Today, I’d love to take you behind the lens to share some social media photography essentials, as well as a sprinkle of personal stories and why photography is a pivotal asset for businesses of all kinds in their social media marketing efforts.
My day starts early!
My day kicks off with the sunrise, often before, as sometimes I have a 2-hour or longer drive to jobs. I work anywhere from Margeret River to Perth and everywhere in between, so I get organised and out the door before many people are even awake! I could be taking photos of anything from tradies in action, to sitting in cold water taking landscape or product photos, or even shots of some furry or feathered friends. Once I have taken the photos for the client, I then have to develop them. This is not like the old days when you take a film in and they process the pictures from negatives, but processing photos these days means loading them onto my computer, spending time ensuring each photo looks its best using Adobe Lightroom, then exporting them in a social media friendly format and size.
Above is a collage of photos of me, either taking photos or processing them. These days, I work from anywhere! Aside from the flexibility of being able to work any time and any place, the best part about my job is being able to take my best mate to work most days (in case you don’t know, that is Monty, my dog!)
Social media photography essentials in the digital age
In today’s fast-paced digital world, photography is the heartbeat of social media and business branding. A compelling image can tell a story, evoke emotions, and connect with audiences on a profound level. It’s not just about capturing what’s in front of the lens but also about conveying the essence of a brand’s identity.
A personal journey
My journey into photography wasn’t a linear path. It was born out of a need to express, to capture, and to hold onto the fleeting moments of life. I started studying film photography at school and always had a camera as a kid. The photos were never amazing, but it was something I just loved to do. Following an accident that changed my life and my goals, I decided to invest in my first digital camera and then head off on a trip to Africa, where I fell in love with the art of photography! When I got home, I decided that was what I wanted to do, to take photos for a living. While it has taken me nine years so far to get to this point, I have loved every moment of the journey.
Below is a video that I created from a selection of the photos I took on my Africa trip.
Some trivia about CLP
When I first started my photography business, I was a living on a farm down south near Karidale. I was known as Luxygirl as I drove a big white Hilux with pink number plates. That Hilux travelled all over the country and I loved driving it. So, I named the business Countrylux Photography (it was a play on words, Lux for Hilux but also Luxe for light, “Countrylight”). You can still see the Hilux feature in some of my digital logos. When I started this agency, I decided to shorten it to CLP.
Tips and tricks from the field
- Lighting is key: Natural light is your best friend. It can transform an ordinary shot into a masterpiece.
- Composition matters: Follow the rule of thirds, but don’t be afraid to break it for creative shots.
- Embrace the moment: The most powerful photos often come from spontaneous moments. Always be ready.
- Know your gear: Familiarity with your equipment ensures you can focus on creativity, not settings. A smart phone is an ideal way to start.
Why photography matters for your business
🐾 Woof! Monty here, the CEO (Chief Entertainment Officer) at CLP! 🐾
I’ve got a bone to pick with anyone who thinks photography isn’t a big deal in the business world. Let me tell you, in this digital age where every pup and their human is on social media, those snaps and shots are more than just pretty pictures – they’re the heartbeat of your brand’s online presence!
Now, I may just be a dog, but even I know that a picture is worth a thousand barks… I mean, words. High-quality, genuine images don’t just make your brand look good; they show off your professionalism and the care you put into every detail. In a park full of dogs, it’s the well-groomed, happy ones that catch your eye, right? Well, it’s the same with your business in a market flooded with competitors.
And here’s a juicy tidbit for you – authentic photos are like a good belly rub; they build trust and connection. In a world where everyone’s sniffing around for something real and trustworthy, especially with all this newfangled AI technology, it’s those true-to-life, tail-wagging moments captured in your photos that will really draw the crowd.
🐕 Pro tip from Monty: Don’t chase your tail trying to make every photo look paw-perfect. What really gets the tail wagging are photos that feel real, authentic, and a bit ruff around the edges. It’s about capturing the spirit of your brand, the personality of your team, and the quality of your products or services – not just a flawless facade.
So, to all my fellow business hounds out there, remember: in the vast digital landscape, it’s your photography that helps your brand stand out, fetch more attention, and build lasting connections. Let’s make every shot count!
Tail wags and happy snaps, Monty 🐾
Join us on this visual journey
Interested in elevating your brand’s visual content? Learn more about us and how we can bring your vision to life.
Photography is more than just a profession to me; it’s a way of seeing the world, and I’m here to share that vision with you. Let’s create something beautiful together.