How photography can survive in the age of video

For many people the statement « A picture is worth a thousand words » is unquestionable. However, photography in the video era has lost a bit of strength as it has been displaced by audiovisual content, which is much more in demand and consumed by the majority of users today.

Thus, a large number of reports agree that users of social networks prefer content in video format. This is not to say that a static format can no longer be used on certain occasions.

Like everything in the field of marketing, it depends on many factors. Because, for example, although the largest percentage of content will have more reach if it uses the video format, the truth is that certain strategies and specific channels can trigger the potential of a good short text or an impressive image.

For this reason, it is important to know when to use static images and the moments in which you should opt for video to build your story.

Photography in the video age is still viable

In digital marketing, the combination of various characteristics, formats and strategies gives more opportunities to achieve the proposed objectives. It is for this reason that there are no absolute truths and everything can be used if done correctly.

In the case of photography, rather than stop using it, you need to update it so that it meets the latest standards and remains attractive. Now, when and how to use it will depend on many factors. Here are some to watch out for:

1.- Images plus text is still a good combination

A general rule of thumb for enhancing photography in the video age is to add text to images . But this should not be done indiscriminately. For a photograph to be attractive in digital media, it needs to have good quality and be very attractive or impressive.

An obvious example can be seen in the gastronomic sector. A good video can show a perfect dish. But an image can define the anatomy of the recipe, talk about a promotion or highlight more specific aspects than in the audiovisual format.

If you correctly combine the text and the image, it will definitely be easier for the public to stop scrolling and stay to see what you offer.

2.- Use 3D designs

Photography in the video age can be a great choice if it has a good design. To the extent that you have a talented and creative design team, it will be easier to build good images.

Flat photographs do not attract the user's attention and, probably, end up getting lost in the current sea of ​​content. However, using design tools you can give them background and shape, making them more visually appealing .

This type of design is usually very simple, but it makes a significant change in the presentation of a photograph. Especially if it is going to be used on channels like Instagram.

3.- Organize the elements

Everything that is inside the frame must communicate something. Images need to say things on their own, while also representing a brand's values.

Subtly integrating the brand or logo as an organic part of the photograph can help characterize it. In addition, it is important to take into account photographic values ​​such as lighting and framing . Both elements that will make certain aspects take center stage over others.

Also, take into account absolutely everything that is seen. Nothing can come out in the photograph if it is not adding value or communicating something. Finally, if there are minimal errors you can correct them in Photoshop.

4.- Apply the rule of thirds

A very bad practice that is still seen, both in photographs and in design, is to place the main elements of the composition in the center of the image. This is, in general rules, a mistake.

The ideal is to apply the rule of thirds. This is a rule that establishes that the composition is divided into nine segments and the main elements must be located to the left or right of the general frame , coinciding with the meeting points of the upper and lower frames, as seen in the top image.

5.- Take care of the quality and do not use the zoom

Poor quality photos should always be avoided . There is nothing more visually uncomfortable than an image whose elements are not clear. To use photography in the video age you need to take care of quality. What will depend on many factors such as:

The quality of the camera.

Lightning.

The distribution.

frame.

The use of other photographic elements.