Over the years we have developed a recommendations for clients that want to take their own website photographs.

General Advice

• Designers prefer photos to be a zoomed out a little. With a wider photo we often crop images so if we have room to move when we select what part of the image to use. If a closeup makes a good shot, consider taking a wider shot of the same even if the photo isn’t as good. So rather than try to frame a photo perfectly, give the designer a bit of room to work with.
• Some photographers try to touch up images which is great but please share raw access as we often want to develop photos in a different way.
• More photos are better. We typically use around 100 – 250 photos for a brochure website. So shoot a bunch of pics!
• Get shots with staff and customers. Empty rooms and equipment while are good to get too, are often a bit bland. Get permission for this of course.
• Try and get some really wide-angle shots of the full team, outside of you business location(s) and reception if you have one.
• Horizontal photos are better than vertical. A mix is good but on a typical website around 80% of the photos suit horizontal.
• Take shots of signage. This is especially helpful if it contains name and addresses.
• Where possible get short video clips – 30 sec to a several minutes. Machines at work. Staff having fun. Whatever suits your business. We can edit these. Often, they make good moving banners at the top of a website so as usual extra width around the subject is helpful.

Some Specific Photos To Take

• Outside of your business location.
  • Try to get several angles and both close and panorama. We tend to use these shots for the homepage and it needs to be low height on widescreen friendly.
  • If you have a business street sign and phone number include this.
• Reception.
  o Include receptionist if they don’t mind. Also get general shots of things like good stands and customers waiting if they are ok with it.
  o If the reception has goods on sale get a few photos of the display areas.
• Your services – go through the existing or planned services for your website and try to take a bunch of photos that meet each of these form your business view
• Staff Photos
  • If including staff please photograph all staff and name them accordingly
  • If possible 1) group all staff for a photo and 2) group various teams. We understand this is not always possible.
  • Try to have the same background and lighting for all staff. Generally this looks best if you are displaying many profiles together.
  • Ensure there is space around staffs head, especially above.

If you can budget for a photographer we do recommend it. People are amazed at how different the same website can look with average vs high quality images. At the same time we understand that is not always practical and we will always do the best with what tools we have.

If you have any questions or comments. please reach out.