Are you struggling to take quality photos that make your social media content pop?

Could you use a course in social media photography 101?

Stock photos are boring and expensive, and lifting images off the internet can get you in serious hot water. The solution? Create your own social media photo content!

This week on the Social Media Social Hour, I am joined by Jessica Howell, CEO and founder of Social Studio Shop, on social media photography and photo tips.

Let’s do this!

About the show:

The Social Media Social Hour is a podcast for marketers and entrepreneurs looking to get on the social media fast track. The podcast is an interview format, where each week I get up close and personal with top brands and influencers to talk social media, tech and online marketing. Each week I also share tools that I personally use to help me with social media management, sales, marketing, accounts management, and productivity. The Social Media Social Hour is presented by Scoreboard Social.

In this episode, here is what you’ll discover:

About Jessica Howell:

At fourteen, Jessica fell in love with film photography. Since then, she has lived in the creative world and has had a passion for capturing and making connections with people. After graduating with a degree in Photography and Design, her creative savvy led her to the wonderful world of social media marketing.

For the past 4+ years, Jessica has spent her  days consulting entrepreneurs and bloggers on their digital strategy as the CEO and founder of Social Studio Shop. She has worked with a wide variety of industries including: travel + leisure, real estate, brick & mortar, B2B business, e-commerce, and  fitness– just to name a few! Jessica’s true passion shines when she is helping fellow dream chasers inspire community, facilitate meaningful connections, and grow their social media with intention using successful, purpose-driven strategies. Jessica contributes to various blogs and is constantly sharing her knowledge and techniques to help others post with a purpose.

Besides all things social, Jessica loves to spend time with her husband and their golden retriever, Gracie. She enjoys hiking and camping with her family in San Diego, searching for the best local cup of coffee, and experiencing all that life has to offer.

Mentionable Quotes:

• “Visual marketing has become just as important as text marketing.”
• “We’ve seen a shift where people want to see original, authentic photography.”
• “Wether you’re using a DSLR or a smartphone (to take photos), make sure you’re getting to natural light sources.”
• “By tapping the screen on the iPhone before taking a photo, and dragging your finger up and down on the screen, you can adjust the exposure.”
• “Try capturing the photo to the best of your ability before editing.”
• “Any time you use an app to edit a photo, you are going to reduce the quality.”
• “You should never rely on edits to make your image better; you should only use them to enhance the photo.”
• “To take great photos of food, I always try and request a table near the window and avoid areas with artificial light.”
• “Less is more; make sure every single piece that is in your frame is helping to tell whatever story you’re trying to tell.”
• “Don’t be afraid to shoot a lot (of photos).”
• “Shooting more photos than you need will ensure you’ll get the right frame.”
• “In your camera settings, you can turn on the grid to help you follow the rule of thirds.”
• “Do some a/b testing of the photos you’re posting to see which provoke the most engagement.”
• “The magical hour(s) in photography are usually around sunrise and sunset, (regarding the best times of day to take photographs outside).”
• “Sunrise usually has more of a cool hue, and sunset will give you a nice warm hue in your images.”
• “If you happen to be in a darker space and want to have more light on your subject, add a reflector into the situation.”
• “If you’re in a harsh lighting situation, you can create a diffuser to drop the harshness of the light to make it more natural.”
• “VSCO filters are based off of film photography.”
• “S2 and A6 are our favorite VSCO filters.”
• “Keep in mind adding some kind of human factor or human connection in the image; they are always going to resonate more with your audience.”

Items/people mentioned in the show:

• Social Studio Shop
• Photography Tips: What is the Rule of Thirds?
• How to Quickly Adjust Exposure on your iPhone or iPad
• VSCO Cam
• Snapseed
• Photo + Photo Styling Webinar (12/16/15, 3PM PST)
  • Discount Code: SMSHP20
• Twitter –> @JessicaEHowell
• Twitter –> @social_studio

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