These days we are bombarded by visual content. We see images everywhere from giant billboards on the side of the road to handy little Instagram-sized squares in the palms of our hands. Chances are, every once in a while you see a photo that stops your mindless scrolling in its tracks. You are captivated by what you see and feel Continue Reading
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Posts Tagged ‘Ideas’
Aesthetic Photography: Tips, Ideas and Examples
09
Apr
11 Cat Photography Ideas (For Stunning Photos of Your Furry Friend)
08
Apr
The post 11 Cat Photography Ideas (For Stunning Photos of Your Furry Friend) appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Ana Mireles.
If you’re looking for cat photography ideas, you’re in the right place.
Cats can be cute and challenging at the same time; this is what makes them such fascinating subjects! Whether you’re a cat lover looking to capture photos of your pet, or you want to become a professional pet photographer, these ideas will help you out.
1. Improve your compositions
A good composition is key in any type of photography, including cat photography. The way you frame your picture and how you position the cat (and other elements) can completely change the photo.
Using composition, you’re telling the viewer what’s most important in the picture. Also, careful use of composition is a good way to develop a personal style.
There are many rules that serve as guidelines for composition. For instance, if you like the idea of dividing your image into segments, you can follow the rule of thirds or the golden grid.
Otherwise, you can use shapes, such as the golden triangle, to arrange elements in your cat photos. Color and texture will help you maintain balance.
Learn the most important rules to improve your cat photography, but don’t be afraid to break them every once in a while.
2. Use different focal lengths
Beginners often wonder about the best gear to do pet photography, and cat photography is no exception; in particular, beginner photographers are always looking for the best lenses.
However, there isn’t one best lens that suits all situations and cats. For example, some cats allow you in their safe space very quickly, so with them, you can use a short wide-angle lens or a standard lens.
Other cats are more skittish and will run every time you get close. Unfortunately, if you’re photographing a cat as part of a pet photography business, you can’t spend much time getting the cat to trust you. In such a case, you might want to use longer focal lengths.
Even when you’re working with your own cat, you’ll want to have some variety in your pictures. Sometimes it’s good to have the cat close to you (you’ll need to use a short focal length). Other times, you might want to let a cat be a cat, so stay out of the way and snap your photos with a telephoto lens.
3. Be patient
When you’re working with cats, keep in mind that they’re not paid models. Cats are animals – domestic ones, yes, but animals nonetheless.
Cats don’t care about your hourly fee or your photographic expectations. You have to be flexible and adapt to their personality and schedule.
So don’t think that you can go in, take the photos, and leave. First, you have to spend some time connecting with the cat. Animals can be very anxious when a new person comes into their territory or wants to interact with them.
Take some time before the photoshoot to let the cat calm down and get used to you. I understand that you can’t spend too long on this, but factor in extra time when you’re planning and doing the budget so you don’t get stressed.
Another thing about patience is that it soothes the cat. If you try to rush things or you feel agitated, you’ll pass on those feelings to the cat and things will get even more difficult.
4. Make a shot list
One of the best cat photography ideas is to create a shot list. This will serve as a guideline when structuring your session.
You can also use a shot list to determine the materials you need before heading out to your cat photoshoot.
I recommend you include a close-up portrait on your list because it’s one of the classic shots that you can’t miss. When the cat’s face fills the frame, it becomes the most important element – no distractions. Like this:
If it’s a frontal portrait, you’ll emphasize the eyes. Here, making eye contact with the cat is key to a successful photo.
(You can also try a close-up in profile or capture a specific expression.)
5. Use burst mode
When you’re dealing with moving cats, you might want to turn on your camera’s burst mode to capture action shots.
I’m not saying that you should use burst mode for the entire session; this will result in an enormous amount of pictures to cull and edit.
However, there are certain situations when it’s useful. For example, if you bring a toy and you want to capture some fun playtime shots, like this:
6. Don’t forget about the details
Our adorable furry friends have adorable furry parts. Most of us cat lovers can’t get enough of their paws, ears, or noses.
So if they’re so cute, why not photograph them? It’s also a good way to give the cat a break from the photoshoot. While the cat is off resting or has some water, you can take detail photos since you don’t need the cat’s undivided attention.
7. Follow your cat
Unless you’re doing a studio portrait session, it’s important to let the cat be a cat. In other words, let the cat run to chase a shadow, let it get bored and want to change settings, etc.
Don’t try to impose your own schedule for the entire photoshoot. Instead, follow the cat’s lead for a while.
A lot of great pictures can happen when cats are minding their own business, so just have your camera ready for some amazing candid photos!
8. Play peekaboo
Cats are curious and playful by nature, so use your creativity to make the most out of these personality traits.
I’ve found that playing peekaboo with a cat leads to great photo opportunities. This is because when the cat is hiding behind something, you can introduce a foreground element to make a creative composition.
(This effect is known as a frame within a frame.)
9. Try black and white photography
Going black and white allows the viewer to see things differently from everyday life. That way you can give your photo a creative atmosphere.
Many people do associate black and white with fine art photography – but most clients will appreciate having a few shots in grayscale, regardless.
10. Photograph the cat from above
They say that the eyes are the window to the soul, and this is true for cats as well as people! When you photograph a cat from above, you can catch them looking up at you (which emphasizes their eyes).
You can also use this type of shot to show much of a cat’s personality and mood. Look at the examples above. On the left side, I took a snapshot of the cat that was living at a holiday rental house I visited with my husband (the cat didn’t know us, and we were in his territory).
On the right side is Bianca, a sweet cat that I’d been photographing for over an hour. That was her look when we took a coffee break.
(As you can see, the two cats’ expressions are quite different!)
11. Use hard light to add drama
In photography, there are two different types of light: soft and hard.
Soft light evenly illuminates the scene. If it creates shadows, they are not defined or intense. (Soft light is very flattering for portraits.)
Hard light, on the other hand, creates high-contrast scenes with strong shadows. This type of light adds drama to an image, which is what I recommend you try!
Note that hard light can be created naturally or artificially. For instance, when you’re working outdoors in bright sunlight, you’ll naturally get hard light. You can also create hard light in a studio by using a speedlight or a strobe without modifiers.
11 cat photography ideas: final words
You’ll notice most of these cat photography ideas have to do with the photoshoot itself and not your gear. That’s because you can start improving your cat photos today – with whatever equipment you have, even your smartphone.
Of course, if you can afford to purchase a camera with interchangeable lenses, it’s a good idea. You can also benefit from Animal Eye AF to ensure sharp images every time.
Either way, I hope these cat photography ideas are helpful the next time you want to capture your furry friend!
The post 11 Cat Photography Ideas (For Stunning Photos of Your Furry Friend) appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Ana Mireles.
21 Family Portrait Ideas for Gorgeous Photos
11
Mar
The post 21 Family Portrait Ideas for Gorgeous Photos appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Simon Ringsmuth.
Preparation is key to any successful photoshoot, and having plenty of family portrait ideas will help ensure your session goes as smoothly as possible.
Whether you’re working with friends, repeat clients, or new customers, you want to make your family portrait sessions fun and engaging, because this will always lead to better pictures.
So if you’re stuck in a rut or just looking for something new to try, check out these 21 ideas. They’ll stimulate your creativity and get you thinking about fun ways to take pictures of families.
Let’s get started.
1. Standing together
This one won’t win any awards for creativity, but it’s a classic. It just works.
Position everyone close together, with those on the outside turned slightly inward. Kids can stand on the ground or be held by an adult.
I always like to start with shots like this to cover my bases before I try new and creative ideas. That way, you can always deliver a classic posed image your clients will love, in case your other ideas don’t quite work out.
