SOCIAL MEDIA PHOTOGRAPHY: A SIMPLE GUIDE TO TAKING GORGEOUS PHOTOS
Social media is a great place to establish your brand and show off your work. You don’t even need a fancy camera or a dedicated studio to create beautiful images. With these simple tips and tricks, you can turn your iPhone photos into showstoppers.
BACKDROP When photographing your arrangements, place them in a setting that really lets them stand out. First, create a backdrop: light neutral tones in a matte finish work best. You can paint your own piece of plywood (a standard sized ¼" × 4' × 8' board can be cut in half) that can be propped up anywhere. Consider painting two backdrops so you can swap out colors easily. Next, find a simple tabletop surface, like wood or stone, that’s not too reflective so it doesn’t distract from your arrangement. It should be clean, but a texture (like you might find on your own workbench) can often add character to the scene.
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LIGHTING Natural daylight or cool, white lighting is best for flowers. Avoid light that creates a yellow cast. If you’re lighting your photos, look for 60W–100W bulbs that say “Bright White” or “Daylight.” Avoid bulbs that are “Soft White” or “Warm White,” as they trend toward yellow. Diffusing natural light can create a beautiful effect. Harsh, direct light will cast heavy shadows that will detract from your arrangement.
CREATE YOUR OWN LIGHT BOX
If you’re feeling crafty, you can build your own light box by following the simple steps on the next page, and reuse it for each photo going forward.
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SUPPLIES • • • • • •
Two 18" × 24" (or larger) trifold foam boards 8½" clamp lamp Daylight fluorescent or LED light bulb Xacto knife Parchment paper Two binder clips
DIRECTIONS 1. U nscrew the base of the clamp lamp and roughly trace its diameter near the top of the center panel of the foam board. 2. C ut out the circle and run the assembled lamp cord through. 3. Cut one or two pieces of parchment paper (about 24" long) and drape across the opening of the light box to diffuse the light. Secure with binder clips. 4. Position the box and plug it in. Use the second board to bounce light. You can place your arrangement between the light box and the second board and start shooting. Play with the angles to find what works best for you.
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ANGLE Hold the camera just above eye level so you can see the full bouquet, but not so high that it becomes a bird’s-eye view. And if you’re featuring a keepsake container, consider shifting slightly lower so you can show it off. When framing your shot, it’s better to give your arrangement more room on all sides than less – you can always crop the extra edges out later. Finally, remember that tripods aren’t just for high-end cameras. There are some reasonably priced ones designed to hold your phone. Consider making the investment. It can keep your shots steady and consistent from image to image.
Ahhh... this feels just right.
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Camera is too low.
Camera is too high.
Camera was not held steady.
PROPS The right props can give your shot personality and help viewers understand the scale of your arrangement. Gather a library of props that suit the dĂŠcor of your shop: antique shears, a simple book, or a modern votive. Choose things that highlight the hand-arranged, artisanal nature of the bouquet. Use just one or two pieces in an image so they enhance rather than distract from the bouquet.
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EXPOSURE A lighter and brighter setting is always better than dark (especially for viewing on-screen). Play around with the features and modes your camera/phone offers. Portrait mode, for instance, adds some depth-of-field that can make your arrangement look heroic. Different bouquets might benefit from different modes. Filters that enhance the flower’s natural color will help the bouquet pop on screen.
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This image is too dark. It doesn’t enhance such a vibrant arrangement.
Have fun experimenting and posting your lovely creations!