Phone Photo Pro

Most smartphones have extensive photo capabilities. So how can you use them to capture the best marketing imagery?

By Sam Kraulik

Creating App-ealing Visuals

The skill set and expertise of a trained graphic designer is unparalleled – even by technology. However, there are a number of apps and websites that can help with quickly assembling social media posts and graphics, even for novice photographers. Here are a few helpful apps to check out:

1 In-App Editors: The basic editing capabilities of social apps like Instagram, VSCO and TikTok are more than adequate for basic photo and video editing. The other apps serve as compliments to the in-app abilities.

In today's digital landscape, the potential to create stunning photos and videos using just your smartphone has never been more convenient. For business owners and content creators, mastering this skill is essential. Having impressive technology at your fingertips, though, is different than knowing how to use it to its fullest potential. Here are a few tips for taking your phone’s photos and videos to the next level.

Capture Better Photos

To elevate the quality of your photos, start by ensuring proper lighting. Embrace natural light whenever possible, considering its intensity, shadows, and how it falls on your subject. If natural light isn’t available, use external light sources like a flash or an LED panel. If your device supports it, take advantage of shooting in raw format to retain more detail and allow for better editing capabilities. Experiment with composition, angles, and perspectives to add interest.

Create Impressive Videos

When it comes to creating impressive videos, focusing on stability, lighting, resolution, and audio is key. Start by using a tripod or stabilizer to ensure steady footage. Again, use natural light whenever possible and consider using other lighting sources like a lamp or LED panel to properly illuminate your subjects. Setting your smartphone to the highest available resolution will enhance the clarity and detail of your videos.

Additionally for video, pay attention to audio quality by filming in quiet environments and using an external microphone for clearer sound. It's also important to consider the orientation in which you shoot your videos, especially when planning to post them on social media platforms. Shooting in portrait orientation (vertical) for social media use can be best as it provides a taller view and fits better within the platforms.

2.Canva: If you work in marketing at any level and you haven’t tried Canva yet, you are missing out. This affordable online software can help even the most beginner designer create stunning photos and videos. Perfect for digital graphics like website ads, email imagery or social media posts, Canva is an essential tool in any marketing arsenal.

3 FaceTune: If you take a lot of selfies – or photos of people – this app could become your best friend. Use it to quickly retouch photos where the lighting is unflattering or the angle just isn’t quite right. There is a free trial, and then it’s a monthly fee to use.

4 Pixlr: This mobile photo editing app is great for beginners or professionals in a hurry. It has a free version and comes loaded with filters, tools, and templates without being too overwhelming.

5 InShot: If you need a quick, user-friendly app for editing videos for social media, this is it. InShot offers pre-built canvas sizes for specific social platforms and simple editing tools for creating an engaging video. It is free, but you can pay to remove watermarks.

Enhance Images and Videos with Apps

Leveraging photo and video apps allows you to enhance the quality and consistency of your visuals. With just a few taps, you can optimize lighting and color balance, creating photos and videos that align perfectly with your brand.

When editing your videos, there are several other aspects to experiment with. Most of these can be found within your phone’s own editing software. Composition, hue, saturation, audio levels, and the addition of text or graphics are just a few examples. These options provide opportunities to elevate the impact of your visuals, allowing you to convey your message effectively and engage your audience on a deeper level.

Know When to Take it Up a Notch

As your needs grow, partnering with a skilled creative agency can further advance your marketing efforts and coordinate visuals. These partners bring expertise, industry knowledge, and professional tools to deliver visually stunning imagery that resonates with your target audience.

Remember, your visuals reflect your brand's identity. By optimizing your photo and video captures or investing in quality marketing imagery aligned with your audience's preferences, you can pique their interest and make a lasting impact in the market.