2. Look for interesting backgrounds
While the focus of your family photos should always be the people, it can help to use different locations – especially if you find yourself working with repeat clients.
Introducing new background elements or other scenery can dramatically alter the look and feel of an image, and will give your clients pictures they will remember forever.
3. Group hug!
Family portraits should be a celebration of love and togetherness.
So find ways to use that in your images!
Get the kids to snuggle up with the parents so everyone’s near each other.
Let the family, and others who see the photos, remember the love that can barely be contained in a single image.
4. Go for a walk
Tell everyone to stand back, get in a line, and slowly walk toward you.
Here’s an example:
This type of shot is a classic for a couple of reasons. For one, families love it. Plus, it’s the type of photo you can’t get with a mobile phone.
I recommend using a zoom lens, because you can zoom from telephoto to wide as the group gets closer.
It also helps to have a camera with a fast continuous shooting speed and a deep buffer, so you can take as many shots as you need to nail the perfect one.
5. Go for a run!
This one works great if you have children involved. Just tell everyone to back way up and then run toward the camera.
(Kids love doing this type of shot!)
Make sure everyone is holding hands; otherwise, the speedier ones will end up ahead.
Also, quick tip:
Use your camera’s high-speed shooting functionality combined with a fast shutter speed to freeze the action.
6. Showcase the generations
When doing a multigenerational family portrait session, it’s a good idea to get at least one shot showing the eldest couple plus the family.
Put the eldest couple in the middle and surround them with their children, grandchildren, and other relatives. This creates a sense of closeness and family bonding that’s immediately apparent to anyone who looks at the photo afterward.
7. Headshots of each person
This might seem like cheating because a single headshot isn’t the same as a family portrait.
But I love taking headshots for my family clients since they require almost no extra effort on my part and the families always enjoy the results.
(I’ve found that most people aren’t expecting individual headshots when you do a family portrait session. So they’re seen as a fun bonus and will keep clients calling for repeat business.)
7. Use backlighting
It’s always important to look for the light any time you’re taking photos, and it’s especially true for family portraits.
Normally I like the light to be behind me, but it’s fun to play around with backlighting and see how it can dramatically alter your images.
In this example, the fountain behind the couple adds a brilliant shine to the shot, thanks to the power of backlighting:
The sun also adds a nice rim light to the newly engaged couple. See how they shine in the late afternoon sun?
The couple was thrilled with the result, and your clients will be, too.
8. Group the genders
Grouping the genders isn’t exactly new or groundbreaking. But it’s a tried-and-true formula for success – one that your clients might not think about in advance but will greatly appreciate afterward.
So put all the women together and take some shots, then do the same for the men.
My clients always have fun doing this, and it gives them some great photos to hang on their wall.
9. Show playfulness
Kids love to laugh, play, and run around.
So why not embrace that during a photoshoot?
Ditch the poses for a minute and let your clients just have fun. This works especially well with young kids; parents will pick them up, swing them around, and have a great time just enjoying the day.
But have your camera ready to capture those moments!
10. Build photo benches
I did many family photo sessions that left me frustrated. You see, I didn’t have a great solution for a very basic problem:
I didn’t have a spot for people to sit.
If you’re in a controlled studio environment, you can deal with this easily. If you like to shoot out in nature, however, you might not be so lucky.
Thankfully, with a few cheap pieces of wood from any home improvement store, along with some tools and a free afternoon, you can build your own photo benches (and solve this problem once and for all!).
I now have three benches in different sizes that I use to accommodate a variety of families. They can be used separately or placed together as one long bench. It doesn’t even matter if they get scuffed or dirty, since imperfections add to a sense of character.
And the results are amazing, plus I no longer worry about finding a spot for my clients to sit comfortably.
11. Just the kids
Amidst the joy and chaos of a family photoshoot, it’s easy to overlook this classic pose – but it’s one that you’ll regret leaving out.
Parents love shots with their kids together, and even when not all the kids are happy and cheerful, I still get positive comments. Pictures like this show the unique personalities of each child, and I usually get one or two kids smirking, grinning, or doing their own thing, to which their parents say, “Yup, that’s just who they are!”
Nikon D750 | Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 | 200mm | 1/200s | f/4 | ISO 250.
12. Involve the pets
Bringing pets to a photoshoot can be a mixed bag. When you introduce a four-legged friend to a formal family photo session, you add a lot of uncertainty, and it’s almost impossible to make the animal do what you want it to.
Even so, there’s a host of important benefits: It puts your clients at ease, helps them remember their pets fondly, and can make for some genuine smiles.
I find this works best if you do your photo session at your clients’ house. But if you do go out, make sure the clients bring a portable kennel or some treats to keep the furry friend occupied when it’s not in the shot.
13. Use structures
I like going out around town to do family photo sessions (preferably to a handful of places I have scouted in advance and used many times before).
The nice thing about some of these spots is that they have built-in structures and other accoutrements that allow you to take fun, sometimes unplanned, pictures of your clients.
So don’t be afraid to include these! Embrace the structures around you and use them to add flair to your photos.
14. Show affection
This one is a little tricky, but the results can be absolutely heartwarming.
Just be careful how you talk with your clients and direct them during the shoot. You don’t want signs of affection to be forced or uncomfortable, and unless you are good friends with your clients, you might not know where to draw the line.
That being said, I’ve had nothing but positive results just by asking parents to give a quick hug or kiss to their little children. These simple signs of affection often end up being my clients’ favorite shots.
15. Read a book
Any time you do a family photo session with kids, particularly younger ones, you have to be willing to accept a degree of uncertainty.
After all, the kids might be hungry, fussy, or defiant – and it’s your job to make the best images possible in spite of these obstacles.
I don’t recommend handing out sweets or treats to children, as this can introduce even more unwanted uncertainty. But if you want to get the kids to cooperate, ask your clients to bring along some of their child’s favorite books. This helps them relax and can lead to some very special pictures.
16. Use their home
I do almost all of my work for clients outdoors. But sometimes I’m invited inside their homes, and this can make for some very special sessions.
If you schedule a shoot at your clients’ house, ask if you can arrive early. Assuming you get the go-ahead, come before the session and politely look for good spots to take pictures. Look for furniture, toys, and large windows that will let in plenty of light.
Ideally, you want to schedule a pre-consultation with your clients to discuss the session. Treat these at-home opportunities with the respect and dignity your clients deserve, and they will be glad to ask you for future photo sessions.
17. Show context
I sometimes get asked to photograph singular events in my clients’ lives: birthdays, graduations, and other milestones.
And while you can always use these opportunities to capture the same types of portraits you would normally shoot, what really matters is context.
So find ways of incorporating visual elements from the event into your photos, as I did in this image:
My friend asked if I would take pictures when he received his Ph.D., and I made sure to include campus buildings in the frame to serve as a reminder of his time in graduate school.
18. Capture candids
Sometimes the best shots of a photo session are completely unplanned. While posed pictures are nice, it’s also fun to get pictures of your clients just walking around, laughing, talking, and enjoying one another’s company.
In other words:
When photographing a family, show them being a family!
And it’s okay to cheat a bit here, too. For the shot below, I asked the couple to walk across the veranda, then I caught them in a candid moment of joy.
19. All hands on deck
When taking pictures of a large family, especially one that spans multiple generations, make sure to get an image with hands.
Clients love seeing mementos like this, and they can instantly pick out which individuals were present just by looking at the hands.
Plus, an image like the one below captures myriad details that are missing in headshots and full-body portraits: wedding rings, the weathered hands of the grandparents, and the small hands of children next to their mother’s and father’s hands. It’s a touching image that speaks volumes about the family without showing any faces at all.
20. Use their ideas
Any time I do a family session, I make sure I’m well prepared. I have a clear idea of my goals for the session, where I want to be, what kinds of images I want to get, and of course, plenty of spare batteries.
