Photos are widely used in the web for different reasons. For blogs, photos can be used to make a statement or to emphasize a topic associated with the written content. For corporate websites, photos make the page look more appealing and lively as compared to a webpage full of text and symbols only. Other leading sites have invested in simple photo sharing and photo blogging alone, considering the big percentage of humans easily digesting data placed in graphic or photo form.
As the field of web photography emerges alongside the rise of digital photography, being able to capture quality photos for the web is indeed a vital skill. Web photography differs from plain digital photography, as it is to be viewed online, be it through a laptop screen or through a smart phone. Along with the photo, related content may be formed around the image – these may not necessarily be solely in text format, it may range from tutorial videos, generated advertisements, and even automatic-play audio clips. It is a challenge on the part of the photographer to be able to produce top quality photos well suited for the web audience and for the entire website itself.
Getting down to the web business. Since the photo is meant for online viewing, smaller resolutions are favorable for easy to load upon opening the site. Ideal web resolution for photos would be at least 72 pixels. As to the photo’s dimension, widescreen monitors can allow for better viewing but then there are mobile devices such as smart phones and tablets, which have smaller screens. Keep the photos neatly aligned within the boundaries of the site or the intended space. Rearranging this one is easy now that blogging platforms make posting quick and simple.
Keep the focus on the subject. If the subject is a person, use tight close up shots to clearly portray the message or the action. Make sure that the background isn’t cluttered and have the subject wear a top that is in a solid color to make him pop out of the page at the first glance.
Stick to the basics. Although the image may be used for the web, it still pertains to photography. Apply the rule of thirds and frame the subject appropriately. Avoid cutting of the subject’s head and keep the shots solid, clear, and clean.
Natural lighting is key. As much as possible, use indirect natural lighting for the photos to make for a realistic and believable photo. Avoid direct sunlight as it creates harsh shadows on the face and it also makes the model squint throughout the photo shoot. Ideal times for an outdoor shoot would be early morning and early evening for that soft, natural, well-lit look in photos.
The clearer, the better. Well-focused shots allow for the photo’s subject to immediately capture the viewer’s attention upon one simple glance. Blurred shots can be confusing to look at, page viewers may not identify what the website or the writer is talking about. To get clear shots, stabilize the camera while shooting. Use a tripod and avoid pressing the shutter too hard. Lean against sturdy surfaces or rest your elbows when shooting to keep the camera focused and steady.
Shoot your heart out. Explore the different views and experiment with the angles to know which works best. Especially for editorial photos that may accompany blog posts, trying out numerous angles may open other ways of interpreting the subject matter. Get as many shots possible to allow for variety – after spending hours on preparing for the shoot and the concept, put the effort into good use by getting loads of images. The winning shot might be in that unusual angle or in the last image captured by the camera.