# Media & Photos

Visual content that showcases your business and helps customers know what to expect.

## Why Photos Matter

High-quality photos help AI assistants:

* Provide visual context in recommendations
* Verify your business legitimacy
* Show customers what to expect
* Differentiate you from competitors

***

## Required Media

### Logo

Your business logo or brand mark.

**Requirements**:

* **Format**: PNG with transparent background (preferred) or JPG
* **Size**: Minimum 400x400px, recommended 1000x1000px
* **Aspect Ratio**: Square (1:1)
* **File Size**: Under 2MB

**Tips**:

* Use high resolution
* Ensure good contrast
* Keep it simple and recognizable
* Match your other branding

***

## Recommended Photos

### Exterior (Storefront)

Shows customers where to find you.

**What to Include**:

* Full storefront view
* Signage clearly visible
* Entrance/door
* Surrounding context

**Tips**:

* Shoot during daytime
* Clear, unobstructed view
* Show parking if available
* Include street view if helpful

### Interior (Atmosphere)

Gives customers a sense of your space.

**What to Include**:

* Main seating/service area
* Decor and ambiance
* Lighting and atmosphere
* Space layout

**Tips**:

* Well-lit, natural lighting preferred
* Show the space in use (with customers, if permitted)
* Multiple angles
* Highlight unique features

### Products/Services

Shows what you offer.

**What to Include**:

* Your main products/services
* Presentation and quality
* Variety of offerings
* Details and craftsmanship

**Tips**:

* Professional food/product photography
* Good lighting and composition
* Show scale and context
* Highlight specialties

### Team (Optional)

Adds a personal touch.

**What to Include**:

* Staff in action
* Owner/founder
* Team atmosphere
* Professional but approachable

**Tips**:

* Get permission from all people shown
* Natural, candid shots work well
* Show expertise and passion
* Keep it professional

***

## Photo Specifications

### Technical Requirements

* **Format**: JPG or PNG
* **Minimum Resolution**: 1200px wide
* **Recommended Resolution**: 1920px wide or higher
* **File Size**: Under 5MB per photo
* **Aspect Ratio**: 16:9 or 4:3 preferred

### Quality Standards

* **Focus**: Sharp, in-focus images
* **Lighting**: Well-lit, avoid harsh shadows
* **Composition**: Professional framing
* **Color**: Accurate color representation
* **Editing**: Minimal, natural-looking edits

***

## Number of Photos

* **Minimum**: 3 photos (logo + 2 others)
* **Recommended**: 5-8 photos
* **Maximum**: 15 photos

**Suggested Mix**:

* 1 logo
* 1-2 exterior shots
* 2-3 interior shots
* 2-3 product/service shots
* 1-2 team/atmosphere shots

***

## Photography Tips

### DIY Photography

If hiring a professional isn't an option:

**Equipment**:

* Modern smartphone camera (iPhone 11+, recent Android)
* Natural lighting or softbox lights
* Tripod or stable surface

**Technique**:

* Shoot during "golden hour" (early morning/late afternoon)
* Use portrait mode for depth
* Take multiple shots from different angles
* Edit minimally (brightness, contrast only)

### Hiring a Professional

**When to Consider**:

* Grand opening or rebranding
* Significant renovations
* Marketing campaign launch
* Annual refresh

**What to Expect**:

* Cost: $200-$1,000 depending on scope
* Duration: 1-3 hours on-site
* Deliverables: 10-30 edited photos
* Usage rights: Ensure you get full rights

***

## Video Content (Optional)

### Virtual Tour

360° or walkthrough video of your space.

**Benefits**:

* Immersive experience
* Shows full layout
* Builds confidence
* Differentiates you

**Specifications**:

* **Format**: MP4
* **Length**: 30-90 seconds
* **Resolution**: 1080p minimum
* **File Size**: Under 50MB

### Promotional Videos

Short videos showcasing your business.

**Ideas**:

* Behind-the-scenes process
* Product/service demonstrations
* Customer testimonials
* Team introductions

**Specifications**:

* **Format**: MP4
* **Length**: 15-60 seconds
* **Resolution**: 1080p minimum
* **File Size**: Under 50MB

***

## Photo Categories

Organize your photos by type:

### By Subject

* **Exterior**: Building, signage, parking
* **Interior**: Dining area, decor, atmosphere
* **Products**: Food, drinks, merchandise
* **Services**: Treatments, processes, results
* **Team**: Staff, owners, culture
* **Events**: Special occasions, gatherings

### By Season

* Update photos seasonally
* Show seasonal offerings
* Reflect current decor
* Match current atmosphere

***

## Common Mistakes

1. **Poor Lighting**: Dark, grainy photos
2. **Low Resolution**: Blurry or pixelated images
3. **Cluttered Shots**: Too much in frame
4. **Outdated Photos**: Old decor or products
5. **Inconsistent Style**: Mismatched photo quality
6. **No People**: Spaces look empty and uninviting
7. **Over-Editing**: Unrealistic colors or filters

***

## Photo Checklist

Before uploading:

* [ ] Photos are high resolution (1200px+ wide)
* [ ] Lighting is good and natural-looking
* [ ] Images are in focus and sharp
* [ ] Colors are accurate
* [ ] Photos represent current business
* [ ] No sensitive information visible
* [ ] People shown have given permission
* [ ] File sizes are under 5MB
* [ ] Mix of different photo types
* [ ] Logo is clear and professional

***

## Updating Your Photos

### When to Update

* **Seasonally**: Every 3-4 months
* **After Changes**: Renovations, new products, rebranding
* **Quality Issues**: If photos look dated or poor quality
* **Performance**: If certain photos aren't engaging

### What to Update

* Replace lowest-performing photos
* Add seasonal offerings
* Update changed spaces
* Refresh product shots

***

**Next**: [Set your availability →](https://amistan.gitbook.io/aidp-docs/for-business-owners/profile-setup/availability)