But you have to be willing to adapt and incorporate your clients’ ideas, too. They might want to try something different, go to a new location, or pose in a way you hadn’t considered.
Don’t shut these ideas down! Even if the images aren’t your personal favorites, your clients might love them, and they will certainly appreciate your willingness to listen to their suggestions.
21. Use a silly noise-maker
This idea is last because you have to use it carefully. If you know your clients well, and if there are young children in the family, then one fun thing to consider is a remote-controlled fart machine.
Yes, I know that seems absolutely ridiculous, but nothing sends kids into a gleeful bout of giddiness quite like an unexpected breaking of wind.
These little gadgets are inexpensive and can be hidden underneath a bench, taped to a stool, or tossed behind a tree. Right as you prepare to take a shot, click the remote and watch the kids erupt with laughter.
Adults might roll their eyes, but the kids will love it, and you’ll get some of your favorite shots of the session.
Family portrait ideas: Final words
There’s no guarantee that these family portrait ideas will result in perfect pictures. Any number of things can go wrong on a family shoot, but any number of things can also go right.
The point here is to fill your mind with possibilities. That way, you can do everything in your power to get the best possible shots.
And above all else, try to relax, have fun, and enjoy the session!
Your clients will love the results…
…and they’ll soon be asking you to come back for more pictures.
Frequently asked questions
What should my clients wear for a family session?
I recommend solid colors in matching groups (such as some people wearing blue, others wearing green, etc.). But remember that the photos are for your clients, and even if they show up in clothing you wouldn’t recommend, your job is to take good photos regardless.
Do I need a tripod for family photos?
Absolutely not! You can use one if you prefer, but I find that tripods and even monopods are more of a hassle than a help. You need to move around, especially if you’re shooting pictures of kids – and if you are tied down to a tripod, you won’t be nearly as flexible and adaptable.
You do a lot of outdoor family photos. What’s the best type of location to look for?
I try to avoid popular spots like botanical gardens and college campuses (which often have beautiful landscaping) and look for spots that are off the beaten path. My primary consideration is light: I like spots with tall trees and even lighting, even if there aren’t flowers or fountains. Choose your locations so the emphasis in your images will be on the people, not their surroundings.
What camera is best for family portraits?
You can use almost any camera for family photos, but I recommend one with a large buffer and the option for a battery grip. The former will prevent you from wasting time waiting for your camera while photo opportunities slip by. The latter will give your camera enough battery power to last for hours, which means one less thing for you to think about during the shoot.
Do I need an expensive portrait lens?
No, but if the only lens you have is the kit lens that came with your camera, I would recommend at least investing in a single prime lens. A 35mm or 50mm lens won’t be expensive and can yield amazing results, especially for family photos.
The post 21 Family Portrait Ideas for Gorgeous Photos appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Simon Ringsmuth.
13 Creative Food Photography Ideas (For Unique Results!)
04
Mar
The post 13 Creative Food Photography Ideas (For Unique Results!) appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Simon Bond.
If you’re looking for creative food photography ideas, then you’ve come to the right place.
Because in this article, I’m going to give you 13 fun ideas to take your food photography to the next level.
So if you’re ready to move beyond basic food photos, and if you want to start creating compelling artistic images with your food…
…then let’s dive right in!
1. Try different points of view
Here’s a simple yet effective food photography idea:
Change your perspective.
You see, most people view their food from a sitting position. And that’s how many casual food photographers approach their food.
But if you adjust your angle, you’ll capture food in a very different way.
Here are some perspectives you could try:
- Bird’s-eye view: Aim your camera directly down at the food from above.
- Plate level: Get down on the same level as your plate and photograph across it.
- Wider scene: It’s tempting to focus only on the food. Instead, use a wider lens to show the scene around the food (plus the food itself, of course!).
2. Experiment with the white balance
Food is often photographed with an off-camera flash, which opens up a lot of creative possibilities.
One trick:
Put a gel on your flash (such as a blue gel or an orange gel). Then adjust the white balance of your camera to compensate for this color shift. Finally, fire your flash at the subject (while aiming to keep the background untouched by artificial light).
If you’ve done your work carefully, you’ll end up with a colorful background (a color opposite that of the flash gel), but neutral food!
3. Use a food artist
Getting someone to professionally style your food before shooting will give your photos a more creative feel.
As a photographer, you’ll be leaning on the creativity of your stylist here; your job will be to compose and light your image in a professional way.
4. Try out some light painting
Food photography is, in essence, a form of still life (though one that needs to be carried out while the food still looks fresh!).
As with most still life photography, you can use light painting to give your images a more dynamic look.
Here’s how it works:
First, set up your food and determine your composition.
Set your exposure, making sure the shutter speed lasts 10 seconds or more.
Then fire off a shot and use some form of light to “paint” your food.
(Anything that emits light could be used, from a smartphone to a programmable LED light stick.)
If all goes well, you’ll end up with a very pro-looking image!
5. Think about the background
If your photograph includes a background, you’ll need to use it in an aesthetically pleasing way.
Because the background matters – almost as much as the foreground, in fact!
Fortunately, there are a few easy strategies you can use to create a stunning backdrop:
- Bokeh: Use a large aperture, focus on your main subject, and blur the background. Add some lights in the background for beautiful bokeh light balls.
- Plain: Stick colorful paper or a painting behind your subject for a more standard, plain look.
- Show a scene: Include the wider scene to give your food some context. (This could even include the restaurant where the food has been served!)
6. Reflect your food
Here’s a creative food photography idea that makes for very modern, sleek images:
Reflect your food in glass for a double image.
Simply set up your food on a glass panel. Then lower your camera angle until you get a nice reflection in the glass.
You’ll want to make sure your food is well-lit – but be sure to avoid obvious balls of light bouncing off the surface of your glass.
7. Tell the story
Cooking and preparing food is a process.
So every dish goes through a journey before it gets plated and put on a table.
Try to document that journey! Look to take photos of food at various points along the way to the table, so you can create a complete picture of the food.
Here are a few times when you might want to photograph food:
- When it’s growing. Food needs to be produced, and photographing it during this phase can help you tell a story, especially if you’re creating a series of images.
- When it’s sold. A visit to the market is a fantastic opportunity for food photography because vendors often display their food in an interesting way.
- When it’s cooked. If possible, photograph the chef as they prepare the food. Pro tip: If you can capture the chef adding the finishing touches to a dish, you’ll get an especially satisfying shot.
- On the table. The majority of food photos are of the plated meal. There’s nothing wrong with photographing food at this point; just aim to use some of these ideas to capture more creatively plated food photos.
8. Create some detail photos
Get out that macro lens, and get in close to your food!
First, this will offer some interesting, never-before-seen perspectives.
Plus, focusing on the detail or shape of food just makes for some very cool photography!
Try focusing on a single item of food. Then switch it up, and capture lots of the same food repeating throughout your photo.
9. Frame your food
Food photographers rarely frame food with important contextual elements.
But if you can find ways to create an interesting frame, you’ll end up with a much stronger composition.
For instance, you might try surrounding the main food item with items that relate to it, as I did in the photo below:
Or you can use plates or cutlery to frame the food.
Really, the sky is the limit!
10. Try lensball food photography
Lensball photography is a fun technique that uses a crystal ball to create unique photos. Like this:
And they’re easy to use, too!
Just place your lensball close to the food…
…and you’ll get a very cool result.
11. Shoot food floating in midair
If you want to get a bit wild with your food photography, then try some midair shots!
For instance, you might show a banana floating off the ground, or a carrot suspended against a dark backdrop.
And if you want to take this a step further, you can try cutting up the food – so you get a set of suspended food slices smack-dab in the middle of your photo.
