{"id":86777,"date":"2025-07-14T06:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-07-14T11:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.success.com\/?p=86777"},"modified":"2025-05-15T11:26:26","modified_gmt":"2025-05-15T16:26:26","slug":"7-tips-for-better-photographs-for-your-business","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.success.com\/7-tips-for-better-photographs-for-your-business\/","title":{"rendered":"Easy Ways to Boost Your Photography Skills and Benefit Your Business"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Now that everyone carries a camera in their pocket, it can feel like we\u2019re all expected to excel at photography. However, like any art form, taking a good photo isn\u2019t as easy as clicking a button.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\"SUCCESS<\/a>\n\n\n\n

In an ideal world, a business would have a professional on hand to perfectly capture images for their website and social media<\/a>. The reality is this isn\u2019t always feasible. New and smaller businesses tend to have limited staff, and there might not be budget<\/a> for getting help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That doesn\u2019t mean your photos can\u2019t still look great.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We spoke to three photographers and marketing experts and pulled together their favorite tips and tricks to for beautiful photos that anyone can take.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Strive for authenticity, not perfection.<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Between overly staged brand photos and the flood of AI-generated content, customers are more interested than ever in finding businesses with a human touch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Public relations expert Sarah Schmidt<\/a>\u2019s favorite advice for her clients is, \u201cPolished looks like a billboard\u2014real looks like a recommendation\u2026. Authentic content converts.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Basically, your goal should be to help a potential customer imagine themselves as part of your brand. Just like real life, it shouldn\u2019t feel perfect and sterile, but like a lived-in space that feels like home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Lighting is everything.<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Good lighting can produce a photo that\u2019s sharp, easy to see and high quality. Bad lighting can cause blurry or grainy photos that are downright unusable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Utilize sunlight<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Natural light is the easiest, cheapest and best light to use for most photos, particularly for those newer to photography. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take it outside: <\/strong>If you can shoot outside, perfect. Do that. You\u2019ll always get the most light that way. Shooting in the shade or on overcast days can help you avoid harsh shadows and glares.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Use windows: <\/strong>When you can\u2019t shoot outside, windows are your next best bet. Pick a time of day where you\u2019ll get the most sunlight without harsh sunbeams. (North-facing windows are great for this.) When you truly can\u2019t avoid harsh lighting, use a white poster board or put foil over a piece of cardboard to reflect the light back toward your subject. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Give Your Light Some Help<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Sometimes, sunlight won\u2019t be enough on its own (or simply isn\u2019t an option). Fortunately, there are some easy, cost-effective ways to add light.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Buy a cheap light<\/strong>: If you\u2019re regularly running into this problem, a $15 to $30 light might be worth the purchase. Check out a small portable light<\/a> or a ring light<\/a>. Light boxes<\/a> can also be a huge help with small subjects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Create your own diffused light: <\/strong>For the cheapest fix, photographer Jacob Dunn<\/a> and OH Marketing Group founder Tiffany O\u2019Connell<\/a> suggest placing parchment paper over an existing lamp. Just be careful not to let the bulb touch the parchment paper because the heat of the bulb can burn the paper and even start a fire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Clean your gear.<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

It might seem obvious, but cleaning your lens can make a huge difference. Phone lenses are exposed to numerous elements, and a quick clean can help remove everything from pocket lint to oils from your skin. This doesn\u2019t just prevent unsightly dots or smears showing up in your photos\u2014it can actually help your lens get more light. To clean your lens, simply use a microfiber or lens cleaning cloth to gently wipe the surface.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Make the most of your smartphone\u2019s lenses.<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Each lens on your phone offers a slightly different perspective and will change the way your subject looks. For instance, front-facing \u201cselfie\u201d cameras are typically not as flattering as using the 1x camera on the back of your phone. The .5x lens is great for making a room look bigger but will distort a person or animal. The 2x lens can help you achieve a blurred background, but that makes it less than ideal for landscapes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

