Six top tips for stunning promo photos and videos that will boost your business

In today's visually driven world, high-quality photos and videos are more important than ever for businesses. They can capture attention, engage viewers, and ultimately drive sales.

Whether you’re creating a promo video, capturing stunning product shots, or showcasing your company’s culture, the right visuals can make all the difference. We caught up with Zen’s own video, audio and photography expert Sam to get his top tips for creating eye-catching videos and photos that will help your business stand out from the crowd.

Six tips for captivating promo videos and photos

1. Prioritise your shooting needs before investing in equipment: Before you spend money on a new camera or lens, take some time to think about what you want to shoot. Are you primarily interested in capturing landscapes, portraits or product shots? Knowing your subject matter will help you choose the right equipment for the job.

And don’t forget the power of the camera in your pocket. Often, your mobile device can give you great shots without the need for a costly extra investment.

2. Experiment with focal length: Varying the focal length of your camera lens can dramatically impact the perspective and feel of your photos. Try using a wide-angle lens to capture sweeping vistas or a telephoto lens to zoom in on details and create a more intimate feel.

3. Change your height and perspective: Don’t limit yourself to eye-level shots. Get down low for a worm’s-eye view or climb up high for a bird’s-eye perspective. Changing your perspective can add interest and depth to your images.

4. Embrace the power of light: Light is the key to creating captivating photos. Pay attention to the direction of the light, its intensity, and the different types of light available (natural, artificial, etc.). Look at some of your favourite photos and consider how the photographer used light to achieve their desired effect.

5. Know your story: Before you start shooting, take some time to think about the story you want to tell. What is the main message you want to convey? What emotions do you want to evoke in your viewers? Once you have a clear understanding of your story, you can start to compose your shots and choose the right lighting and settings.

6. Don’t be afraid to experiment: The more you shoot, the better you'll become at it. Don't be afraid to try new things and experiment with different techniques and compositions. The only way to learn and grow as a photographer is to keep practicing. And don’t worry about the number of photos you take. In fact, the more the better!

Selecting the right video or photography agency

If you’d rather seek professional help than do it yourself, you’ll want to look at finding a skilled photographer or videographer.

When selecting a video or photography agency to work with, it's crucial to ask the right questions. Here are a few examples to help you make an informed decision:

• What is your experience in creating videos and photos for businesses like mine?
• Can you show me examples of your work that align with my desired look and style?
• What is your process for working with clients, from initial consultation to final delivery?
• What are your rates, and what is included in your pricing structure?
• What is your availability, and how do you handle scheduling conflicts or last-minute changes?
• What are your cancellation and rescheduling policies in case of unforeseen circumstances?
• Can you provide references from previous clients?

By asking these questions, you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of an agency’s capabilities and be more able to determine if they are a good fit for your specific needs and budget.

We hope that these tips will help you to create promo videos and photos that will capture attention, promote your business to new customers, and elevate your brand’s visual presence.