PHOTOGRAPHY DIRECTION

Authentic, well-lit, intentionally composed. Warm but professional — not sterile, not chaotic.

SUBJECT MATTER

PREFERRED

  • ✓ People working with technology
  • ✓ Clean workspaces, natural light
  • ✓ Code on screens, UI closeups
  • ✓ Modern, minimal architecture
  • ✓ Hands-on: typing, sketching, pointing

AVOID

  • ✕ Staged handshakes and boardroom scenes
  • ✕ Stock "diverse team smiling" shots
  • ✕ Heavy post-processing or filters
  • ✕ Abstract geometric renders
  • ✕ Outdated technology

COLOR GRADING

SaturationSlightly desaturated (–10 to –15%)
ContrastMedium — not flat, not crunchy
HighlightsWarm (+5 to +10 shift)
ShadowsNeutral to cool
Black pointSlightly lifted (matte look)

Reference: “Clean editorial” — think Apple product pages, not Instagram filters.

COMPOSITION

01

Rule of thirds

For primary subjects

02

Generous negative space

Don't fill every corner

03

Shallow DoF for people

f/1.8 – f/2.8

04

Deep DoF for environments

f/8 – f/11

05

Eye-level or slightly above

For people

06

Allow crop room

Don't frame too tight

LIGHTING

STYLE

Natural or naturalistic

TEMPERATURE

Warm neutral (5000K–5500K)

DIRECTION

Side-lit or soft overhead

AVOID

Hard flash, heavy backlighting, neon gels

STOCK PHOTO CRITERIA

MUST HAVE

  • ✓ Authentic feeling (not staged)
  • ✓ Good natural lighting
  • ✓ Clean composition with negative space
  • ✓ High res (min 2000px longest edge)

RED FLAGS

  • ✕ Visible watermarks
  • ✕ Heavy HDR processing
  • ✕ Corporate smiles at camera
  • ✕ Cliche compositions (lightbulb = idea)

CONSTRAINTS

  • ✕ Never use AI-generated photography for brand materials
  • ✕ Never use photos with visible branding from other companies
  • ✕ Never apply Instagram-style filters
  • ✕ Never use B&W unless part of an approved campaign
  • ✕ Never mirror/flip photos (text and logos will be backwards)
  • ✕ Always confirm usage rights before publishing