This simple diagram shows you where to change lenses and how to \u201cflip\u201d from the back lens to the front lens. The screenshot was created with an iPhone 12 Pro.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to switch lenses: <\/strong>In your camera app, you should see numbers just above the button that you use to take the picture. These may seem like a quick way to adjust your zoom, but in reality, they\u2019re switching which lens is in use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zoom with your feet: <\/strong>Zooming in on an image is a way of cropping it, meaning you\u2019re lowering the quality of the photo before you\u2019ve ever taken it. By physically moving closer or further away, you can better benefit from the different lenses and the effects they provide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

The same object photographed from roughly the same position using different lenses. From left, the .5x lens, 1x lens and 2x lens were used. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. The basics of backgrounds<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

If you need to create a simple, cheap background, there are easy ways to do so. A poster board can work wonders for small subjects. Just tape it to the wall and floor with a bend in the middle, and voil\u00e1\u2014you have a scrappy \u201cinfinity\u201d background like all the pros. Blankets, tablecloths and shower curtains are great for larger subjects and can be sourced from existing items around your home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For a tile or marble look, check out your local flooring store. Often, they have floor tile samples for free or cheap that you can use to create the impression of a high-end environment wherever you\u2019re shooting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Staging like a pro <\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

When choosing what will be in your photo, there\u2019s one big thing to keep in mind: What is the star of the picture? Every prop and layout should enhance the main subject and direct focus to it, not be so flashy that it distracts from it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re trying to show off your latest product release, keep the space around it simple and unobtrusive. If you\u2019re aiming to show off a space as being cozy, consider adding a few \u201clived in\u201d elements, like a cup of coffee. Remember that \u201clived in\u201d doesn\u2019t mean \u201cdirty,\u201d so be sure to clean your space thoroughly. No one wants to look at dust, greasy fingerprints or pet hair. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Pay attention to orientation<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Before you ever take a photo, consider why you need the photo and how you\u2019d like to use it. As a general rule, if you expect it to be viewed on a phone (such as on Instagram or TikTok), go vertical, and if you expect it to be viewed on a computer (such as with a website), shoot horizontally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When in doubt, shoot both ways so you\u2019ve got what you need regardless.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Photos by Anna Wenner<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Now that everyone carries a camera in their pocket, it can feel like we\u2019re all expected to excel at photography. However, like any art form, taking a good photo isn\u2019t as easy as clicking a button. 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Her work has appeared in The New York Times\u2019 Wirecutter, USA Today, Lovepop, AARP, and more. <\/span>"],"rich_editing":["true"],"syntax_highlighting":["true"],"comment_shortcuts":["false"],"admin_color":["fresh"],"use_ssl":["0"],"show_admin_bar_front":["true"],"locale":[""],"wp_capabilities":["a:1:{s:6:\"author\";b:1;}"],"wp_user_level":["0"],"_yoast_wpseo_profile_updated":["1732652392"],"pys_complete_registration":["1"],"_wcs_subscription_ids_cache":[""],"dismissed_wp_pointers":[""],"hubspot_contact_id":["66572545922"],"wp_elementor_enable_ai":["1"],"wpseo_metadesc":[""],"wpseo_title":[""],"wpseo_content_analysis_disable":[""],"wpseo_keyword_analysis_disable":[""],"wpseo_user_schema":["a:0:{}"],"molongui_author_phone":[""],"molongui_author_job":[""],"molongui_author_company":[""],"molongui_author_company_link":[""],"molongui_author_custom_link":[""],"molongui_author_box_display":["default"],"molongui_author_short_bio":["<span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Anna Wenner is a writer who is just trying to live a life that will make her dog proud.