When we talk about elevating our work, our goal is to photograph something to appear more refined and high-end. Say you're photographing a 30K wedding. Elevating it would be capturing everything in a way that viewers would believe it's a 60K wedding. This approach applies to any photography, not only weddings. There are ways to elevate your work in every niche. How does one go about this? Read on because we're dishing out all the tips and advice today!
Curate what you show.
Go through your website and Instagram and examine everything. Do you want to get away from casually dressed sessions? Remove images that don't support a formal aesthetic. If you're in the process of rebuilding your portfolio, have a few photos you want to nail at each session/wedding in mind that doesn't include any of the elements you don't want to show. This way, you'll still have content from every job to share.
Pay attention to details.
You know the phrase, ‘The devil is in the details?’ It's true! You could have a gorgeous photograph, but a distracting object takes away from the photo. Yes, you could Photoshop it out, but it's better to get it right in camera and save time in the long run. Remove Apple watches or hair ties on the wrist and wallets or phones from pockets. When photographing tablescapes, move the salt and pepper shakers, butter dish, or anything else that isn't a decorative part of the table. Train yourself to develop a meticulous and editorial eye.
Up your posing/prompt game and step away from cheesy poses.
A beautiful setting and well-dressed subjects are lost if a pose looks awkward or facial expressions aren't relaxed. Body language speaks volumes, so understand the message portrayed in your frame. Strong posing isn't complicated but nuanced. Watch movies or music videos and observe how the people interact and think about what the director might've told them for that result.
Know your light.
Light is everything to photographers, and knowing how to utilize it well will instantly elevate your work. Thanks to modern technology, you can download an app to tell you where the sun's position will be at what day and time. How you light your work is entirely personal preference, but mastery shows in every style. Figuring out your favorite direction of light and amount of sun flare will establish your signature style.
Consistently deliver.
From photographs to editing and the experience, every detail associated with your brand should exemplify excellence and quality. Providing gorgeous photos and a memorable experience every single time will set you apart.
Applying all of the aspects we talked about today will help you take your business to the next level and strengthen your brand. We hope you take all of these tips and run with them!