Of course, you’ll need to build some type of stand for your food (or use a technique like this one here), and you’ll need Photoshop to complete the effect.
But if you’re willing to put in the work, the results will be worth it!
12. Create a splash!
You can use water (or other liquids) to give your food a fresh feel – especially if you’re willing to get the food wet.
Now, there are a couple of different approaches to this. Both use flash to get that moment of capture.
- Splash: Drop liquid-like milk, water, or juice onto food to create a splash.
- Food into water: Drop food into a tank of water. Then photograph the food as it creates bubbles and splashes. Of course, this works best with fruit and vegetables; cake will likely be a bit messy!
13. Freeze your food
Here’s your final creative food photography idea:
Put your food in a tub of water, then stick it in the freezer.
Check back in a bit, and you’ll have a block of ice – with the food encased inside it!
Take out the block and photograph through the ice. You’ll end up with some unique images, like this one:
While you can try this technique on many different types of food, I like to use it for fish photography. It can even look like the fish are swimming in the water!
Creative food photography ideas: final words
Now that you’ve finished this article, you know plenty of creative food photography ideas.
And you’re well on your way to capturing some unique photos.
So take your camera, find some food, and have fun!
Now over to you:
What food do you plan to photograph? Which of these creative ideas do you plan to use first? Share your thoughts (and images!) in the comments below.
The post 13 Creative Food Photography Ideas (For Unique Results!) appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Simon Bond.
8 Ideas for Awesome Abstract Photography
02
Feb
The post 8 Ideas for Awesome Abstract Photography appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Anthony Epes.
In this article, I plan to share some inspiring abstract photography ideas.
Now, I would never describe myself as an abstract photographer, yet I seem to have shot countless abstract photographs. In fact, I try not to assign myself to any genre. To me, that feels like the opposite of what photography should be – which is a place to have fun, to be curious, to explore, and most importantly, to give your imagination free rein.
I start the article like this because I want to encourage you not to be intimidated by this genre. Don’t worry about getting it right. Abstract photography should be a place of complete freedom.
And this is why the most important quality for abstract photography is imagination.
What is abstract photography?
For me, abstraction is about removing what’s in the world around us from its familiar context. It involves playing with elements and subjects, moving them away from their usual settings and placing them into new situations – so that they become something else entirely.
I find that doing abstract photography brings us into that childlike realm of imagination and makes us often think, “What is that?” Or, “That reminds me of…” Then our minds go off into dreamlike worlds.
“Abstraction demands more from me than realism. Instead of reproducing something outside of me, now I go inward and use everything I’ve learned thus far in my life.” – Susan Avishai
Therefore, I like to approach this genre as a way for us to have fun with our photos, the world around us, and ourselves. I’ll share eight abstract photo ideas that I hope ignite your imagination, and get you excited about exploring abstract photography!
Let’s get started.
1. Use your imagination as much as possible
“Abstraction allows man to see with his mind what he cannot see physically with his eyes…Abstract art enables the artist to perceive beyond the tangible, to extract the infinite out of the finite. It is the emancipation of the mind. It is an exploration into unknown areas.” – Arshile Gorky
Doing abstract photography feels like I am trying to detach myself from reality and delve into a space where everything around me is a new sight, a new sensation, or a new experience.
I look around and see elements, colors, shapes, lines, textures – each is almost separate from the other. I am looking for things that are connected, but in a different way to how my mind usually puts things together.
Then it’s my imagination that kicks in and starts creating all kinds of ideas about what things look like. To me, the photo above looks like something coming from the cosmos, the beginnings of a new world.
(In reality, it’s some slime floating around in water, which I played with in Lightroom.)
So use your imagination constantly. When doing abstract photography, don’t let “conventional” thinking get in the way!
2. Search for textures
Textures are a fascinating subject to explore. When you focus on textures, you capture a tactile quality in your photos. You make people want to lean in and touch something.
And you often give very ordinary things – water, brick, wires, or stone – an inviting feeling.
Today, we are often so disconnected from the ordinary (i.e., what we perceive as the boring world around us). We are so often lost in thought that we’re only jolted out of it when we see spectacular things – like beautiful views, intense sunsets, etc.
But all around us are terribly ordinary subjects that can be so very intriguing, if only we viewed them with our sense of wonder! So instead of capturing a snapshot of an intense sunset, try looking more closely at some “boring” subjects to see what textures you can find!
3. Shoot the ordinary
“The longer you look at an object, the more abstract it becomes, and, ironically, the more real.” – Lucian Freud
I love to shoot random, day-to-day subjects that I find all around me. I challenge myself to make these subjects seem interesting.
For instance, I am always on the lookout for torn posters on a wall – especially when they are bathed in beautiful light – as well as weird things I find on the street at my feet.
In fact, starting with what you find at your feet is a great way to do abstract photography!
Here’s why:
Everything, when you pay attention to it, can reveal different qualities than what we first notice. And our challenge as photographers- as artists, no less – is to find the most interesting way to shoot whatever catches our attention.
Maybe you need to take a different perspective – lying on the floor, getting up high, or changing angles. Or maybe, by using the quality of the light, you can turn the subject from ordinary to fascinating.
Or perhaps you could even use color to give boring, unoriginal subjects interest and depth:
4. Include mystery in your abstract photos
“Abstraction generally involves implication, suggestion and mystery, rather than obvious description.” – Robert Genn
The appeal of abstract photos for me is very much about mystery. Creating something that doesn’t look as it should, displacing your subject, mixing up reflections, creating contrasts and jarring juxtapositions – it’s all a fun part of making the world less real and more mysterious.
You can combine shapes together to create something that makes no real sense, but still sparks ideas and thoughts in the mind of the viewer.
In the photo below, I captured this reflection of a man on what I like to think is a moon landscape inhabited by interesting-looking creatures.
At least, that’s what I see when I look at the photo. What do you see? It might be completely different!
5. Aim to capture the feeling of your subject
“Of all the arts, abstract painting is the most difficult. It demands that you know how to draw well, that you have a heightened sensitivity for composition and for colors, and that you be a true poet. This last is essential.” – Wassily Kandinsky
In my photo teaching, I talk a lot about having a heightened awareness and sensitivity to the world.
Because if you want to find incredible photos wherever you go, you must have the ability to see more of what’s around you than you can when you are lost in your thoughts.
Now, with that heightened sensitivity comes increased feelings and impressions of what you see.
And thinking about the feeling you have when you look at your subject is so important. If you aren’t feeling anything, you won’t be able to communicate anything in your photos.
But if you do feel something when you look at your subject…
…you can channel it into the photo for a beautiful result!
I like the sensations I get when I look at the texture photos above. It’s perhaps a sense of awe at the water and the beautiful colored stones. I can almost feel the water, and that feeling is translated through the photo.
In the photo below, perhaps I get a feeling of fun, thanks to some bright colors on what I remember to be a dull London day:
6. Find subjects that stop you in your tracks
I strongly urge you to cultivate a sense of wonder.
Why?
I think we often get so jaded by the world around us – that is, we are so busy with our lives and worries and things to do – that we stop finding things awe-inspiring. It takes more and more to make us stop in our tracks and say “Wow!”
But we photographers have a gift:
We are visual people.
We just have to make sure we’re always refreshing our vision and our sense of wonder at the world around us.
And we must go seek subjects that makes us feel awe.
I believe that we don’t always need new subjects and exotic locations. We can be impressed by things that are right on our doorstep. Therefore, going out with the intention of finding something that makes you go “Wow!” or “Cool” or “Interesting!” is a great thing to do.
Work on always trying refresh your eyes, so that you can be impressed by mundane subjects (this also refreshes the spirit!).