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n "],"molongui_author_image_id":[""],"molongui_author_image_url":[""],"molongui_author_image_edit":[""],"advanced-ads-role":[""]}}]},"custom_post_content":"<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Now that everyone carries a camera in their pocket, it can feel like we\u2019re all expected to excel at photography. However, like any art form, taking a good photo isn\u2019t as easy as clicking a button.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n\n<!-- \/wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>In an ideal world, a business would have a professional on hand to perfectly capture images for their website and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.success.com\/social-media-for-professional-growth\/\">social media<\/a>. The reality is this isn\u2019t always feasible. New and smaller businesses tend to have limited staff, and there might not be <a href=\"https:\/\/www.success.com\/budget-templates\/\">budget<\/a> for getting help.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>That doesn\u2019t mean your photos can\u2019t still look great.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>We spoke to three photographers and marketing experts and pulled together their favorite tips and tricks to for beautiful photos that anyone can take.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":1} -->\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-1-strive-for-authenticity-not-perfection\"><strong>1. Strive for authenticity, not perfection.<\/strong><\/h1>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Between overly staged brand photos and the flood of AI-generated content, customers are more interested than ever in finding businesses with a human touch.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Public relations expert <a href=\"https:\/\/www.interdependence.com\/about-us\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sarah Schmidt<\/a>\u2019s favorite advice for her clients is, \u201cPolished looks like a billboard\u2014real looks like a recommendation\u2026. Authentic content converts.\u201d<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Basically, your goal should be to help a potential customer imagine themselves as part of your brand. Just like real life, it shouldn\u2019t feel perfect and sterile, but like a lived-in space that feels like home.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":1} -->\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-2-lighting-is-everything\"><strong>2. Lighting is everything.<\/strong><\/h1>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Good lighting can produce a photo that\u2019s sharp, easy to see and high quality. Bad lighting can cause blurry or grainy photos that are downright unusable.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading -->\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-utilize-sunlight\"><strong>Utilize sunlight<\/strong><\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Natural light is the easiest, cheapest and best light to use for most photos, particularly for those newer to photography. <\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Take it outside: <\/strong>If you can shoot outside, perfect. Do that. You\u2019ll always get the most light that way. Shooting in the shade or on overcast days can help you avoid harsh shadows and glares.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Use windows: <\/strong>When you can\u2019t shoot outside, windows are your next best bet. Pick a time of day where you\u2019ll get the most sunlight without harsh sunbeams. (North-facing windows are great for this.) When you truly can\u2019t avoid harsh lighting, use a white poster board or put foil over a piece of cardboard to reflect the light back toward your subject. <\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading -->\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-give-your-light-some-help\"><strong>Give Your Light Some Help<\/strong><\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Sometimes, sunlight won\u2019t be enough on its own (or simply isn\u2019t an option). Fortunately, there are some easy, cost-effective ways to add light.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Buy a cheap light<\/strong>: If you\u2019re regularly running into this problem, a $15 to $30 light might be worth the purchase. Check out a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/ULANZI-Photography-Rechargeable-2500-9000K-Attraction\/dp\/B0CM69GJYV\/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9._CHIlrRvfnsNQgAxG3MC5ReCnKnf2tPzr7336_UXq8EgiYvOl1T9bTE-ipNl8R68-ZmEbl80UuNnntixNB7e7BBw9RqmW-A5qzIjy2zIxQiMvhJPTNWHfBTfuxq299d7SGtBsgaWMTRdXpi7jZIF9A5b5MWZC20xU9BKCBNrfSKi8p4tVfOfQfx-vEI-WDDiozJlWUTLRW0Tb5q22RK5V5-Hv_I08tezVhFBSC3Fyfk.7Ckfaczbbqrh7O9IB4BhKG4yBjt7H26U_GCwgL60fT8&dib_tag=se&keywords=portable%2Bphotography%2Blight&qid=1745421860&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&th=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">small portable light<\/a> or a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Extendable-Sensyne-YouTube-Compatible-Phones\/dp\/B08B3X7NXC\/ref=sr_1_1?crid=20F8UE9R6QWLX&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.qVoi94_wXm84WQhCg0S75wHc7Ugd3hHydsza-udugrwfela26YOXsxCeKfkDHZAqnPOVfyI4AZpGkN6DVdKyQobMXOaqAp3qOYm1vXTYD_GSya9jktWmE1sICVREcm3hUYznQVhNhlfxczEu3NegUAOwydz2DXPKhJDEw_qsBt0HK2clFKzlgu4dT4oD16n2ARJrSzk_8E7Zb5dp0v4xdnBqyYCep8EtYJB6YtlNNXw.36F5Z1SMs1v25nZ8EFw9HreLk-KUhktM_txYPtwxjuU&dib_tag=se&keywords=ring+light&qid=1746029639&sprefix=ring+ligh%2Caps%2C163&sr=8-1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ring light<\/a>. