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The post 5 Photography Tips for Bloggers appeared first on HostGator Blog . Visual content opens the door to retaining your readers’ attention. Creative photography can have a positive impact on building strong audience connections. With only 81% of people skimming the content they read online, pictures give your visitors another reason to stay longer on your blog. It’s another way to communicate without adding an extra block of boring text. Be bold in your blog marketing by using photography to your advantage. Try these five tips below. 1. Set Up a Simple Studio As a blogger, you’re checking off your to-do list with the essential blogging tools you need to be successful. Those tools may include a quiet place to write, a website builder , and a social media account. But what about the photos for your blog? Right now, stock photos aren’t satisfying most readers. Your audience craves original images to capture their attention. For bloggers, your studio may be your smartphone and a blank wall in a room. When you feel more comfortable, you may want to purchase a backdrop, tripod, and starter lighting kit. “Setting up a home photography studio is a relatively simple process with minimum start up costs. You can choose to create your studio in its own specific room or block off areas of an existing space and dedicate it to your photography,” says Shannon Ciricillo , an American fashion, lifestyle, and travel photographer. To boost your blog’s presence, it may be time to invest in photography. That means setting up a simple studio in your home or office to take photos.   2. Use Natural Light Light is a primary element for any photographer. The right amount of light can drastically influence your images. When there is too much light, the subject in the image becomes distorted. When there is too little light, the subject becomes impossible to see. Natural light is the sunlight. It doesn’t come from your lighting equipment. Because the light source is coming from the sun, it’s important to learn how to use it properly. The light’s direction, the weather, and the time of day can impact your photos. Plus, the direction of the light determines how the shadows fall on your subject. Here’s a short video showing how to use natural light: If you decide to shoot outside on a sunny day, try taking the subject of your photo into the shade. You want the light to shine at your subject, not behind. If you want to stay indoors, move towards a window and test out different angles. Natural light is an effective resource for bloggers. Learn as you go, and in no time, you’ll be mastering this new skill.   3. Experiment with Different Angles Seeing things differently sparks your followers’ curiosity. Shooting a photo from multiple angles provides the reader with a diverse perspective. When you’re starting out, you will discover there are several types of angles. There’s the bird’s eye view, the low angle, the eye level, and the oblique angle. Don’t feel overwhelmed to learn every angle; your goal should be to try what works for your blog. For instance, decide the emotion you want to convey in the photo. Chamira Young , an art nerd and photographer, offers advice: “Positioning yourself above your subject often results in a flattering shot. When your subject is looking slightly up at you, it can add a sense of vulnerability, intimacy, and approachability.” In the  image below , the photographer takes a close up of a plant. To mimic this shot, you’ll want to get as close to the subject as possible. And if necessary, use your camera’s zoom feature to get even closer. Depending on your subject, every angle won’t be pleasing to the eye. If you want to take a photo of a burger, you would not use a bird’s eye view angle. So, always consider your blog visitors’ point of view and their expectations.   4. Add Creative Props A photo is more than just its main subject. If you’re looking to enhance your pictures, you’ll want to invest in props. The smallest addition to an image can make a huge difference. Relevant props spark originality. They also give the image more context and character as it relates to your text. When describing specific concepts, it’s better for your blog audience to see what you’re explaining. In the  photo below , the pastries are next to flowers and slices of fruit. Visitors can infer that these tasty treats are fresh with these natural props. While props can improve your photos, it’s also critical not to overuse them. Too many props can dominate your picture, taking away from the main purpose of the shot. Your props should complement your photo, too. Think about the colors, the sizes, and the placement of the props. Readers should know exactly what to focus on in the image.   The right prop provides personality to your already beautiful images. Use them strategically to get the most benefit.   5. Shoot Photos in Advance Preparation is key when developing unique photos for your blog. While some of your pictures may happen on a whim, your best work comes from advance planning. For starters, consider your editorial calendar to map out your photo shoots. If you’re publishing only carrot dishes for your food blog next week, you should plan to get several photos using the vegetable. “It pays off to have everything planned and prepared in advance. That way, you don’t need to think up new poses and compositions or look for clothing or other props at the last minute. This will not only save you time, but also make you trustworthy,” writes photographer Majo Elias . It’s also helpful to create a checklist of what you may need. From people to props, it’ll give you a sense of how to manage your time during a shoot. Planning your photos ahead of time also alleviates the stress of the entire process. When you know your specific goals, you can take action and move on to another blog task.   Picture Perfecta Visual content adds a vivid layer of sophistication to your blog. With photography, you can transform a 100-word description into a beautiful work of art. For more tips on getting more out of your blog, check out our articles on SEO best practices for blogs , networking tips for bloggers , and improving your blog load time . Find the post on the HostGator Blog Continue reading →