In the photo below, the faded street markings look like a sign in an unknown language. Maybe even a secret message.
I find that the easiest way to refresh your eyes is to go out with the goal of having fun in your photography. Try to find something that makes you laugh.
In this shot of gnarly wood below, I might have photographed a frog, or maybe an alien!
That, for me, is the essence of abstract photography:
Creating a new world, a new vision, and a new experience from this very familiar (yet still awe-inspiring!) world around us.
7. Use perspective for an unusual take on your subject
By changing perspective, you can create cool new images of otherwise dull subjects.
By shooting upward and not focusing on the entire scene, I captured this image:
So make sure you don’t always shoot using the same boring, eye-level perspective.
Instead, mix things up a bit! Experiment with changing your vantage point or your angle.
Make sense?
8. Break down the world into elements
In photography, you must learn how to see the world as a series of elements, and then learn to arrange these elements in pleasing and interesting ways.
Ultimately, you should be looking at the world as a series of elements, and not as a vast, interconnected whole.
This is relevant to all genres of photography. Gaining a sense of control over the elements you place in your scene, what elements you use to support your subject, and what elements you remove from the composition is a great way to improve your abstract photos.
This idea of breaking the world down into elements is particularly useful when doing abstract shooting, because you are looking at the world afresh and trying to use your imagination to create something that is super interesting – and also super unique!
Abstract photography ideas: Conclusion
Hopefully, you’ve found some exciting abstract photography ideas to try – and you’re ready to get out and start shooting!
So grab your camera and take some photos.
And make sure to have lots of fun while you’re at it!
Now over to you:
Have these abstract photography ideas helped you see what’s possible in your photography? Do you shoot abstracts, or will you now? Let me know in the comments below!
The post 8 Ideas for Awesome Abstract Photography appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Anthony Epes.
What Is Abstract Photography? (Plus Three Ideas for Getting Started)
19
Nov
The post What Is Abstract Photography? (Plus Three Ideas for Getting Started) appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Charlie Moss.
What is abstract photography?
The exact definition can be tricky to pin down. It seems that everyone has an opinion, but those opinions can differ wildly depending on who you talk to. Of course, there will always be regional and cultural variants, but let me try and tell you where abstract photography came from.
That way, you can decide what abstract photography means to you.
What is abstract photography?
Abstract photography is no one particular style or technique. It has varied in style and approach for the last century or so.
However, all abstract photographers do have one thing in common: They are always looking to avoid symbolic representation.
What does that mean?
Well, it means that abstract photographers reject the idea that a photograph must always be of something recognizable. Instead, abstract photographers focus on color, shape, and texture.
It was in the 1930s that abstract photography really became recognized internationally. Early pioneers include Alfred Stieglitz, Edward Weston, and Dora Maar. For some photographers, the process of making images was just as important as the result, which meant that new techniques and new ways of taking photographs were discovered during this period.
Much abstract photography today involves unusual framing and viewpoints in order to try and disassociate the object being photographed from the resultant images. Abstract photographers almost try and trick our eyes and minds into not being able to easily understand what they’re looking at. Such abstract images often use high contrast, sharp focus, and an emphasis on geometric structure.
Now that we’ve answered the question of what is abstract photography, it’s time to try and put the theory into practice.
Here are three techniques you can use to try and shoot your own abstract photos:
Make it out of focus
One of the first things we all learn in photography is how to get things in focus. In fact, our cameras will do this automatically for us if we want them to!
Accurate focus and good sharpness are two of the most desirable traits that most photographers look for in a photograph. So what happens when you subvert that traditional approach?
This bright red photograph (below) was created by using extension tubes to get right up close to a flower. I then ensured that the entire image was out of focus. The colors and patterns become the focus of the image instead of the flower itself:
You can take this one step further by turning your image black and white to remove all of the color information. This abstracts the subject even more, moving the photograph further away from the original object and reality:
For a photographer who is trying to explore what is abstract photography, this approach of creating out of focus photos can be a great way to start. It forces you to think hard about the composition of your images as you play only with light, color, and shape.
Make it move
There are several ways to “make it move” when you’re doing abstract photography. You can move your subject, or you can move your camera.
Moving the camera can be as simple as panning the camera left to right during long exposures to capture the beautiful tones of a golden beach under blue skies. This will create smooth strips of horizontal color across the photograph.
An exciting way to shoot motion-based abstract photography is to attend sports events. The photograph below was shot at a classic car racing meet, the block colors of the barriers and curb creating stripes of colorful interest in the picture:
For creating abstract images with panning, first set a long exposure. You might need a very low ISO and a narrow aperture in order to get a shutter speed that’s long enough if it’s a sunny day.
Then move your whole body to follow the subject with your camera. It will take lots of practice!
Instead of moving your camera, you can also try moving your subject. The deceptively simple image of a glass bottle (above) is not quite as it seems. It was created from a dozen different shots, layered on top of each other using a Pep Ventosa technique. For each shot, the bottle was rotated slightly to catch the imperfections in the glass and the slight movement.
Make it repetitive
Repetition is a technique that can be used to great effect in abstract photography. It makes the viewer focus on the patterns and shapes rather than the subject.
Try finding patterns in architecture and then isolating them, rather than photographing the whole building. This kind of approach of looking for details in larger scenes can help you really understand what abstract photography is all about.
If you want to shoot some architectural abstracts, modernist buildings are some of the best subjects. Their clean, smooth lines really lend themselves to abstract photography.
To remove your picture further from reality, you can experiment with color toning the image in Lightroom, or even turn it black and white.
Conclusion: What is abstract photography?
There are many different answers to the question, “What is abstract photography?” And there are many different ways to create abstract images.
What’s important is to try to move away from straight reproductions of scenes and objects that look just like reality.
Try introducing movement, repetition, or even making your images out of focus. Creating abstract photos is a great way to try breaking the rules and pushing the boundaries of what is usually seen as the correct way to do photography!
The post What Is Abstract Photography? (Plus Three Ideas for Getting Started) appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Charlie Moss.
SLC-1L-12: A Garden of Ideas
27
Oct
At first glance: a simple, one-light portrait of activist gardener Janssen Evelyn.
Dig deeper: a look at tonal mapping via specular highlights, stretching the range of your modestly powered flash, and how to discover your next project.
Read more »
Strobist
10 Ideas for Photographing Nature in your Backyard
11
Oct
The post 10 Ideas for Photographing Nature in your Backyard appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Karen Quist.
Have you noticed how many photographers are fascinated with nature? Even if we specialize in another genre, few of us can resist a gorgeous flower or a branch of autumn leaves.
One of the best things about photographing nature is that it is so accessible. You don’t need to travel far to find it, because it’s all around you. You may take it for granted because you see it every day, but your own backyard is a treasure trove. Every hour of every day and every season brings something new.
Summer lavender | 1/200 sec | f/3.5 | ISO 100
The term “backyard” needn’t be taken literally here. If you don’t have a backyard, you’ll find plenty of nature to photograph just by wandering the streets or public parks and gardens.
Tech details: All of the photographs in this article were shot on my Canon 5D Mark III. Unless otherwise stated, I have used my Canon 100mm f/2.8 macro lens. I have included details of ISO, aperture, and shutter speed settings.
1. Flowers and leaves
Flowers and leaves are often the first things that come to mind when we look for subjects in our own backyards. They offer an endless variety of colors, shapes, and textures for you to photograph. You could create a collection based on a single color scheme, or try to find as many different leaf or flower shapes as possible.
