The cover is the first impression users see, and a good cover can attract clicks and increase exposure. The cover photo should clearly express the core content of the project, and when shooting, you should think about the advantages of the project and showcase them in a targeted way.

 

Choose the Right Shooting Equipment

It is recommended to use a high-quality camera or phone with a resolution of at least 1080p to ensure the clarity of the image. Using a camera will make the photo more clear and professional, but a phone is also a good choice, as it is convenient for shooting and displaying.

 

Choose the Background and Lighting

1. Simple Solid Color Background

  • Using a pure white, pure black, or other monochrome background can maximize the highlighting of the project itself. 
  • This type of background can maximize the characteristics and details of the project.

by@LaserCutano

 

2. Natural Environment Background

  • You can choose a natural environment background related to the use scenario of the project, such as a desktop or indoor scene. 
  • This can make the project more realistically presented in the usage context.
     

 

3. Scenario-based Background

  • Create a background scene that matches the theme of the project, such as a fashion background for fashion clothing, or kitchen utensils in a kitchen. 
  • This can better convey the style and usage atmosphere of the project.

by@SuperVectorGirl

 

4. Prioritize Natural Light, Proper Exposure

  • Choose a well-lit location for shooting, as natural light is the ideal light source for shooting cover art. It is recommended to shoot in cloudy weather or near a window, as the light is more soft and can avoid overly strong shadows and highlights.
  • Try to avoid shooting at night, as it may require more adjustment of the exposure. However, if the project is for a night scene, make sure the photo exposure is moderate, neither overexposed nor underexposed. Overexposure will cause loss of detail, especially in the highlight areas, while underexposure will make the image too dark and the details blurred.

 

A Few Don'ts

🚫 Avoid strong direct sunlight.
🚫 Avoid uneven lighting.
🚫 Avoid using too many light sources.
🚫 Don't ignore the background light. Insufficient background lighting will cause the background and the subject to blend together, lacking a sense of layers.

 

Composition and Shooting

1. Shooting Aspect Ratio: 4:3
The current cover size is 4:3, so using a 4:3 aspect ratio for shooting will better utilize the space and avoid unnecessary cropping of the main subject.

 

2.Simple and Clean Background
The background should not be too complex, to avoid distracting from the main subject. You can choose a monochrome background or a natural environment background.

 

3. Compositional Rules to Highlight the Subject
Use the rule of thirds to compose the image, placing the project at one-third or two-thirds of the frame to enhance the visual effect.

 

4. Leave Blank Space
Appropriate blank space can make the work stand out more and not look crowded.

 

A Few Don'ts
🚫 Overcrowded frame.
🚫 Unclear main subject.
🚫 Unbalanced composition.
🚫 Offset center point but not suitable.
🚫 Similar colors between background and main subject.
🚫 Incomplete shooting of the main subject.

 

Angles for Displaying the Project

1. Front Angle
The front angle is the most common and basic shooting method. It can most clearly display the frontal features and details of the work. This angle is suitable for most projects.

by @LaserCutano 

 

2. 45-degree Angle
Shooting at a 45-degree angle can create a more layered effect. It can show the three-dimensional sense and texture of the project, while also presenting some side information. This angle can make the project look more attractive.

by @LaserCutano 

 

3. Top-down Angle
The top-down angle can be used to shoot some flat or small projects. This angle can highlight the planar structure and texture characteristics of the project. It is suitable for projects such as accessories.

 

4. Bottom-up Angle
The bottom-up angle can create a exaggerated visual effect. This angle can amplify the volume and momentum of the product. It is suitable for some large or high-end projects.

 

5. Close-up Angle
The close-up angle can highlight the detailed features of the project. This angle can allow viewers to clearly appreciate the texture, craftsmanship, and other characteristics of the project. It is suitable for displaying the local features of the project, such as texture and material.

by @HokieFan 

 

6. Combination of close-ups and distant views: 

Close-ups show the details of the project, while distant views show the overall shape of the project, and the combination better reflects the characteristics of the project.

by @martinez1595 


* Find the best angle that can display both the details and the overall effect of the project, and take multiple angle shots for comparison and selection.

 

Post-production Editing

1. Color Coordination
The color of the cover should be consistent with the theme and style of the project, avoiding overly bright or dark tones.

 

2. Simple Editing
You can use simple editing tools to adjust the brightness, contrast, and saturation, but don't over-edit, keeping it natural.

 

Brand and Personalized Elements

1. Add Brand Logo
If there is a brand logo or signature, you can appropriately add it to the cover, but don't let it occupy the main subject.

by @SuperVectorGirl 

 

2. Personalized Expression
According to the style of the projects, you can try to add some personalized decorations or background elements to make the project more distinctive.

 

Attention to Copyright and Ethics

1. Copyright Protection
Try to use designs of your own creation to avoid infringement. If you use someone else's design, make sure you have the right to use it.

 

2. Respect Privacy and Ethics
Avoid using content that may be controversial or inappropriate, and respect the privacy and cultural customs of others.

 

Recommended Photo Editing Tools
Adobe Photoshop/GIMP image processing software, Lightroom, Pixlr.