PIMP your pics: creative ideas for breathtaking social media photos

The hunt for "enough" likes and shares on social media can be intimidating and frustrating, especially when building a personal brand or self -marketing as an artist, designer or freelancer.

a healthy self -esteem offline is crucial because social media are often associated with anxiety and depression. For artists, bloggers, content creator and social media enthusiasts who want to live or express themselves from their commitment, it is essential to have a committed audience.

With the right approach you can protect your well -being and at the same time increase your interactions. An effective method is the creation of high -quality photos for social media, blogs or your own website - even without experience. Photography enables you to express your messages more creatively and to collect likes and comments.

Our guide to breathtaking photos for website and social media

There is hardly anything more fascinating than the power of a really great photos. As a visually embossed person, I can only confirm this myself. Regardless of whether you run a cultural blog, are an art lover or share your creative journey with your audience-the right picture can make the difference.

Attractive, well-designed images provide more commitment and interest in the content , regardless of whether it is a personal Instagram account , a Facebook fan page or a portfolio website. A well -prepared picture catches the eye, triggers positive emotions and prompted to act - to buy a product, to register for an event or to subscribe to updates.

According to Content Marketing Institute * , articles with pictures on Facebook get up to 2.3 times and 1.5 times more attention. Hubspot * adds that readers keep 55 % more information in the case of image -based content than with purely text -based articles.

But how do you get these perfect recordings? And how does your photo stand out from the millions of others?

Here are some indispensable expert tips that are not only practical, but can also bring magic to your photography.

Regardless of whether you use a TOP DLSR camera or just a smartphone, you have the opportunity to learn how to create more appealing images for your blog or social networks-and you will still have fun.

Create an action plan

Before you start changing your habits in the area of ​​social sharing, take a moment to think about where you are currently, what goals you are striving and how you can realize them.

Set targets

If your main motivation is to involve your audience, take a look at your current situation and formulate a realistic goal for the coming year. However, not only concentrating on numbers - it is just as important creative goals that can help you leave your comfort zone, as well as practical requirements such as regular publishing content.

Just start

Think about which step for you should be the first. For some, this step could be to provide your blog with a new layout or to create new social media profiles. For others, the selection of a certain photothema or style could be in the foreground.

Don't be overwhelmed by the many options-if you are unsure where to start, explore creative photo apps to find inspiration and capture impressive images directly with your smartphone.

Fit yourself as needed

Some of the things you want to try out could not work as well as hoped, and that's perfectly fine. Be ready to develop and stay flexible while you gain more experience and continue experimenting until you find out what works best for you.

Explore some basic aspects of photography

Photography can quickly become complicated - especially when it comes to blogs and social media. Fortunately, there are many online resources for photography that are suitable for all levels of experience. Here are some essential points that you should consider at the beginning:

lighting

As a rule, you want to take pictures that are neither overexposed nor too dark. A recommendable approach is to take pictures outdoors during the sunset or sunrise or on a cloudy day. By avoiding bright, direct light, you will achieve softer and more flattering recordings.

composition

The design of pictures may be an art form, but everyone can learn it. Start familiar symmetry and the third rule

There is no "perfect" picture regarding the image composition, but the knowledge of the right techniques can have a significant impact on your photos.

The right equipment / equipment

If you photograph with a professional or DSLR camera, the objectively be decisive for the success or failure of your recordings. It is important to know which lenses are suitable for landscape, portrait , street and other photography styles.

You will thank you later to have this knowledge. It is also advisable to invest tripod So you can take self -portraits and other photos in which a stable camera is of great importance.

Photo editing / image editing

Although you cannot simply turn a bad photo into a good, there are opportunities to get very close with the right machining tools.

Nowadays you no longer need a lot of technical knowledge to edit impressive photos. Try free, user-friendly photo editing apps to find out how much you can get out of your pictures.

If you are ready to get your processing skills to a higher level, you can achieve even more with professional processing apps-even on the go.

Image processing is an inseparable part of the process of creating high -quality visual content. Even if your photo is not yet perfect, it can be significantly improved with the correct processing.

