Hi there, folks! Thank you for joining me today. In this blog post, I will guide you through my approach to imagery, from capturing pictures to editing and using them online. So let’s dive right in!
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I want to discuss the process that photographers, designers, graphic designers, and content planners go through when working with images.
When we look at images, there are various ways we can process them. The most common technique is cropping, but let’s start from the beginning—the moment we capture the picture. Whether you’re using an SLR camera or your iPhone, there are a few things to consider.
If you have an SLR or DSLR camera, you may want to think about the zoom lens you’re using. It’s best to work with what you have but keep in mind that different lenses allow you to adjust your distance from the subject. For instance, paparazzi photographers often use longer lenses to capture shots from afar.
When it comes to smartphone cameras, be mindful of the technology built into them. Digital SLR cameras have high-quality sensors with thousands of pixels, while phone cameras have varying levels of quality. Although smartphones these days offer impressive camera capabilities, they differ from professional digital cameras. Nevertheless, you can still capture great shots by following some of the principles I’ll discuss.
If you’re using a phone, take a moment to check the camera settings. Ensure you’re using the appropriate mode, such as 4K or HDR, depending on the capabilities of your device. Digital SLR cameras already have high-resolution settings, but you can adjust them to suit your needs.
Now let’s focus on how to take a picture. The most crucial factor is your angle. Whether you’re shooting from a high or low position or simply eye level, consider what’s in the frame. Look for lines that add depth to the image, like the vanishing point with its slight diagonal orientation.
Personally, with my digital SLR camera, I often capture wide shots to include as much as possible in the frame. Later, I can crop the image to achieve the desired composition. However, when using a smartphone, you need to work with what you see on the screen and take the picture accordingly.
On a phone, you have the option to shoot in portrait or landscape mode. While many people prefer portrait shots nowadays, I still advocate for landscape photography. Landscape shots offer a different perspective and can be used as banners or in traditional formats like Twitter or Instagram cards. Portrait shots, on the other hand, are mobile-friendly and tend to generate higher engagement.
Typically, I would take my digital SLR camera, go through the process of capturing pictures, and then move on to editing. Editing plays a crucial role in my workflow. Please bear with me as I explain. I did miss mentioning the importance of choosing the right format and quality settings earlier, but that’s entirely up to your preferences.
When editing, I work primarily with raw files on my digital SLR camera. Raw files capture every detail and colour depth, offering greater flexibility during the editing process. I usually use software like Lightroom or Photoshop for professional-grade edits. Since I’m less experienced with Lightroom, I often opt for Photoshop, which provides similar functionalities.
For instance, if I capture a dark and unappealing image due to shooting in the shade, I can use editing software to brighten it without compromising the quality or altering the pixels. Editing raw files is truly magical. Smartphone users, however, need to rely on the editing capabilities of their respective devices.
