If your social media team is like most we work with, it’s made up of compassionate veterinary professionals dedicated to amazing patient care—but not professional photographers. And that’s okay! The good news is, with a few simple tips, your team can capture quick, compelling photos that will make your social media shine and support your broader veterinary marketing goals. Ready to up your photo game? Let’s dive in:
Wipe the Lens
Between fur-lined scrub pockets and sticky fingers, your phone’s lens probably sees some action. Give it a quick wipe before snapping photos. It’s a small step that makes a huge difference in avoiding blurry pictures and keeping things looking polished—for your website development and social media content alike.
Keep It Horizontal
When in doubt, hold your phone horizontally. Horizontal photos are more versatile and easier to use across different platforms, whether it’s your veterinary website, Instagram, or Facebook. Remember, you can crop horizontal photos to fit vertical spaces—but not the other way around!
Consider the Background
Pet owners love candid, behind-the-scenes shots, but don’t let clutter steal the spotlight. Avoid messy areas like break rooms or overflowing trash cans, and double-check that no sensitive client information is visible on screens in the background. A tidy setting keeps things looking professional and polished for both social media and website development.
Don’t Overedit
Pet owners want authenticity. Veterinary marketing is about building trust, and overly edited photos can come off as insincere. So, embrace the candid moments—whether it’s a squirmy pup or a vet tech mid-laugh. Imperfections can actually make your practice more relatable and human.
Avoid Backlight
Natural light is your best friend, but clinical lighting can still work wonders if you adjust your camera’s white balance settings. And here’s a pro tip: don’t shoot photos directly toward a light source. Backlighting makes faces harder to see, and pet owners love to see those sweet, expressive faces! Great photos enhance everything from marketing materials to social media posts.
Crop, Don’t Zoom
Zooming on your phone camera can distort the image quality, so skip it. Instead, move closer to your subject or crop the photo afterward to get the perfect shot. Zoom is for video calls, not for Insta-worthy pet pics—or your veterinary website’s homepage banner.
Mix Up Posing Styles
Behind-the-scenes shots are always a hit! Whether it’s a vet tech cuddling a sleepy post-surgical pup or a curious kitten “helping” at a desk, candid moments resonate with pet owners. For posed photos, try snapping a few shots before or after the team thinks you’re ready. These spontaneous moments often feel more authentic and relatable than stiff poses—and are perfect for veterinary marketing campaigns.
Be Mindful of the Audience
You might not blink at surgical tools or a pet under anesthesia, but pet owners aren’t quite as tough. Instead of graphic or unsettling images, focus on heartwarming moments—like a pet waking up from a procedure and giving a team member a kiss with their fresh, minty breath!
Capture Your Practice’s Story
With these simple tips, your team can create quick, captivating photos that connect with pet owners and convey the heart of your veterinary practice. Over time, these moments tell a powerful, authentic story about who you are and what makes your clinic special—supporting both your website development efforts and your overall marketing strategy.