In the following you will find some important aspects of image processing with which you can make your photos more attractive and effective:

a. Set brightness and contrast

The first step to improve your image is to adapt brightness and contrast. A slight increase in brightness correctly brings the photo to the fore, then you can increase the contrast to give the image more depth.

Make sure not to overdo it; The goal is to get a natural appearance that highlights the motif.

b. Use filters carefully

Filter can dramatically transform your recordings into something else, but it is important to use them carefully.

Choose filters that reinforce the mood of your picture without dominating it. Subtility is the be -all and end -all striving for a sophisticated finish and not an artificial appearance.

c. Cutting for the composition

If you want to improve the composition and focus on the motif, cutting is the ultimate tool. If you clean up the edges, the picture gets a clear appearance.

Stick to the third rule and look where the motif fits best in the frame.

d. Remove unwanted objects

With the help of tools such as the clone stamp or the healing brush, you can remove distractions in the picture. If you are in the case of how to cut out a person from a photo , you can fill the gaps seamlessly with these functions and get the integrity of the photo, regardless of whether it is a random passerby or an unsightly back element.

e. Sharp and improve details

A small sharpening can sometimes cause miracles so that the pictures look sharp and professional. Concentrate on sharpening the details of the motif, but make sure not to sharpen it too much, as this gives the picture a granular character.

F. Color correction

Make sure that the colors in your photo are as realistic as possible. Color, saturation and color can be corrected with color correction tools so that the pictures really convey the feeling and the message that you want to bring over.

If you follow these processing tips, you can transform your photos into impressive images that stand out on social media and websites, address your audience and improve online presence.

Image optimization

When it comes to sharing photos on social media and on websites, in addition to photo editing, the correct optimization helps to maintain the viewer's attention and to offer the best user experience.

And this is how it works:

• Choose the right format. JPEG is suitable for photos in high and landscape format, in which the color rendering is important. PNG is ideal for complex graphics in which transparency and shadows should be preserved. Not every platform supports the same image format. A landscape format cannot come into its own on Instagram as well as a portrait picture. Remember that square pictures on platforms such as Instagram often perform better.
• Change the size of the image. In order to ensure optimal display quality on different monitors and devices, it is necessary to upload images in the maximum size approved by the social network.
• After the size adjustment, it is important to sharpen the image . How much and with what method - depends solely on the taste of the photographer and the size of the original photo.
• Compress the picture. A picture size between 200 kb and 1 MB is acceptable for websites. With a weight of less than 200 kb, the quality of the image deteriorates, and with a weight of more than 1 MB, the image is only slowly loaded.

Expand your creative limits

As soon as you have mastered the basics of photography, try different styles, devices and techniques until you discover your very personal feeling of style. Both professional photographers and amateurs can benefit from choosing new approaches - especially in the overcrowded digital environment of blogs and social media.

Here are some suggestions to break out of your comfort zone and create more captivated photos:

Define your style

Don't worry-you don't just have to choose a photo style to get the best out of your social media pictures. However, it can be helpful to have a general idea of ​​which visual styles you like and which not.

For example, a blogger could concentrate on creating surreal photography abstract photography . However, it would make less sense to include photojournalistic recordings if the blogger's main style is to present the real world in a creative way.

If you are not yet ready to commit yourself to a certain style, you could challenge yourself by choosing a visual topic that you remain true to for a certain period of time.

For example, you could photograph the same motifs while the seasons change. Or focus on a certain color palette, such as pastel tones, jewel tones or black and white photography when taking pictures. To find the right color palette for your social feed, take a look at some of the great online resources from Adobe Color , Cooler , Canva , Colorspace or Colormind .

Develop your skills further

Keep yourself and your audience happy by new techniques . Suppose you are used to taking pictures outdoors during the day. Maybe you want to explore night photography. Or have you already gained extensive experience with digital cameras?

Then it would be worth considering to try analog cameras. You can also experiment with different physical and digital media to create something really unique.

So grip for your digital brushes, acrylic paints or character coals and let your creativity run free - you will always learn new skills.

