Photographs used to be a ceremonious, somewhat expensive way to create visual memories.  In the digital age, however, pics are a very inexpensive way to create brands, including your digital footprint.

I’m fortunate to have worked with some of the best photographers in the country, including Bill Cowger, who is also a close friend.  Recently Bill shared a few photography tips with me, some of which are included below.

Photos have always been images, but because the world can view your photos online, it’s now “Image” with a capital “I.” Here are at least 5 Cool Ideas, plus three bonus tips on how to take better photographs.  

Cool ideas for taking better photos

1.  Always carry your camera. Unless your cell phone takes great photographs, carry a digital camera with you at all times.  The day you don’t is the day you’ll meet George Clooney or Angelina Jolie.

Note the asymmetrical architecture

2.  Be a little “off.” Symmetry is not all it’s cracked up to be.  It’s okay–even preferred–to have the photo subject be left or right of center.

3.  Make your camera the “official” camera. How many times have people promised to send you photos and not followed through?

4.  Be like a movie director. Dictate how it’s gonna be.  Don’t be afraid to choose the best background or pose for yourself and anyone in the photo with you.  Images are forever, right?

5.  Play the angle. Camera flashes have a way of spotlighting any oils or perspiration on your face.  Minimize these hot spots by never facing the camera directly.  Always remember to tilt your face a little to the left or right.

6.  Take two! Ask the photographer to take a few pics.  It’s too time-consuming to snap a pic, have everyone look at it, get repositioned, snap another pic, etc.

Charming

7.  Use a good photo editor. Crop, brighten, and otherwise “punch up” your pix whenever possible.  Your image is at stake!  I use a photo editing tool from Paint.net.

The cool photo to the left shows my Dad and me having some fun way back when.  Notice the sloppy framing (Mom!), the dark tones, and the ugly wall hanging (Mom!).

The photo below has been cropped and brightened using Paint.net.  The unsightly wall hanging was removed using PhotoShop.

Be careful when snapping photos and you won’t have to use PhotoShop.

More charming

This version of the photo was a much better graphic for my audio program, Dear Michael Angelo–A Father’s Life Letters to His Son.

8.  Make your pics “lifelike.” Never take photographs of buildings, scenery or things when you can photograph people in front of buildings, amidst scenery or holding things.

Photos are persuasion tools

Ultimately, photos are used to “sell” something, whether it be a product, a service or a feeling.  Have fun and good luck!

Learn more about the art of persuasion from FastLearnerAudio for Salespeople.  Sign up to receive my popular 5 Cool Ideas newsletter at www.MichaelAngeloCaruso.com.

-Michael, Royal Oak, Oakland County, Michigan