Picture this: A cool summer breeze carries hints of rhythms through the night air. The street lights are on and people are gathered listening to the live band and enjoying each other’s company. A slender woman is doing a performing art piece with a ring of fire. The warm glow of the flames illuminates her smile and elegant moves. The crowd is oohing and “ahh”ing as she twirls the flaming ring. 

Now be honest with yourself. Did you read the first paragraph or look at the photo first? You looked at the photo first. Why? Because we are visual beings. Also it’s a fun, provocative photo. After all, it’s a woman spinning a ring of fire! How could you not jump to that.

It is important to understand why you want to use visual media in your social media feeds and other channels. People recognize when you are being mindful about the visual content you post.

Ask yourself why you are attracted and drawn to certain media. Is it the way the lighting is warm and inviting? Is it the way the subject matter is positioned? Does it make you want to know more? Visual media allows us to see and show a different perspective. It makes us ask ourselves more questions.

Now think about your audience. What do they want to see? How do you want them to respond to your media? Are they supposed to feel heightened emotions (good or bad), respond to a cause, buy a product, or laugh? Photo and video are meant to transport the viewer, to make them feel something, to interact with the medium in a personal way.

Capture that. Share that.

Be purposeful in the content you share. There is a time and place (aka Stories) to share quickly captured, in the moment, and maybe a little messy photos. But when you want to truly capture attention and evoke a response from your audience, be purposeful and intentional.

Need a little help capturing that W O W moment? You know who to call…