Value your progress

After enough time has passed, take a look at your progress and take a break to appreciate your success. It is very likely that all the effort and energy that you have taken into the creation of great photos was worth it.

Remember to reflect on the goals that you set at the beginning of your trip. If you have not reached everyone, think about what you could do differently in the future.

Tips for advanced: Do's and don'ts for social media photos

Up to this point you have received a complete timetable to convincing photos. Now we are making the subtleties with tips for advanced. With these do's and deficiency you avoid the usual pitfalls and get the maximum out of your pictures.

Do's - that makes your pictures better

01 authenticity, brand values ​​and fun factor

Be authentic, stick to your brand values ​​and don't forget to have a little joy. If you have been in the game for a while and look at your own social media feeds, you will discover numerous pictures that are shared by large companies.

Some of these content are relevant and refer directly to their products and services. Others, on the other hand, only give the impression that the companies are trying to present the image on Instagram that people expect from them. This can quickly catch the eye in the long term and lead to failure.

Authenticity is the key. People want to see real, undisturbed moments. Don't be afraid of imperfections - sometimes it is precisely these that make a picture unique and personable. ”

The most important rule is to remain true to the image of your brand . However, remember that social media serve to entertain people. So interact with your audience (after all, it is social media). The Target Twitter feed, for example, is an excellent example of how to leave a great impression with funny pictures, GIFs and videos from your own employees, customers and products!

An excellent example of this is the Indonesian illustrator and motion designer A Rdhira Putra @ardhiraputra. It sets pop art illustrations with retro aesthetics.

02 present your excellence in a skilful way

Apple or Adobe Instagram accounts attract attention with impressive images.

If you do not have a product at hand, you can present the quality of your offer through a positive evaluation of a satisfied customer, a user-generated video in which he interacts with your brand, a new Behind-the scenes contribution, meaningful statistics or through the celebration of a customer who had joy or success with your brand.

On the Instagram channel of Adobe Create Ramón Laguía who lives in Mexico, created , which is inspired by his dreams as well as films and music. Both Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom were of crucial importance for his creative process and for the achievement of the atmosphere in the pictures.

03 The meaning of light: magic of the "golden hour"

Light is the be -all and end -all light is your best friend, especially the soft, golden light shortly after sunrise or shortly before sunset - the so -called "golden hour" .

At these times the shadows are soft and the light gives your photos a warm, inviting note.

Did you know that many photographers are making their alarm clocks for the last night hours so as not to miss these magical hours? Believe me, it's worth getting up early!

04 storytelling through your pictures

A picture says more than a thousand words, but a really great picture tells a whole story. Think about which message you want to convey. Think of composition, color choice and focus . Your photo should tell the viewer a story without having to read the caption.

I remember another trip to Paris (unfortunately a long time ago ...), where I took a picture of the sunrise over his. The picture not only captures the beauty of the moment, but also tells the story of a quiet, awakening city.

05 The right angle: Perspective is everything

An interesting angle can take a masterpiece from a normal photo. Experiment! Calp in the crouch, climb onto a chair or even lie down on the floor.

Unusual perspectives give your photos dynamics and tension .

06 Small details make the difference

You can tell the difference whether a picture was just snapped or whether love and attention have been flowed into it.

Small details such as a well -placed shadow, a captured smile or an interesting texture contrast make the difference.

07 The rule of the third: a classic

Imagine your picture is divided into nine equal rectangles.

Placing the main motif at the intersections or along the lines of this imaginary grille gives your photo balance and harmony.

08 The power of colors: create emotional connections

Colors can arouse emotions and draw your viewers' attention. Cool colors like blue and green have a calming effect, while warm colors such as red and yellow convey energy and warmth.

A photo with a well thought -out color palette can have a stronger emotional effect.

09 lead with lines

Lines in the picture can steer the viewer's gaze and create depth. You can pay attention to the horizon, a street or a railing.

These visual "information" can make your photo more interesting and dynamic.

10 Get a reaction

Humor, surprise, sympathy, empathy, drama ... do not hesitate to take risks with your pictures on social media. So you get off the crowd and get likes, shares and comments.

