The ideal photo to submit to Iowa Road Trip has three pieces:

  1. Product
  2. People
  3. Place

Here are three specific examples:

Example #1:
Cinnamon rolls from Cha Cha’s Hiland Bakery in Des Moines, Iowa. Located at 3615 6th Ave, Des Moines, Iowa.

  1. Product: The majority of the photo is the product – cinnamon rolls. The products should be what you ARE known for – or what you WANT to be known for. We didn’t load the tray with a variety of goodies, we loaded the tray with one thing only, so your mind is only thinking about cinnamon rolls. The more you are focused on one product, then we typically see better results. But what if you have two products you want to feature? We would recommend two separate photos. For this example, we have just one photo with a tray of cinnamon rolls. But we also have a similar photo but with just cremehorns instead.
  2. People: In the photo are the two owners along with an employee who is highly recognized. All three people in this photo are highly visible in their store, so people will recognize them from the photo and they will have a connection with the photo. If the owner of the store doesn’t actually spend time at the store, then don’t include them in the photo. If the owner isn’t visible to the customers, then adding them to the photo won’t add any value on social media.
  3. Place: If you’ve been to the store, you’ll recognize that you’re at the front counter of Cha Cha’s Hiland Bakery and it helps to have their logo visible in the background.

Example #2:
The owner of Ox Yoke Inn in Amana, Iowa showcasing the dessert tray.

  1. Product: If you’ve been to the Ox Yoke Inn, you certainly remember when they bring the dessert tray around and give a fabulous description of what’s available.
  2. People: Bill is the owner at the Ox Yoke Inn, and he is the ultimate example of being visible. Every day, he circulates the dining, stops at every table, introduces himself and welcomes you to the restaurant. He is already highly visible at the restaurant and when people see his picture online, they immediately remember when he stopped at their table.
  3. Place: The background reveals the dining room from the Ox Yoke Inn, including things you’ll remember like the table clothes and other decorations.

Example #3:
Breakfast at Grand Junction Bar & Grill in West Des Moines, Iowa. Located at 1970 Grand Ave Ste. 29 , West Des Moines, Iowa.

  1. Product: We’re showcasing their breakfast – even though they are known for some other sandwiches. But in this case, we’re trying to promote that they have more than lunch and we’re making sure folks know they serve breakfast as well.
  2. People: Holding the plates is the owner, who again, is already highly visible in the restaurant. Many of the online follower reacted to seeing the owner on Iowa Road Trip, so only show the owner if they are highly visible in the store.
  3. Place: In the background is the bar area of the restaurant.

What kind of camera gear should we use?

Just use your phone. You don’t need a professional portrait photographer, expensive gear or special lighting – we encourage you to use your cell phone for the photo and make sure the three elements are included.

More examples…………

Street Taco Pizza from Cobb Tavern in Lakeside, Iowa (next to Storm Lake).

It has ranch dill sauce, mozzarella cheese, beef, chicken, corn, pickled red onion, corn, tomatoes, and white onions. Topped with sour cream, cilantro and lime once cooked. Also pictured is their 96 oz mega mule.

The Cobb Tavern is located within the historic Cobblestone Ballroom at 98 Lakeshore Drive, Lakeside, Iowa.

Bricktown Bakery in Nevada, Iowa.

Featured are small apple fritters on the left (yes, there really is a larger version available), swirleys in the middle, and cake donuts on the right. Open Tues thru Sat, located at 1105 6th St #102, Nevada, Iowa. Brian Abeling / Iowa Road Trip