Cymbidium orchid | Canon 5D Mark III | Canon 100mm f/2.8 Macro | 1/100 sec | f/4 | ISO 640
Violet leaves | Canon 5D Mark III | Canon 100mm f/2.8L IS Macro | 1/30 sec | f/8 | ISO 800
Geranium leaves | Canon 5D Mark III | Canon 100mm f/2.8L IS Macro | 1/40 sec | f/8 | ISO 320
You should also experiment with different lighting and conditions. I love backlighting for leaves and flowers, as it creates a luminous, almost three-dimensional effect, and you can see details such as veins. Some shapes look better with strong, directional light, and I love how colors are enhanced by water droplets.
Erlicheer daffodils | Canon 5D Mark III | Canon 100mm f/2.8L IS Macro | 1/640 sec | f/4 | ISO 100
The same flower shot with the sun at my back | Canon 5D Mark III | Canon 100mm f/2.8L IS Macro | 1/800 sec | f/4 | ISO 100
Backlighting a leaf reveals details you wouldn’t see if you lit it directly | Canon 5D Mark III | Canon 100mm f/2.8L IS Macro | 1/250 sec | f/4 | ISO 100
Flowers are seasonal, and in temperate zones, spring and summer offer the widest variety. There are still flowers to be found in winter, although you may need to look harder. Don’t forget that weeds, such as dandelions, are also beautiful! Autumn provides the greatest color spectrum in leaves.
Liquidambar leaves photographed en masse | Canon 5D Mark III | Canon 100mm f/2.8L IS Macro | 1/80 sec | f/4 | ISO 640
A single leaf isolated against a dark background | Canon 5D Mark III | Canon 100mm f/2.8L IS Macro | 1/30 sec | f/4 | ISO 640
2. Fruit, berries, and seed pods
When the summer flowers disappear, fruits and berries are nature’s way of providing for birds and animals throughout the colder months. Many berries and seed pods ripen towards the end of autumn, bringing color to the winter garden. Citrus trees bear fruit in winter, and persimmon trees lose their leaves to reveal branches of shiny orange fruits. Think also of acorns, pine cones, and nuts.
Kumquat | Canon 5D Mark III | Canon 100mm f/2.8L IS Macro | 1/50 sec | f/4.5 | ISO 2500
Canon 5D Mark III | Canon 100mm f/2.8L IS Macro | 1/500 sec | f/8 | ISO 800
Canon 5D Mark III | Canon 100mm f/2.8L IS Macro | 1/1250 sec | f/5 | ISO 500
Orange rosehip | Canon 5D Mark III | Canon 100mm f/2.8L IS Macro | 1/160 sec | f/5 | ISO 500
Bunches of red berries | Canon 5D Mark III | Canon 100mm f/2.8L IS Macro | 1/100 sec | f/5 | ISO 500
3. After the rain
Raindrops are fascinating through the lens. Try photographing them from various angles and in different lighting.
When photographing a single droplet, or a string of them, isolate them by keeping the background uncluttered. You can do this by creating distance between the droplets and the background, and by using a wide aperture to ensure the background is blurred. Notice also how water sits in nice round droplets on some types of leaves, but on others it disperses.
Arthropodium leaves after the rain | Canon 5D Mark III | Canon 100mm f/2.8L IS Macro | 1/80 sec | f/4.5 | ISO 800
Raindrops hang from the slats on the back of a garden chair | Canon 5D Mark III | Canon 100mm f/2.8L IS Macro | 1/125 sec | f/4 | ISO 1000
Canon 5D Mark III | Canon 100mm f/2.8L IS Macro | 1/125 sec | f/4 | ISO 640
Canon 5D Mark III | Canon 100mm f/2.8L IS Macro | 1/125 sec | f/4 | ISO 1000
4. Mushrooms, toadstools, and fungi
These are abundant in autumn and winter, but some species pop up throughout the year after rain. Look in damp, mossy places, on the sides of trees, and in log piles for them.
My personal favorites are the red toadstools with white speckles. They are evocative of fairy tales and magic, and their colors are a nature photographer’s dream!
Toadstool | Canon 5D Mark III | Canon 100mm f/2.8L IS Macro | 1/250 sec | f/6.3 | ISO 1000
Canon 5D Mark III | Canon 100mm f/2.8L IS Macro | 1/160 sec | f/6.3 | ISO 1000
But don’t ignore the tiny, dull-colored mushrooms and fungi. The mushrooms in the photo below were growing in a crevice on the side of my herb garden. You can see by the scale of the woodgrain how tiny they were. From above, they were nondescript, but when I laid on the ground beneath them and shot into the backlight, they became translucent and I could see their delicate structure.
These tiny mushrooms were no bigger than the fingernail on my pinky finger! | Canon 5D Mark III | Canon 100mm f/2.8L IS Macro | 1/160 sec | f/8 | ISO 800
5. Look up; look down
We have a gigantic tree in our backyard. It was probably planted when our house was first built in the 1920s, and its canopy is as big as the house itself. One of my favorite things to do in the warmer months is to put a picnic rug on the lawn and lie on my back gazing up into the tree’s branches. It is free therapy!
Watching the leaves change from bright spring green through to darker green in summer, the first blush of color in autumn, through to a rich claret just before they drop, never ceases to delight me. I have photographed it time and time again through the seasons. Even lying on the ground with my 35mm lens, I can only capture a small portion of the canopy.
Sigma 35mm ART lens | 1/60 sec | f/11 | ISO 160
Sigma 35mm f/1.4 lens | 1/100 sec | f/11 | ISO 160
If you are lucky enough to have trees in your garden, try standing or lying directly underneath them and shooting up into the branches. Notice how the light changes from early morning throughout the day into late afternoon and evening. Branches, whether they are naked or covered with leaves, contrast beautifully against a blue sky. They are also stunning at sunrise and sunset and on moonlit nights.
Sigma 35mm f/1.4 lens | 1/200 sec | f/11 | ISO 200
If you don’t have any trees, look for interesting cloud formations to photograph. You can create a collection of skies to use as Photoshop overlays, which can add interest to other outdoor photos such as portraits. Look for vertical cloud formations, fat white fluffy clouds, and those lovely soft colors around the edge of the clouds at dusk and dawn.
You can also turn your attention downward. On the ground are a million microcosms among the moss, the lawn, between the paving stones, and in the fallen bark and leaves. You won’t see them until you get down to ground level, so lie flat on your tummy and peer into another world.
The moss on a tree trunk | Canon 5D Mark III | Canon 100mm f/2.8L IS Macro | 1/40 sec | f/4 | ISO 640
6. Black and white beauty
We tend to think of color photography when we think of nature, but don’t dismiss the idea of black and white images. Nature provides sculptural shapes and contrasting textures that make great black and white subjects. If you have succulents or cacti in your garden, they are often more interesting in black and white than they are in color (except on those rare occasions when they flower). Ditto with white flowers against a dark background. Smooth pebbles, rough bark, snail shells, acorns, and pine cones all look fabulous in black and white. Try strong, directional lighting and a high contrast edit.
When I converted this file to black and white in Lightroom, I played with the sliders in the B&W panel. The photo on the left has the blue slider pulled all the way down to -100 to darken the sky. On the right, the blue slider is set to zero.
Canon 5D Mark III | Canon 100mm f/2.8L IS Macro | 1/100 sec | f/8 | ISO 100
7. Experiment with sun flare and haze
Your backyard is one of the best places to experiment with effects and new techniques. Firstly, you can become familiar with how things look at various times of the day and throughout the seasons. Secondly, you don’t need to travel far, so you can respond to anything on a whim. If you spot something amazing while you’re sipping your morning coffee, you needn’t even get out of your pajamas to capture it!
The subjects in the two photographs below are both visible from my desk. Every morning last summer, I noticed how this shaft of hazy sunlight would hit the planting of succulents on a pedestal, so I knew exactly what time to capture it at its best. Also sitting at my desk, I saw how the sun caught a spray of orchids just after the rain, and I rushed outside with my camera.
