Use Your Smartphone
You probably already own a powerful, consumer-friendly camera: a smartphone. The same camera that captures everyday moments with friends and family can also take serious business photos. Most newer smartphones have cameras with excellent megapixels, sensors and lenses, so you don’t need to buy an expensive DSLR camera. But you can boost your smartphone’s performance by reading its manual or watching YouTube videos to learn your phone’s camera features. The more features you master, the faster you’ll jumpstart your photography skills. One of the best features on an iPhone or Android is the camera’s grid. If the grid isn’t activated on your camera, you can turn it on in the camera settings. Horizontal and vertical grid lines help you straighten out angled or crooked photos. The nine sets of rectangles also help you follow photography’s “rule of thirds,” which help compose photos. In brief, the rule of thirds means placing your subject in one-third of the camera’s screen. Another helpful camera feature is the focus tool. Simply tap the subject on your screen that you want to sharply focus. On iPhones, a little square appears. Slide your finger up or down to change the focused subject’s exposure or brightness. On Androids, a small circle appears on the screen with a separate brightness slider at the bottom. Depending on the lighting, this feature brightens or darkens your subject.
Capitalize on Your Store
Archery stores are full of photography opportunities. Take advantage of its many settings, products and in-store events. Consider these tips and ideas for in-store photo shoots.
1. Storefront:
- Daytime
- Evening
- Close-up shot.
- Wide shot.
2. Your Indoor and/or Outdoor Range:
- Close-up of targets with or without arrows.
- Wide shot of range.
3. Staff Profiles for Website and Social Media:
- Portraits
- Close-up shot.
- Wide shot.
- Outdoors hunting or target-practicing.
4. On-the-Job with Staff:
- Teaching lessons.
- Interacting with customers.
- Setting up and tuning a bow.
5. Customers at Your Store:
- Getting lessons.
- Competing in a league or program.
- Practicing at the range.
- Groups hosting parties or outings with friends.
6. Products:
- Using a white backdrop for displays,
- Using staff members as models.
- Using unique angles and perspectives.