A quick guide on how to take a photo that fits in with everything else.
Lets be honest, there’s some great photographers around, probably one or two in your town who could do you some stunning shots.
But you can’t rely on them to take every photo for the campaign can you? It wouldn’t be fair on them. So here’s how to build up your library….
When we take Totally Locally Photos we tried to use equipment that most people have, shot in the most simple way.
Tip 1
WE LOVE HOW GOOD PHONES ARE AT TAKING PHOTOS AND WE LOVE INSTAGRAM!
You can use your phone or you can use a good compact compact camera. And with INSTAGRAM you can add a great retro feel to everything. We recommend this tutorial if you haven’t got a scoobydoo (clue). >>>
Here’s some tips to get great photos:
Tip 2
TURN THE FLASH OFF. It makes everything seem warmer, and doesn’t give those horrible reflections off shiny surface, and stops everything looking stark. It requires a steadier hand, but the results are worth it.
Tip 3
Shoot pictures mainly inside the shop. People can see the outside of your shop as they drive past it. They probably don’t know whats inside. Let them see. This is really important!
Have a lot of photos with shop owners and staff in. The public love a smiley face (and make sure they ARE smiling). Get some nice close up shots of unusual products, especially locally made or individual stuff. Instagram is great for this. (rememebr the flash rule!).
Tip 4
Check out Instagram App for your camera phone. It can make an average photo look good. But it can make a good photo look great!
Use these tips and add a few filters, and you have some warm, retro-styled images for your site. When you take Instagram shots, always hashtag (#) your photos with #TotallyLocally and #yourtown.
Make sure you set up an Instagram account for your town minisite.
If you haven’t a clue what we’re on about, ask your 12 year old kid. They’ll tell you……..
Tip 5
A main photo should be the shop owner with a good bit of what they’re about in the picture.
If it’s a cafe, have the coffee machine in with some cakes displayed.
If it’s a clothes shop, the owner could be leaning on a shelf, with neatly arranged clothes an shoes.
If it’s a butcher hold a string of sausages with pies and meat cuts in the background.
Baker – holding some loaves etc. etc……
Tip 6
Use the Totally Locally materials as props to get the messages across. It shows a unity across all the businesses.
Tip 7
Spend some time arranging things. take a quick snap, have a look at it and see if there’s any old dishcloths Tesco carrier bags(!) notes on the wall etc. – anything that may distract but also make your place a little less loved.
When the main pic is done, take a few of your window (see above for arranging stuff) or some of your stock – close ups of cakes, jams, clothes, pies to add a bit of extra interest.
THEN you could have a small pic of the outside of your shop.
Have a look at the other towns on www.totallylocally.org/stuff and see which you think looks best – then copy them!!
Tip 8
Or you get a professional photographer in your town to do it! 🙂