Simple Ways You Can Improve Your Photos

Simple Phone Photography Tips for Business Owners

As a business owner, you don’t need expensive equipment or years of training to take great photos that showcase your work. Your smartphone is already a powerful tool that can capture professional-looking images when you know a few key techniques. Whether you’re photographing your products, services, or workspace for your website and social media, these practical tips will help you create images that build trust and attract customers. The best part? You can start improving your photos immediately with the device that’s already in your pocket.

Lighting Tips:

• Never shoot directly facing the sun
• Always try to shoot in well lit places, with the light source at your back or side
• When the light is behind your subject, my experience has been poor quality photos
• Use natural light whenever possible – it’s more flattering than harsh artificial lighting
• If shooting indoors, position yourself near a window for better light
• Avoid mixed lighting (like fluorescent and natural light together)

Camera Settings & Focus:

• Turn on the grid lines in your camera settings to help frame your shots using the rule of thirds
• Tap the area of your photo where you want to focus – this also adjusts the lighting automatically
• Always check your images for focus and blurring before moving on
• Take multiple shots of the same subject – you can always delete the bad ones later
• Clean your camera lens regularly with a soft cloth

Composition & Framing:

• Turn your phone sideways (landscape mode) for wider shots, especially for products or group photos
• Back up to get more in the frame, or get closer to fill the frame with your subject
• Think about how this image will be shown and if any edges will be cut off (especially for social media)
• Leave some breathing room around your subject rather than cramming everything to the edges
• Try different angles – don’t just shoot everything at eye level
• Use leading lines (like tables, shelves, or pathways) to draw the eye to your subject

General Best Practices:

• Keep your phone steady – use both hands or lean against something for support
• Don’t rely on digital zoom – it reduces image quality
• Take photos in the highest resolution your phone allows
• Consider the background – make sure it’s not distracting from your main subject
• If shooting products, use a simple, clean background

Start Taking Better Photos

Remember, great business photography isn’t about perfection – it’s about authenticity and showing your work in the best possible light. The more you practice these techniques, the more natural they’ll become. Start with the lighting tips since good light can instantly improve any photo, then gradually work on composition and framing. Your customers want to see the real you and your real work, so don’t be afraid to start taking photos right away. With these simple techniques and a little practice, you’ll be creating images that truly represent the quality and care you put into your business.