Having to reorganise talent and locations to retake botched photos is costly, so it pays to get it right at the first attempt.
Keep in mind these tips.
Avoid back lit situations and silhouetted subjects by shooting with the sun or other light source behind you (not toward the lens). Back lit photos are only in vogue with convicted criminals. Preserve credibility by lighting the subject well.
Props help make people pictures more appealing. Some ideas include subject talking on telephone or to work mates, organising papers and operating equipment. Props help give subjects context and purpose.
It works both ways too. Use people whenever possible in products shots. This helps afford the object a sense of scale and a real life dimension.
Try some interesting angles by varying the camera height. Shots taken from below make the subject look impressive and those taken from above eye level emphasise the subject�19;s situation.
Avoid the red eye effect by having subjects looking slightly away from the camera when using a flash indoors. Or better still, avoid using a flash by taking advantage of natural light and reflection, such as shooting opposite an office window.
Be sure to compose the shot so as to frame the subject well and logically. For instance, subjects pictured on one side should be facing into the picture (not looking out of it). Side shots should have the subject facing right as much as possible to give the impression of forward movement. This is due to the Western convention of reading left to right.
Try to shoot subjects in an open area where possible to provide plenty of room to compose shots.
Ask subjects with headgear to lift the front as much as possible so their face is not obscured by shadow.
Take several variations of the one subject (using a little extra film is a lot easier than having to re-take).
Note the correct spelling of names and work titles for captions.
Above all, know your limitations and when it's time to bring in the professionals. For instance, product shots not taken in a properly lit studio will usually make the merchandise looks like it fell off the back of a truck.