Everywhere you look on social media, you’ll see a ton of videos, and this means that making your photos pop is getting harder and harder. Even so, there are some relatively easy things you can do to make them stand out. Let’s look at 18 of them.
Master Your Composition
Don’t underestimate the power of composition because getting everything in just the right place can really make your photos unforgettable. Using techniques like the rule of thirds, where you split your image into three parts both ways and place your subject off-center, your photos will grab attention more than video could. It’s easy to do, and the results are incredible.
Time It Just Right
There’s also a lot of magic in the timing, and capturing that perfect moment can tell a whole story in a single shot. Unlike videos, a still photo gives everyone a chance to pause and get lost in the moment, which can be especially useful during those quiet moments that don’t translate as well in video. A well-timed photograph allows the viewer to explore every detail at their own pace, making for a far more personal experience.
Let There Be Good Light
Light can make or break your photo. When you use natural light at the right times, like early morning or late afternoon, it’ll make your photo feel inviting and give it a real edge over any video. If you get the right lighting, you can turn even the most mundane scene into a breathtaking image without saying a word.
Get Up Close and Personal
Never be shy when taking photos. Get close to your subject to capture those little details that most videos miss, which will invite your viewers to lean in and take a closer look. These close-ups create a sense of intimacy and connection between the subject and the viewer, revealing a beauty you can’t get from video.
Blur the Background
Playing with depth of field will help your subject stand out and focus your viewer’s attention right where you want it. Instead of just scrolling by, it’ll force other people to keep their eyes on your photo, and this can send a clearer message to them, too. You’ll be able to draw them into the essence of what you’re capturing, making them forget everything but what you want them to.
Change Your Angle
Shoot from down low, up high, or any angle that isn’t just straight on, as unique perspectives make your photos stand out. After all, you want to show them a view they wouldn’t usually see. Seeing things from a new angle can literally and figuratively change how viewers see your photographic subjects.
Color Your World
Colors tell feelings, and a bright blue sky or a moody gray cloud can set the mood of your photo before anyone even notices the details. Picking the right colors will tell the viewer how you feel almost instantly, and that’s something most videos can’t do. Plus, colors can also draw your viewers in, making your photography a visual and emotional experience.
What’s the Story?
Every photo should say something. Maybe it’s just a bike leaning against a fence, but what if it’s the last bike on the rack? What’s its story? Photos that suggest a bigger tale will make your viewers engaged and keep them thinking, so they’re more likely to stay on your photo. Whatever you include, or don’t, can hint at a larger narrative and encourage those who see your work to piece together their own interpretation.
Show Some Motion
Motion blur in a photo can create a sense of speed or action, like cars whizzing down the street, adding some energy to your still images. Even in a static scene, adding blur highlights the movement within a frozen moment, making it seem more lively. Don’t be scared to play with time and perception.
Classic Black and White
There’s a reason black and white photos are classics, and that’s because they strip away the distractions of color to focus on the drama of light and shadow. Sometimes, this can make a more powerful statement than any color video ever could. Getting back to the basics means you’ll bring attention to textures and lines while also letting the subjects speak for themselves.
Edit Like a Pro
Forget what you’ve heard because a little tweaking can go a long way, and there’s no shame in it. With editing, you have the control to perfect each shot so that you can fully express your vision and share photos that look just the way you intended. Instead of just correcting any mistakes, you should edit to refine your creative expression and make your photos communicate your message.
Simplicity Sells
Sometimes, less is more. A simple photo with a clear subject can catch the eye faster than a chaotic video scene because it’ll be easier for viewers to know where to look. Of course, it’s okay to make things busy now and then, but just remember that a minimalistic approach can sometimes be more memorable.
Find the Patterns
Our brains love patterns, and photos that capture a skyscraper’s repetitive textures or a cornfield’s rows naturally draw attention. It’s visually satisfying and keeps viewers engaged, so what’s not to love? Try including some patterns in your work to create a sense of harmony and balance, giving your viewers a pleasing aesthetic they can’t look away from.
Dare to Be Different
Don’t just do what everyone else is doing. In a sea of sameness, you want to stand out, and that involves using shots from angles people aren’t used to seeing or going for the unexpected. When your photos do something different, they become conversation starters, and they’re sure to stand out in a crowded feed of the same old things.
Set the Scene
You can also use the environment in your photos to add a whole layer of mood and texture. Whether you capture a street scene with falling rain or perhaps cast some shadows, you should use your surroundings to improve your main subject. It’ll add some depth and context that’ll truly change your viewer’s experience.
People Power
Not all photos have to be lifeless, and including people in yours can make them more powerful. Why not try a candid shot of someone laughing or a staged pose that tells a story? This way, you’ll add a human touch that can make viewers pause and feel a connection with what they’re seeing, making your photographs far more impactful.
Texture Talks
Looking for something that’ll bring your photos to life? Then try including some textures, like the roughness of tree bark or the smoothness of glass, and watch them pop. Even the tiniest of details can give your photos that extra something that most videos will skip over, so do it wherever you can.
Emotional Echoes
Finally, think about the emotion you want to make your audience feel. Photos that touch on universal feelings like joy or loneliness can have more of an impact on your audience than any video. You want to make an emotional connection with them because it means your photo will stick with them long after they scroll past.
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