How to take a perfect Roamler photo?
Sometimes we stumble upon beautiful photos when we’re reviewing. Most of the time the photos are almost perfect but there are still a few points of improvement. Since I take a lot of photos in my spare time, I’d like to share some iPhone photo tips with you. This way you’ll manage to make perfect Roamler photos!
Focus
A good photo must have a high definition. Therefore it is important to keep your iPhone as steady as possible when taking a photo. With the slightest movement photos tend to blurry, especially when the lighting is bad. In that case you’ll see every movement in the end result. Furthermore it is important to focus on the main object. By tapping on the object on your screen, your iPhone will focus on that area. Because the Roamler app immediately reduces the size of the photo when sending it, focusing is very important.
Photo 1: This is a good example of a photo with a high definition. Photo made by Roamler Lennard B.
Cropping
It’s important that a photo is well cropped. Make sure that no limbs are cut off and that objects are placed well inside the frame. Watch out for objects that are located in the corners or on the side of the frame. These must not be cut off halfway. Additionally, other objects can distract from the main object and attract attention. Make sure the focus is on the main object.
Photo 2: Main focus is on the object. Photo made by Roamler Michel H.
Lighting
Underexposure can often result in a bad photo. When the photo is too dark or too light you can compensate this. What often happens is that the photo is too dark because of a light background. In this situation you can make the object lighter by tapping on it in your photo screen. Especially with back lighting it’s necessary to focus well on your main object so that there won’t be any underexposure.
Photo 3: underexposure resulted by not focusing on main object.
Photo 4: the right exposure. Focusing on the main object, no flash used.
Flash
The usage of the flash is an important skill. These are the problems that occur the most:
1. Taking a photo right in front of the object, which causes the flash to reflect in the lens. To prevent this from happening, tilt your iPhone so that the reflection of the flash doesn’t get into the lens.
Photo 5: The flash is aimed on the object. This creates an ugly reflection of the flash.
Photo 6: The flash is tilted in comparison to the object. This creates no flash reflection in the lens.
2. Taking a photo too close to an object can cause overexposure. A known fact is that the best photos are made without flash. Yet, iPhone photos taken without flash quickly have a granular effect. Alternatively, try to adjust your lighting, for example by moving lamps around.
Photo 7: Flash used too close to the object. Result: photo is overexposed.
Photo 8: Without flash, with enough light.
Overview & Details
Especially with the shelf checks you’re being challenged to combine both detail and overview. On the one hand, you want to create the best overview of all the products and surroundings and on the other hand, you still want enough detail of the product, such as the price tag. Keep this is in mind and try to find a good balance between both detail of the object and the right distance for an overview.
Photo 9: An overview photo with enough detail. Photo made by Roamler Joppe M.
Composition
The composition of a photo is mainly important for creative photos. A few tips: make sure you check the depth of the photo. Do you have an object up front, in the middle and in the background? If your photo has a fluid transition from the front to the background by connecting the objects, then you’ll make sure to have a great photo.
Photo 10: A beautiful composition created by light, depth and colors. Photo made by Roamler Roel.
In creating a good composition you must keep different elements in mind that can affect the end result. For instance:
Lighting: try to notice the different types of lighting and shadows, where is the light coming from? Can you work with this?
Colours: how do the colours relate to each other?
The division of surfaces: is there more land or more sky? When you work with surfaces, you’ll find that this is a fascinating technique to create a unique effect.
Have you also tried to work with shadows or reflection? Sometimes the reflection of the object in for example water, metal or glass can be better than the original version. Sometimes working with shadows can also create a different effect and can make an object stand out more. Keep these possibilities in mind when taking a photo.
Keeping it straight
Last but not least: unless you want to give your photo a creative effect, try to keep your iPhone straight and keep the horizon horizontal or vertical.
Good luck with the photo shoot! There will be a task this week matching this blogpost, so that you can send in your best results.
This blogpost is written by: Laurens, our financial controller at Roamler HQ and an avid photographer.