Canon 85mm lens | 1/800 sec | f/4 | ISO 100
Shot with sun flare and no lens hood | 1/1000 sec | f/4 | ISO 100
For comparison, this is the same scene shot with a lens hood to reduce flare | 1/320 sec | f/4 | ISO 100
8. Snails, bugs, and spiders
For nine months out of the year, there are a million creepy-crawlies in my backyard. This includes butterflies, cicadas, crickets, praying mantises, caterpillars, moths, bees, wasps, and spiders (I could happily do without the latter two). At the time of writing, it is winter in Melbourne, so most bugs are hiding or dormant.
9. Birds and other wildlife
I’m going to begin this section with honesty.
Confession number one: Photographing wildlife of any kind requires more patience and a longer telephoto lens than I possess.
Confession number two: I have the greatest admiration for those who do wildlife photography. I have a Pinterest board just for animal photos (I have a clear bias towards squirrels), and on 500px I follow a number of photographers, one of whom only photographs squirrels!
The kinds of animals and birds you’re likely to find in your backyard obviously depends on which part of the world you live in and how built-up your neighborhood is. You will know which kinds of critters visit your backyard and what their habits are. With that in mind, find a spot where you won’t be too conspicuous and be prepared to wait. If you’re using a long lens, you might consider working with a tripod or a monopod to avoid camera shake. Have your ISO and aperture all set to go, plus a fast shutter speed to freeze motion. If you have been watching an animal’s behavior over several days or weeks, it may be possible to focus roughly on the area you expect them to appear (for example, the birdbath).
Also read: Guide to Attracting Critters to Your Garden for Backyard Wildlife Photography
10. Portraits in nature
Nature provides us with the perfect canvas for portraiture. Look for a bank of flowers, a bed of autumn leaves, or just a green hedge. The colors in nature never seem to clash.
When photographing children and pets, in particular, I almost always prefer an outdoor location over a studio. My eldest daughter usually runs a mile when she sees the camera, but the chance to roll around with the dog in glorious leaves was clearly too much for her to resist (see the image below).
I love how the soft hues flatter my daughter’s skin tone. If you are shooting outdoors with lots of colors, such as flowers or autumn leaves, pay attention to your subject’s outfit. These portraits might have been too busy if my daughter had been wearing a patterned outfit.
Not even teenage daughters can resist these leaves! | 1/400 sec | f/4 | ISO 320
1/320 sec | f/4 | ISO 320
Conclusion
So there you have it: Plenty of inspiration to get outdoors and photograph nature in your own backyard. It’s time to stop reading and get out there with your camera.
Here are some additional articles that will help improve your outdoor and nature photography skills:
- 3 Habits Every Outdoor Photographer Should Develop to Avoid Missing Shots
- 5 Tips for Better Nature Photography
- 27 Serene Images of the Natural World
The post 10 Ideas for Photographing Nature in your Backyard appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Karen Quist.
4 Simple Ideas to Expand Your Creativity
17
Sep
The post 4 Simple Ideas to Expand Your Creativity appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Megan Kennedy.
Creativity ebbs and flows.
But, as Maya Angelou said, the more creativity you use, the more you have. Whether inspiration is proving to be elusive, or you are looking for a new approach to your creative practice, these four simple photographic techniques can help spawn ideas to expand your creativity further.
1. Infrared photography and effects
In infrared photography (technically known as near-infrared photography), film or digital sensors record renderings of otherworldly scenery in wavelengths beyond the bounds of the human eye.
There are a few ways to achieve digital infrared photography. One method is to purchase an infrared filter like the Hoya R72 or the Kenko Infrared R72. These filters block visible wavelengths and permit a small amount of infrared light to reach the sensor.
Another way to achieve infrared photography is with an infrared camera conversion. Camera conversions involve removing a sensor’s hot mirror, a device that reflects infrared wavelengths of light. The hot mirror is then replaced with an infrared filter that blocks visible light instead. Infrared camera conversions can be done DIY style, or by sending the camera off to a conversion company.
If you can’t get your hands on infrared photography equipment, you can also add infrared effects to images in post-production. By making adjustments in editors like Photoshop, imitation infrared effects can alter an image for eye-catching results.
2. Intentional camera movement
In terms of generating ideas to expand your creativity, intentional camera movement is a simple and refreshing technique. Intentional camera movement, or ICM, involves deliberately moving the camera during the length of your exposure for creative effect.
The process is simple:
Set your camera to a longer exposure, depress the shutter button, physically alter the camera’s orientation, and review the results. ICM images are rarely exactly the same, which makes the technique a captivating process that emphasizes the physicality and painterly quality of the photographic medium.
3. Creating a photogram effect
Sometimes, a complete change in artistic direction can be a welcome adjustment. Making a photogram is a simple yet valuable insight into the photographic process, and is often one of the first introductions to photography in art class.
The photogram is a cameraless form of photography which usually involves the placement of objects onto a light-sensitive medium like photographic paper. The arrangement is then exposed to light, creating a negative rendering of the objects on the developed paper.
Not everyone has access to the materials required to make a photogram. There is, however, a digital process that can be a great way to create a photogram effect.
Collect a handful of objects of different transparencies, arrange them on a flat light source, photograph the arrangement, and make a few adjustments in Photoshop. The project makes for an evocative take on the popular darkroom process.
4. Abstract light trail photography
Abstract photography is a genre that is full of ideas to expand your creativity.
Like ICM, abstract light trail photography encourages the physical movement of the camera by the photographer. By combining the use of a slow shutter speed with camera movement and isolated light sources, luminously-engaging abstracted images can be made.
Wait until it gets dark, grab your camera, and head out to locate streetlights, traffic lights, headlights, neon displays, LEDs, sparklers; anything that emits points of light.
Set a slow shutter speed, focus on a light source, depress the shutter button, and proceed to swing, angle, zoom, rotate, or (gently) shake your camera during the exposure. The process creates intricate light paintings that trace the path of the camera during the exposure.
Conclusion
New photographic techniques almost always stimulate ideas to expand your creativity.
Whether you’re making ICM photography, abstract light tails, infrared techniques and effects, or a simulated photogram series, new challenges and perspectives will help cultivate fresh ideas and hone your photographic skills.
The post 4 Simple Ideas to Expand Your Creativity appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Megan Kennedy.
Great Fruit and Vegetable Still Life Photography Ideas
05
Jun
The post Great Fruit and Vegetable Still Life Photography Ideas appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Rick Ohnsman.
Before there was photography, artists used paints and brushes to record their visions onto a canvas. Fruit and vegetable still life images were common subjects for many. Even today, in art schools, a fruit bowl might be an early subject. Learning to reproduce shapes, tones, color, and replicating the way light, shadow, smooth reflective objects, and dull matte objects look in the light – all those things would be part of your training.
We, as photographers, would do well to take a similar approach to our photography. We have it easier in many ways; not needing paints and brushes to create our images on a blank canvas. However, learning about light, composition, and technique are still foundational lessons.
If you are stuck at home, this could be a good opportunity to slow down, work on the kitchen table, relax with a slow-paced style of photography, and learn some new photography skills. A fruit and vegetable still life project could be just the way to spend a quiet day at home.
Subject selection
There are several reasons why fruits and vegetables make good still life subjects. They have interesting shapes, textures, colors, and details. As they are food, we can work to make them look especially appetizing, selecting the freshest and best subjects to be our “models.”
People who specialize in food photography will often use the talents of “food stylists” who carefully pick just the right subjects. They then use tricks, much like a fashion makeup stylist would use, to make their “models” as flawless and stunning as possible.
