The Power of Visual Storytelling for Small Service-Based Businesses
In the competitive world of small service-based businesses, standing out from the crowd is essential. With countless options available to potential clients, it's crucial to make a memorable impression.
One powerful tool in your arsenal is visual storytelling through photography, particularly on your website. When done right, it can convey the essence of your craft, professionalism, and dedication to quality. Here are five key photo angles to consider when showcasing your trade on your website.
The Wide Shot: Showcasing Your Work Area
The wide shot is your opportunity to provide a panoramic view of your work environment. Whether you're a builder constructing a home or a plumber fixing pipes, capturing your entire work area gives potential clients a sense of scale and context. It allows them to visualise the scope of your projects and the meticulous attention to detail you bring to every job.
When taking wide shots with your phone, remember two key aspects: the entire area you wish to capture and the specific focal point that will draw the viewer's attention. For instance, if you're photographing a 15-foot-long half-built stone wall, ensure the entire wall is in view, while also focusing on the person actively building it. This approach ensures your photo is cohesive and effectively conveys the scene to the viewer.
Prioritise Cleanliness: Before capturing the wide shot with your mobile device, invest a moment in tidying up your work area. Remove any extraneous items such as lunchboxes, radios, or unnecessary tools that clutter the space. Decluttering swiftly enhances the professionalism and visual appeal of your photo, presenting your site in the best light possible.
Maximise Natural Light: When taking a wide shot of your work area with your phone, leverage natural light to your advantage. During darker seasons or times, consider supplementing with additional lighting sources, but be cautious of creating excessive shadows, which can detract from the professionalism of your image. Regardless of the light source, ensure it's positioned behind you for optimal illumination. For instance, on a sunny day, avoid facing the sun directly with your camera; instead, position it behind you to capture the scene in the best possible light.
Close Up: Hands-On Expertise
There's something inherently authentic and compelling about a close-up shot of hands engaged in work. Whether you're laying bricks, welding metal, or fixing leaks, showcasing your skilled hands in action demonstrates your expertise and craftsmanship. It's a subtle yet powerful way to instil confidence in potential clients, showing them that their project is in capable hands.
Focus on Detail with Your Phone: When capturing close-up shots of your hands-on expertise with a mobile phone, pay attention to the details. Use the macro mode or tap-to-focus feature to ensure clarity and sharpness in your images. Highlight the intricate movements and textures involved in your work, whether it's the rough surface of bricks or the precision of welding metal. This attention to detail enhances the authenticity and professionalism conveyed through your photos.
Experiment with Angles: When taking close-up shots with your mobile phone, try different angles and perspectives. Get creative by showcasing your craftsmanship from unique viewpoints like overhead or ground level. Exploring dynamic angles adds depth and visual interest to your images, effectively showcasing your hands-on expertise.
Harness Natural Light: When capturing close-up shots of your hands at work with your mobile phone, prioritise natural light. Position yourself close to a window or in a well-lit area to ensure ideal lighting conditions. Natural light not only adds authenticity to your photos but also enhances the natural colours and textures of your work, elevating the professionalism of your images.
Focus on the Work: Highlighting the Product
Sometimes, the true beauty of your trade lies in the finished product itself. Whether it's a beautifully crafted stone wall, a meticulously installed plumbing fixture, or a flawlessly painted surface, highlighting the item you're working on allows potential clients to appreciate the quality of your craftsmanship up close. It's a visual testament to your skill and attention to detail.
Highlight Intricate Details: Employ your mobile phone to capture close-up shots that emphasise the intricate details of your finished product. Get up close to showcase the fine craftsmanship and unique features that distinguish your work. Utilise the camera settings on your phone, such as adjusting focus and exposure, to guarantee clarity and sharpness in your images. By capturing close-up details, you provide potential clients with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the quality and precision of your work. For instance, you can showcase the beauty of your stonework, the flawless corners of your woodwork, and even the consistency of your tiling joints.
