Shoot Smarter, Not Harder
Your Guide to Better Content
Social Media Content Shooting
“Just get some content," they said. Easier said than done—especially when you're a small team juggling the day-to-day grind and trying to keep up with the constant demand for fresh imagery.
The good news? You don’t need a professional photographer or an expensive camera to capture great content. You just need a plan, a clean phone lens, and a little know-how—that’s where we come in.
Here’s our go-to guide for content creation that will help you work smarter, not harder.
iPhone Photo Best Practices
Wipe your lens. It sounds obvious, but all it takes is one smudged golden hour wine pour to realize how easily a fingerprint can ruin your shot—and how simple it is to avoid. Use a clean cloth (or keep lens wipes in your bag) and make it a habit to give your lens a quick swipe before you hit record. Future you will thank you.
Turn on gridlines.This makes it easier to keep your shot straight and well-composed. Just go to Settings > Camera > Grid and toggle it on. You’ll see a simple 3x3 grid in your camera that helps with framing and following the rule of thirds. Not sure what that is? We love this article from Adobe.
Use natural light when possible. It’s the easiest way to make your content look polished—no editing required. Shooting outside? Early morning or golden hour is the sweet spot. Avoid overhead fluorescents—they cast harsh shadows and mess with your colors.
Include people in the frame. Imagery with people—especially faces—tends to perform better. It adds personality and helps your audience connect with your brand in a more human way. Even a hand reaching for a glass of wine can bring a photo to life.
Get closer. Most people are shooting subjects from too far away. Consider getting much closer to that glass of wine, take a picture of a corner/seat of your tasting room, or focus on the label instead of the whole bottle.. Show pieces of your brand that make up the entire story – you don’t need to fit everything into one image.
Do Edit. Whether you want to download an app like Adobe Photoshop or just use your iphones pre-set filters and adjustments, editing your photos just a bit can go a long way in elevating the subjects.
Let’s Talk About Reels
By now, it’s clear—video is what the algorithm loves most. And you don’t have to be a videographer to make it work. What you need is variety, intention, and a few solid clips to build from.
Before you even hit record, spend a few minutes scrolling. Save a few Reels that inspire you—not to copy, but to give yourself a visual reference. Going into a shoot with a general idea of the flow, framing, or vibe you’re aiming for will make it easier to capture content that looks and feels cohesive.
When shooting video for Reels, think in short, easy-to-digest clips:
3–6 seconds max
Get a mix of close-up, medium, and wide shots
Look for movement: wine being poured, dough being kneaded, a door opening—anything with action
How to Get “Complete” Content From One Shoot
You shouldn’t walk away from a shoot with just one post. If you’re taking the time to create content, make it count. Aim for variety—the more range you capture, the more ways you can use it later.
Wide shots: Set the scene—exterior of your space, interiors, or the overall vibe
Medium shots: Show the action—your team at work, displays, customer interactions
Close-ups: Highlight the details—textures, pours, hands, finishes
BTS + candid clips: These add personality and realness—people love them
Talking to camera: A quick intro, a product tip, or even just a wave adds a personal touch
This mix gives you everything you need to create Reels, Stories, and static posts—all from a single shoot.
Bottom line: Good content is intentional, versatile, and aligned with your goals—but it should also be fun to create! Remember, the more you have fun, play, and just continue capturing content, the better you’ll get. Practice makes perfect, as they say. If you need support planning, organizing, or making the most of your content, we’re here to help.
