The best photo zones are vertically oriented because most photos are taken in portrait mode 📱. The ideal height is around 3 meters, with the logo placed at 2–2.2 meters. The logo itself shouldn’t be too stretched vertically — about 1 meter is a good size, with some extra space ("air") above it.

This ensures that when images are cropped for social media, the logo remains visible and doesn’t dominate the composition.

Ignoring this can make the logo look too large in photos, forcing the photographer to step back. This results in a strange balance where the subject takes up only half the frame, and the oversized logo fills the rest.

Long, horizontal logos are also tricky to frame. To get a well-balanced shot, photographers often use lenses in the 30–35mm range 🔍, while most smartphones (especially iPhones) have wider lenses. This can make framing horizontal logos even harder.

Glossy or reflective surfaces can be a nightmare for photographers 😣, as they create unwanted glare. To avoid this, use matte materials or non-glossy finishes for the main backdrop.

There are two types of reflection: specular and diffuse. Specular reflection means the angle of reflection equals the angle of incidence (like with mirrors), while diffuse reflection occurs on matte, rough, or textured surfaces, scattering light in many directions. That’s why matte surfaces are ideal for backdrops — they don’t cause glare.

Depending on the color, surfaces reflect light differently. Even matte white or colored surfaces will reflect more light than black ones. For example, if you create a logo from black matte material and place it on a dark velvet curtain, the logo will likely disappear in the composition. So, if you want to experiment with color, consider both the color contrast and the texture of materials.

A glossy or shiny black logo, on the other hand, can reflect light and be more visible — but then you risk glare and overexposure.

Shiny backgrounds will create glare if photographed straight on, forcing the photographer to shoot at an angle. This often ruins the composition or causes logos/texts to fall out of frame.

Camera sensors typically shoot in 2:3 ratio, but Instagram prefers 4:5. Since most people post vertical photos, logos and key elements should be placed accordingly. Make sure there’s enough space above the subject’s head where the logo is placed — and some buffer space above that. Without it, cropping for social media may cut off your logo.

Photographers also need enough physical space to step back and shoot from a reasonable distance, ideally with a 28–35mm lens. If there’s no room to back up, they’ll have to switch to a wide-angle lens — which distorts proportions and doesn't flatter the subjects.

It’s essential for decorators and event planners to consider the photo as seen through the photographer’s lens — not just the frame measured on an iPhone screen. Creative vision is great, but practicality ensures a better end result.

A red floor can reflect light onto clothing, especially if someone is wearing white shoes or light-colored pants — causing a reddish tint in the photo.

A black floor, on the other hand, absorbs light. As a result, dark-colored clothing can blend into the floor and get lost in the image.

If the decor includes built-in lighting that shines on the photo zone, the photographer will likely need to override it with a flash to get even, high-quality lighting. Most decorative lighting used at events isn’t suitable for photography — at least not if you're aiming for professional results beyond smartphone snapshots.

Make sure there’s at least 3 meters of space in front of the photo zone 📏. Tables and furniture in this area can block movement and interfere with good shots.

If the space is tight, photographers will have to use wide-angle lenses, which distort proportions and make people look less flattering. Not ideal 😬.

A simple but often forgotten addition is a small side table or stand near the photo zone. Guests always need a place to put their bags, drinks, and other personal items 👜🥤. Without one, people end up awkwardly holding their things or placing them on the floor — creating unnecessary clutter in photos.

This article was created based on the original material by Denis Shumov.
Translation and adaptation by Maria Mindal