Contextualise with Surroundings: When photographing the finished product with your mobile phone, consider incorporating elements of its surroundings to provide context and enhance visual storytelling. Showcasing the item in its intended environment gives potential clients a sense of scale and purpose. Experiment with different angles and perspectives to find the best composition that effectively highlights both the product and its surroundings. By contextualising the finished product, you create a more immersive experience for viewers and emphasise the value it brings to a space.
Showcase Before and After: To truly emphasise the transformation of your work, use your mobile phone to capture before-and-after shots of the product. This allows potential clients to see the progress and impact of your craftsmanship firsthand. When taking these photos, ensure consistency in lighting and where you stand to accurately depict the changes. By showcasing the before-and-after transformation, you not only demonstrate the quality of your work but also provide tangible evidence of the value you bring to your client's projects.
Personal Touch: Putting Yourself in the Picture
In the age of faceless companies, small businesses have a distinct advantage: the personal touch. By including a picture of yourself in front of the item you're making, you humanise your brand and establish a personal connection with potential clients. It shows them the person behind the business, someone they can trust to deliver exceptional service with a personal touch. Just because you have to be in the photo does not mean you have to be the main focus if you don’t want to be.
Use Self-Timer on Your Phone: Take advantage of the self-timer feature on your mobile phone to capture a picture of yourself in front of the item you're making. Set up your phone on a stable surface or tripod, frame the shot, and then activate the self-timer to give yourself enough time to get into position. This allows you to take high-quality, well-composed photos without needing assistance, ensuring that you can showcase your personal touch effectively.
Incorporate Candid Moments: Instead of only taking posed photos, consider capturing candid moments of yourself engaging with the item you're making using your mobile phone. These authentic shots can convey a sense of warmth and sincerity, further humanising your brand. Whether you're inspecting your work or talking to an employee, candid photos can help potential clients feel a genuine connection to you and your business.
Share Behind-the-Scenes Stories: Accompany the photos of yourself with behind-the-scenes stories or insights into your craft. Use your mobile phone to record short videos or write captions that explain the process behind the item you're making and your personal connection to it. Sharing these stories adds depth and authenticity to your brand, allowing potential clients to see the passion and dedication you bring to your work. By providing a glimpse into your world, you strengthen the personal connection with your audience and build trust in your ability to deliver exceptional service with a personal touch.
Movement and Progress: Dynamic Action Shots
Lastly, don't underestimate the power of movement in your photos. A picture of you walking through the area you're working in not only adds dynamism to your website but also conveys a sense of progress and momentum. It shows potential clients that your photos aren’t all staged-looking.
Utilise Burst Mode on Your Phone: When capturing dynamic action shots of yourself walking through the area you're working in, utilise the burst mode feature on your mobile phone. This allows you to take a series of rapid-fire shots in quick succession, increasing the likelihood of capturing the perfect moment with fluid movement and energy. Sorting through the burst of images later ensures you have a selection of dynamic shots to choose from for your website.
Experiment with Motion Blur: To convey a sense of movement and momentum in your photos, experiment with creating an intentional motion blur using your mobile phone. Adjust the shutter speed or use the motion blur effect available in some camera apps to capture the feeling of motion as you walk through the work area. This technique adds an artistic touch to your photos and emphasises the dynamic nature of your business.
Showcase Progress Over Time: In addition to capturing individual moments of movement, consider creating a time-lapse video or a series of photos showing the progression of your work over time. Set up your mobile phone in a fixed position to capture a continuous view of the area as you work and move around. This visual representation of progress not only adds interest to your website but also demonstrates your dedication to moving forward and delivering results for your clients.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when it comes to showcasing your trade on your website, visual storytelling is a powerful tool that can set you apart from the competition. By incorporating these five photo angles – the wide shot, close-up, focus on the work, personal touch, and dynamic action shots – you can effectively convey the essence of your craft, professionalism, and dedication to quality. So, grab your camera, capture your trade in action, and let your photos tell the story of your small service-based business.
