos, then outsourcing may be a great move but if you want to gig into your creativity - learn to take your own, easily. Here are 4 ways to help you test your hand at diy stock photography:
1. FAKE YOUR IKEA SPACE
You know those beautifully decorated office spaces we see floating around Pinterest? Well, you don't have to have a decked out room to create diy stock photos that fit your online identity. It's easy - want to snap some shots on a white desk? Grab some white cardboard or even a white tablecloth and shoot away. You can create your own backdrops with anything from marble counter-tops to gift wrapping paper. Your office can be anything from the floor of your dining space to a random table next to a well-lit window.
Tip: Use natural light as often as you can when shooting your own photos. This is a great tool as it also helps you spend less time editing. The best times to shoot are in the mornings and mid afternoons to avoid extra shadowing. (varies by location)
Unless you have a taste for all the finer things in life, there is no need to burn holes in your pockets. You can find some amazing photo props from some of the most affordable places ever. You can find faux succulents, gold paper clips, flowers, journals and more for dirt cheap at Dollar Tree, Target, Burlington Coat Factory, and more!
TIP: Figure out what you would like your online brand/identity to consist of. Will a certain pair of glasses or plant make an appearance in all of your images? Stick to a color scheme that others will recognize and have fun with it!
A great way to keep your stock photo images consistent is by making cropping ONE image in many ways a go-to. You'll be surprised at how many ways you can use one image. Great if you want to create a cohesive visual presence on your website, Instagram, or other visual platforms.
4. COMPOSITION MATTERS
In the world of professional photography, composition is the placement or arrangement of visual elements in a work of art. The way you shoot plays a crucial role in how your images are perceived with the eye. On Instagram, flat-lays are pretty popular but flay-lays that are taken unevenly are more pleasing to the eye that those that are straight-forward. This is a great post of some popular IG photo styles you can get inspired by!
Ever heard of the rule of thirds? Well when shooting images, an uneven number of objects you shoot is also a great way to compose a great photo.
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