A great example that has attracted my attention in this sense is @Work_Louder , a product company that sells modular keyboards.

You create appealing content through high -quality pictures and videos, trendy music and other attention -grip elements. In my view, a wonderful mix of product, creativity, humor and authenticity.

11 Going off-fire

Sometimes you should deviate from your usual line. For example, we look at the articles of opinion by the artist Josie Lewis @josielewisart. Here she explains the question of whether you can be sued for a tattoo ...

However, too much of it can lead to users simply continue scrolling on social media.

Don't - you should avoid that

01 clichés

One -tinted stock photos will not prevent users from scrotinging past your contribution. Faceless pictures are safe and undisputed, but do not convey anything about you or the content of the article.

Perhaps you have a contribution that is important for you, well designed and clearly structured, but your followers will not pick up - the audience will probably scroll past it.

Remove out, do not fit in.

02 background and the surrounding area: less is sometimes more

An overloaded background can distract from the main motif. Keep your background simply and clearly.

Sometimes a monochrome wall or a very simple city view is enough to properly bring your motif.

03 Any stock photos without accompanying text

We have a ambiguous relationship with stock photos. Authenticity is crucial, especially on social networks. Nevertheless, stock photos are a necessary evil if there is no professional photographer available. The positive news is that there are numerous free and inexpensive alternatives for stock photography, including platforms that offer extraordinary pictures.

Unsplash provides trendy stick photos. Make sure you choose photos that are relevant for your brand and message. And if you use a free stock photo platform, let the terms of use carefully and make sure that the photo website is actually free of charge for commercial purposes. A few inquiries about name and/or permission can never hurt.

04 Content for "national whatever days"

Do not publish content on "national whatever days" that have no relation to you. National holidays associated with trendy hashtags can be an uncomplicated way to generate attention - but do not jump on every trend.

Plan such contributions strategically if you are relevant for your brand. With a post for the national Christmas card day, you could risk annoying customers who do not celebrate Christmas. 

Take a few minutes to think creatively. In a contribution I found, attempts were made to promote the commitment of the audience by asking them to share their favorite cards. As a social media user, however, this seems to me as a lot of effort. What is the benefit? If you ask for people to become active, make sure that it is worth it for them by placing it into a voucher, raffle or competition.

05 clipart

The use of Clipart is a clear sign that someone who uses social media has no professional approach. In fact, such graphics are not what to use serious content creator.

While illustrations are very popular, there is a clear difference between well -designed, well thought -out symbols and free, inferior cliparts. People perceive that - and they will criticize you for it. 

Thoughts at the end

Great photos not only make your blog or your social media presence more attractive, they also tell stories and arouse emotions. With these tips you are well equipped to bring photographic skills to the next level

Photography is an art that is mainly due to practice and joy of experimentation. So snap your camera and show your view of the world! Don't forget, practice makes the master. Go out, try out different techniques and, above all, have fun. Your followers will thank you!

With these tips you are well prepared to refine your photographic skills and strengthen your online presence. 

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

What equipment do I really need for great photos?

Many great photos can be taken with a good smartphone and a few additional tools such as a small tripod and an external flash. An expensive camera is not absolutely necessary.

What is the "Golden Hour" and why is it important?

The "Golden Hour" is the short time after sunrise and before sunset when the light is particularly soft and warm, ideal for photographs.

How do I best edit my photos?

Use tools like Adobe Lightroom or VSCO. Make sure to keep the processing subtly to achieve a natural result.

What is the rule of the third?

A composition principle in which your picture is divided into nine equal rectangles. Placing the main motif along these lines creates balance and harmony.

What role colors play in photography?

Colors can convey emotions and moods. By consciously choosing the color palette, you can increase the effect of your photos .

Joachim Rodriguez y Romero

Owner and managing director of Kunstplaza . Publicist, editor and passionate blogger in the field of art, design and creativity since 2011. Successful conclusion in web design as part of a university degree (2008). Further development of creativity techniques through courses in free drawing, expression painting and theatre/acting. Profound knowledge of the art market through many years of journalistic research and numerous collaborations with actors/institutions from art and culture.

www. kunstplaza .de/