~Article by Lynette vd Bijl
Mobile photography is not a compromise, it’s an opportunity. –Jay Maisel
As a professional photographer specialising in weddings and lifestyle, I have always believed that having the right equipment is key to capturing great footage. However, over the years, I have learnt that sometimes it is not about the equipment, but rather how you use it. Despite using top-notch equipment for my professional work, I have found that my mobile camera is better suited for recording my family life and capturing stealthy candid photograph. Even for professional work, my heavy gear is just too big and obtrusive to create on-the-go content. It is also much easier to edit mobile content on my phone. I can edit my footage anytime and anywhere, rather than having to edit on my computer at home or at a desk. I love the convenience and speed of using my mobile device!
In a world saturated with images and visual content, it is important to stand out and showcase your work in unique ways. As Danie Bester often mentions in his classes, “viewer fatigue” desensitises our target market, and creating fresh and interesting visual content is the only way to stay ahead of the competition. To keep up with the frontrunners, aspiring content creators should focus on mastering smartphone camera techniques and staying up-to-date on the latest social media trends.
Here are some tips to give you a fighting chance in a ridiculously competitive and fast-changing social media landscape:
Learn to use your cell phone camera effectively:
Mobile phones have become powerful creative tools for everyday people. Understanding your cell phone’ s camera settings and modes is essential for taking stunning photos that almost rival (tongue in the check) those taken with professional cameras. Take the time to learn how to use your mobile phone effectively, because as they say, the best camera is the one you have with you! And with mobile phones, that’s always the case.
Understand lighting:
As a photographer, I know just how important lighting is in creating stunning images. Whether I am shooting indoors or outdoors, having a good understanding of how to use natural and artificial lighting is crucial. It allows me to have creative control over the mood, tone and overall aesthetic of my photos and videos, thus setting me apart from everyday photographers. With the right lighting techniques, I can transform ordinary scenes into works of art.
Develop a visual vocabulary:
As the saying goes, “It’s not the camera that makes the photo, it’s the photographer”. Developing a strong visual vocabulary is essential for content creators. It means honing your skills in composition, creative angles and visual storytelling, and applying them effectively in your work. By doing so, you can create content that not only looks beautiful but also communicates a message and connects with viewers on an emotional level. This is essential if you want to stand out in a crowded digital landscape!
Editing your photos and video reels
There is no way that you can get away without editing your photos and videos! You really need to edit your visual content to elevate you to Jedi Master status!
Moreover, you need to find a way of editing your content in a consistent way to maintain a particular look and feel throughout your social platforms, especially for portfolio platforms like Instagram. This is particularly important if you want to create and maintain a strong brand image.
Following trendsetters on social media:
Inspiration in any creative endeavour is key. Learn from the experts: Follow trendsetters on social media. Many people may worry that following and studying other content creators may hinder their unique style and creative process, but it can actually help enhance it. Following those who have already achieved success can inspire you and provide valuable insight into the latest trends.
Develop a social media strategy:
Creating content for social media has been a game changer for marketing my photography business. While I am still growing my followers organically on all platforms, I have had more engagement and bookings because potential clients get a peek into my personality and what it is like to work with me apart from my website where only the best images are curated.
Sharing your content on social media only is not enough. You have to set goals and objectives and develop a social media strategy. Knowing how, when and on which social media platforms to share your content is essential if you want to reach a particular audience. With so many social media platforms available, each with its own unique audience and requirements, it can be overwhelming to know where to start.
By understanding your target audience, their social media habits, and the types of content that resonate with them, you can tailor your content to each platform and ensure it reaches the right people at the right time. So, take the time to research and experiment with different social media platforms, learn what works and what does not, and develop a social media strategy that helps you achieve your goals.
Focus more on behind-the-scenes shots:
In the beginning it was really difficult putting myself in front of my cell phone to create content. Talking about a topic or giving tips did not come naturally but what I found was that behind-the-scenes reels are much easier to create and have the most engagement. I therefore strongly advise any creative or content creator to incorporate more behind the scenes footage.
Keep it authentic:
Keep it real! Authenticity is the most underrated aspect of building a social media presence, but it is absolutely crucial. Being authentic has helped me establish credibility and connect with my audience. At first, I felt the pressure to present a perfect image of myself and my work, but as I shared more of myself and my processes, I noticed a significant increase in engagement. People appreciate honesty and transparency, and they will reward you by following you on social media.
I hope that the above tips will provide you with some insight into the most important aspects related to using your smartphone for creating content.
I firmly believe that mobile photography is not a threat to my professional business. I regard it as a valuable addition to my repertoire. While my professional camera and equipment still have their place, I absolutely love the possibilities that smartphone photography has opened. I am excited to see how this technology will continue to evolve and shape the world of photography in the future.
Upcoming Mobile Photography Workshops!
If you have enjoyed my article and are interested to learn how to use your smartphone creatively, take a look at our Smartphone Photography Courses:
- 1-Day Mobile Photography Course: An introductory course, focusing on creating striking and eye-catching photos.
- 2-Day Mobile Photography Course: An advanced course, focusing on content creation for marketers and businesses.
- 1-Day Mobile Food Photography Course: A course focusing on taking photos of food, for portfolio or commercial use.
Let’s connect!
I would love to hear from you. Feel free to leave a comment below or share a link to your cell phone pictures. If you would like to connect with me, check me out on the following platforms:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lynettevanderbijl_photography
Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/lynettevanderbijlphotography
Fantastic insights into the evolving world of mobile photography and social media marketing. The tips and personal experiences shared in this article offer a valuable guide for content creators. It’s a testament to the power of skill over equipment. Thanks for the practical advice!