Tips for Great Blog Photos & Videos

Many in agriculture have been inspired to tell their story through groups like the AgChat Foundation. So you've decided you're interested, you have a digital camera or video capability but what next?

In either case be aware of lighting. Too dark photos don't show your topic off well. Remember that with camera settings they see the light as it is rather than adjusting as our eyes do. Sometimes photos late in the evening can look like it's dark.

At the same time lighting can be a factor during the strong light of mid day - if you're shooting livestock this can bring unwanted shadows. For other things, such as a combine or tractor in the field, bright light can be a good thing. If your image has a lot of white - such as Charolais cattle or some dairy cattle - you might get better results in the morning before 10 or so or in the afternoons after 4 - this allows you to position so the light is behind you. This also comes into play if you're shooting winter pictures with snow that reflects light.

If you're shooting a video beware of movement. If you're walking to the barn and multitasking it may save you time but changing backgrounds can leave some viewers dizzy! Background is also important for still photos - with people and livestock pay attention to background so there's no poles, trees or other objects appearing to come from the subject's head!

Know when to come in close and when to back off. A field at harvest or planting may warrant a 'big' shot while one of a baby chick or an ear of corn means getting close. For close up shots use the macro setting on the digital camera - there's a setting often depicted with a little flower, then you scroll to adjust and the lens will zoom in on tight shots like an ear of corn. Be sure to change it back so your other shots aren't fuzzy! Also with macro shots it's even more important to shoot steady. A blurred image can result from unsteady hands so brace yourself on a doorway, ledge or other solid surface if you have to.

For video consider an inexpensive tripod that eliminates all 'bounce' from your final video. As much as can be watch the noise interference in the sound and pick a video location that is quiet enough to hear what you're saying. There may be some situations - such as dairy calves bawling at feeding time that it can be a benefit but mostly you want the viewer to be able to hear you!

Good photos show off your farm and are not difficult to get. It allows transparency without trespass. Farmers and agvocates need to be a part of the conversation about food and farming. Photos and videos are a way to do that in a very visible way.