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/PULUZ-Shooting-Portable-Photography-Backgrounds\/dp\/B08RS75LVQ\/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=3JMFHZEPJQMKP&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.TfE1P5XudkRIrnpH7aIvJQXPkN8zr_lXUQ-cfcFGyeg4p2GEvuzMoaSnx4kVdPb9qJKPSkeBVLgNV-pY_n4v3AL07396lSpd0h6b3ZBQAbzZDSfbuB8ntuHyCbdDF-OL94oD49qx_OsdqdD4Pp0odVUwwVbGvlKEzjFynD8CArdAZjhS3noVOidOvjiADnQgb8ERN3syeIhde_6-g9CkH3FJs-_f9EabYjHN9p77IMs.A3lPlUTyzhG9RvlAxL-c-HXRxLFaUA98mJuJ_ut5-DI&dib_tag=se&keywords=product%2Bphotography%2Blight%2Bbox&qid=1745422009&sprefix=product%2Bphotography%2Blight%2Bbo%2Caps%2C141&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&th=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Light boxes<\/a> can also be a huge help with small subjects.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Create your own diffused light: <\/strong>For the cheapest fix, photographer <a href=\"https:\/\/www.itsjacobdunn.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Jacob Dunn<\/a> and OH Marketing Group founder <a href=\"https:\/\/ohmarketinggroup.com\/about-oh-marketing\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Tiffany O\u2019Connell<\/a> suggest placing parchment paper over an existing lamp. Just be careful not to let the bulb touch the parchment paper because the heat of the bulb can burn the paper and even start a fire.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":1} -->\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-3-clean-your-gear\"><strong>3. Clean your gear.<\/strong><\/h1>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>It might seem obvious, but cleaning your lens can make a huge difference. Phone lenses are exposed to numerous elements, and a quick clean can help remove everything from pocket lint to oils from your skin. This doesn\u2019t just prevent unsightly dots or smears showing up in your photos\u2014it can actually help your lens get more light. To clean your lens, simply use a microfiber or lens cleaning cloth to gently wipe the surface.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":1} -->\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-4-make-the-most-of-your-smartphone-s-lenses\"><strong>4. Make the most of your smartphone\u2019s lenses.<\/strong><\/h1>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Each lens on your phone offers a slightly different perspective and will change the way your subject looks. For instance, front-facing \u201cselfie\u201d cameras are typically not as flattering as using the 1x camera on the back of your phone. The .5x lens is great for making a room look bigger but will distort a person or animal. The 2x lens can help you achieve a blurred background, but that makes it less than ideal for landscapes.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:image -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https:\/\/lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com\/docsz\/AD_4nXeSCqqDj3TWreZhHVc-__V7noBFv5ZoQqFQh-lCnW370tFCnYhBsZSofxd5SUSjTBhiEYxiUNo8-s92WdQfhphrirJqIE_jF8V8F4VcPHSxIjCj74LbnmfKABlxgpbSeJI?key=Gz--nr0KNbX0nWl7NFRVnQzD\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><em>This simple diagram shows you where to change lenses and how to \u201cflip\u201d from the back lens to the front lens. The screenshot was created with an iPhone 12 Pro.<\/em><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>How to switch lenses: <\/strong>In your camera app, you should see numbers just above the button that you use to take the picture. These may seem like a quick way to adjust your zoom, but in reality, they\u2019re switching which lens is in use.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Zoom with your feet: <\/strong>Zooming in on an image is a way of cropping it, meaning you\u2019re lowering the quality of the photo before you\u2019ve ever taken it. By physically moving closer or further away, you can better benefit from the different lenses and the effects they provide.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:group {\"layout\":{\"type\":\"flex\",\"flexWrap\":\"nowrap\"}} -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><!-- wp:group {\"layout\":{\"type\":\"flex\",\"flexWrap\":\"nowrap\"}} -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><!-- wp:image {\"id\":86780,\"sizeSlug\":\"large\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\",\"className\":\"is-style-default\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-style-default\"><img src=\"https:\/\/www.success.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/IMG_3793-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-86780\"\/><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":86781,\"sizeSlug\":\"large\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img src=\"https:\/\/www.success.