If you have access to choice fruits and vegetables right now, by all means, go seek such subjects. On the other hand, if being restricted to home means you need to use that somewhat sad-looking collection of carrots from the bottom of the refrigerator, just take your photo in a different direction.
Types and styles
In the early-to-mid 1600s, the Netherlands saw the rise of a collection of artists we now refer to as the “Dutch Masters.” A realistic style, emphasis on dramatic directional lighting, and the play of light and shadow are earmarks of the look. A good example of a Dutch Golden Age still-life artist is Willem Kalf. See his image below, “Still Life with Lemon Peel.” Now, as a photographer, how might we emulate that look?
A favorite technique of mine for emulating the Dutch Master’s look is light painting. I discuss this at length in my DPS article, “Learn these Two Techniques for Dramatic Light-Painted Photos.”
A distinct advantage of still life photography is that shutter speed is not critical. If you need a multi-second exposure, no problem. Work from a tripod so your camera is rock-steady, lock up the mirror on a DSLR to minimize vibrations, and use a cable release or perhaps the 2-second timer to trip the shutter. Go to full-manual mode. Keep your ISO at the lowest setting to minimize noise. Select an aperture based on how much depth of field you seek, and select a shutter speed for however much time you need for the “painting.”
Grab your flashlight and paint away.
A favorite photographer I follow now on Instagram is Carlo Denino. Often with just a single fruit, vegetable, or other subjects, he produces exquisite light paintings. I encourage you to give his images a look and see if you can then emulate his style. I know from personal experience it’s not nearly as easy as it might look!
Lighting
Light Painting
Light painting is just one way you can go when doing fruit and vegetable still life images. Natural lighting can often be great and will require nothing more than your camera.
Dutch Master’s images were typically painted to look like they were illuminated by a single light source off to the side.
Find a window where you can place your subject and see if you can create the look. If you need a little fill to reduce the shadows, a simple reflector or even a white card can do the trick.
Non-conventional lights
Explore how other lights that would be considered non-conventional for photography, such as LED-flashlights, can work. Yes, they will not usually be as bright as standard photo lighting, and their color temperatures can vary. But they do have the advantages of being cheap, small and portable, and perhaps something you already have on hand. Use long exposures to compensate for their lower light output, and when you shoot in Raw mode, finding a good white balance will be much easier.
Flash
Speedlights can be another option. You will typically not want your light to come from the front of your subject, so your pop-up flash or hot-shoe-mounted Speedlight isn’t the best way to go. If you can, get the flash off the camera and fire it with a remote trigger. Or perhaps use a flash cord to get it away from the camera. If not, try bouncing the light off the ceiling, a wall or a reflector to redirect the light and soften it.
Tricks with conventional photo lighting
If you have dedicated photography lighting, that’s great. Give it a try and perhaps use your fruit and vegetable still life subjects to explore some new lighting techniques. Try different ways to modify the light with snoots, reflectors, flags, diffusion, gobos, colored gels, or whatever else you can think of.
Unrestricted by time or pressure to get it right quickly will open you up to experiments you might have never tried. If you fail twenty times but come up with a new and exciting technique just once, you can consider your experimental lighting play a great success.
Lighting direction
With their interesting colors and sometimes translucent nature, fruits and vegetables can lend themselves to some interesting lighting techniques. Rarely will you want to light from the front of the subject as this will produce rather flat and uninteresting light.
Instead, try side lighting to emphasize texture, backlighting to perhaps create some nice rim-lighting, or if you want to get some really creative looks, lighting through your subject.
Fruits and vegetables that can be sliced thin work great for this. For example, I made thin slices of a kiwi, then made a platform from a glass pie plate under which I placed an LED flashlight. The light shining up and through the slices really emphasized the color and detail. Citrus fruits work well for this technique too.
Experiment and see what you can create.
Backgrounds
As with any other photo subject, carefully consider the background when you stage your fruit and vegetable still life image. You will want a background that complements and doesn’t interfere with your subject.
Quite often, the best background will be the simplest. Consider using a completely white or black background if that works for the image you’re trying to create. Lightroom makes it very easy to blow out whites or totally blackout shadows with the adjustment brush aided by other tools like the clipping indicators and Auto and Range Mask. Paint out what you don’t want to keep the focus on your subject.
Of course, the other option you always have with photography is blurring, and thus simplifying, your background with a limited depth of field.
If you are a new photographer just trying to get your head around how depth of field works, the slow and deliberate nature of making fruit and vegetable still life images is a great way to experiment and understand the relationships of apertures, focal lengths, and their effects on depth of field.
Spritz things up
A favorite trick of food photographers looking to make their fruit and vegetable still life images look fresh and also add interest is to use a spray bottle to spritz their subjects with water. Sometimes to create larger droplets that hang better and last longer on the subject, they will add a bit of glycerine to the water.
Macro
The structure of living things is often fascinating, and being able to explore fruits and vegetables up close can reveal some really interesting things. Whether you use a dedicated macro lens, extension tubes, bellows, close-up filters, a reversed lens, or a combination of these, macro work is just the thing to divert your attention from your troubles while you focus on the unseen world.
Working inside in a controlled environment with no wind and complete control of the lighting will also help you learn macro techniques.
Tell a story
When making fruit and vegetable still life images, it can enhance your photo if you add other objects to help “tell a story” about your scene. Rather than simply take a photo of an apple, slice the apple, add a cutting board and a knife to invite the viewer to consider what might have been going on. Add props that enhance the theme and avoid those that distract. Consider what makes sense in that particular scene and things you would naturally find paired together.
High and low key
Fruit and vegetable still life photography can sometimes lend itself to high and low key renditions. To briefly define the terms, high-key is a lighting and exposure style that is very bright and contains little or no shadow. Contrast ratios, that being the difference between the lightest and darkest tones, are minimized. High-key photos will often have an “ethereal” look to them.
Low-key images are the opposite and typically quite dark, often with shadows that are totally black. They will often be quite contrasty with few mid-tones. Sometimes a low-key shot will use highlights in certain places to emphasize shape and form. Back and rim-lighting can lend itself well to a low-key look.
Here’s an exercise to try; take a fruit or vegetable, compose your shot, and make a “normal” exposure. Then, without moving the camera or subject, change the lighting and exposure to give it a high-key look. Now change the lighting and exposure again and see if you can get a low key look. This is a fun way to explore lighting techniques and understand the dramatic difference lighting can have on a scene.
Still life that moves
We call it “still” life because, most often, the subject doesn’t move during the exposure and is static. But need it be that way?
Fruits and vegetables can make great subjects for some dynamic images. In my article “Making the Shot: Your Guide to Creating Stunning High-Speed Splash Photos Without Flash,” I show some fun ways to make some really exciting images. You’ll note that almost all of my subjects were fruits and vegetables.
There’s also this image from my “How to Use Multi-flash to Capture Compelling Action Photos” article. The orange pepper stood out nicely on a dark background and allowed me to make the stroboscopic image as it flew through the air.
Mom may have told you not to play with your food, but here, it’s entirely appropriate and a whole lot of fun.
Conclusion
Many of you may be homebound and looking for creative ways to keep up your photography practice. Making fruit and vegetable still life images has some advantages;
- It uses subjects you may already have at home.
- It lends itself to a variety of different lighting techniques.
- Macro photography is a possibility.
- You can explore all kinds of new techniques.
- If you get some really good shots you may be able to sell them as stock images.
- After you’re done, you can eat your subjects!
Have fun with your fruit and vegetable still life photography, and post some of your great shots in the comments below.
If you’d like feedback, critique, and have a question about how to do something better, post that too. I try to answer all comments and look forward to hearing from you. Best wishes and be well!
The post Great Fruit and Vegetable Still Life Photography Ideas appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Rick Ohnsman.
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