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/IMG_3794-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-86781\"\/><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image --><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:group -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":86782,\"sizeSlug\":\"large\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img src=\"https:\/\/www.success.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/IMG_3795-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-86782\"\/><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image --><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:group -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><em>The same object photographed from roughly the same position using different lenses. From left, the .5x lens, 1x lens and 2x lens were used. <\/em><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":1} -->\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-5-the-basics-of-backgrounds\"><strong>5. The basics of backgrounds<\/strong><\/h1>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>If you need to create a simple, cheap background, there are easy ways to do so. A poster board can work wonders for small subjects. Just tape it to the wall and floor with a bend in the middle, and voil\u00e1\u2014you have a scrappy \u201cinfinity\u201d background like all the pros. Blankets, tablecloths and shower curtains are great for larger subjects and can be sourced from existing items around your home.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>For a tile or marble look, check out your local flooring store. Often, they have floor tile samples for free or cheap that you can use to create the impression of a high-end environment wherever you\u2019re shooting.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":1} -->\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-6-staging-like-a-pro-nbsp\"><strong>6. Staging like a pro <\/strong><\/h1>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>When choosing what will be in your photo, there\u2019s one big thing to keep in mind: What is the star of the picture? Every prop and layout should enhance the main subject and direct focus to it, not be so flashy that it distracts from it.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>If you\u2019re trying to show off your latest product release, keep the space around it simple and unobtrusive. If you\u2019re aiming to show off a space as being cozy, consider adding a few \u201clived in\u201d elements, like a cup of coffee. Remember that \u201clived in\u201d doesn\u2019t mean \u201cdirty,\u201d so be sure to clean your space thoroughly. No one wants to look at dust, greasy fingerprints or pet hair. <\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":1} -->\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-7-pay-attention-to-orientation\"><strong>7. Pay attention to orientation<\/strong><\/h1>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Before you ever take a photo, consider why you need the photo and how you\u2019d like to use it. As a general rule, if you expect it to be viewed on a phone (such as on Instagram or TikTok), go vertical, and if you expect it to be viewed on a computer (such as with a website), shoot horizontally.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>When in doubt, shoot both ways so you\u2019ve got what you need regardless.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"fontSize\":\"small\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><strong><em>Photos by Anna Wenner<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->","tag_names":[],"post_attachment_urls":["https:\/\/www.success.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/IMG_3793-768x1024.jpg","https:\/\/www.success.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/IMG_3794-768x1024.jpg","https:\/\/www.success.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/IMG_3795-768x1024.jpg"],"author_email":"anna+wenner-author@success.com","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.success.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/86777","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.success.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.success.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.success.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/44301"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.success.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=86777"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.success.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/86777\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.success.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/86783"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.success.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=86777"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.success.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=86777"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.success.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=86777"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}