The art of creative photos
No shame in the game
If you are anything like me, your Instagram feed is flooded with images of couples nuzzled up in their kitchen or artistically posed in deserted places. I always wonder how people manage to capture such intimate photos when they are the only ones there (unless of course they have someone always following them, capturing each footstep and giggle… but that seems a bit of a stretch). After I spent far too much time pondering this, I realized how often I do some pretty odd things for a shot. So, I thought I would share with you how to stay creative with photo ideas and how to capture your dream shot.
Thinking of shoot ideas
I bought this pink jacket in preparation for this trip. I knew that paired with all white, the pink would be a different pop of color for me.
I’ll admit, there are days (even weeks) when I feel completely uninspired. It seems like every potential photo has been done 1000x before. So, how do I keep inspired? Well, here’s a few things that help:
Find a cool space. Obviously this is easier when you are traveling to a new place, but finding gems in your home town can be even more rewarding. I love to drive around and take notes of cool spaces, whether it be coffee shops, book stores, parks or buildings. My phone’s note app is full of random locations that at one point inspired me to shoot photo. Give it a try!
Wear something that makes you feel like a boss. This is key if you are the subject of a photo. I’m sure you are all with me when I say that confidence is key when being photographed, so wearing something that is a.) comfortable and 2.) your style, will come across on-screen. For me, this is often graphic tees, ripped jeans, and a jean jacket. I love to mix patterns and throw together outfits that are more “grungy” as opposed to girly. So, find your style & run with it!
Also, I know we can’t afford to go out and buy new clothes for every shoot, so try going in your closet and pairing a top with a different pair of jeans than you usually reach for.
Research! Obviously if you want a cute photo of you sippin’ on coffee, you will need to know what coffeeshop near you has the best vibe. I love to use Yelp to swipe through photos from customers or Instagram to search through the shop’s tagged photos to get a sense for the venue’s style. It’s super helpful & saves you from any disappointment when you arrive at a dark and small shop.
I am the queen of self-timer.
This was taken in the staircase of our hotel in Madrid. We ran to the top of the staircase, rested my DSLR on a ledge, and quickly huddled together before the timer stopped.
I have used every surface imaginable to balance my phone or DSLR; cars, rocks, ledges on bridges (eek!), etc. I set the 10-second timer and cross my fingers that I get a rad shot. Luckily, my DSLR connects to an app where I can get a live-view of the shot, so at least I have a clue what it will look like. I won’t lie, 30% of the time the photos come out so horrendous that it’s funny, so patience is key here.
Regardless, try using your camera or iPhone on self-timer. You can get some awesome shots!
DSLR placed on a stack of unstable books rested on our side table of our hotel.
You guessed it, self timer. Set up on a ledge of a statue near these stairs, zoomed in on us.
This shot was in the middle of a driving trail in TN. I made Peter pull over onto the side of the road then proceeded to balance my camera on the roof of his car and run into the shot.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help
I had Peter stand in front of the fountain, captured the focus on my DSLR and asked a stranger to take our photo. I showed her which button to hit and they took a couple of us here.
I am not afraid of asking a stranger to take my photo either. Yes, it may be uncomfortable at first, but if you remember that you will never see them again, suddenly it’s a lot less scary.
Tip: Look for people who also have a DSLR. Yes the odds of them having more knowledge of photography is good, but they also have gear, which makes them seem less likely to run off with your camera.
Stay motivated!
I hope this helped you guys get some inspiration for upcoming shoots. Keep your eyes peeled for great locations & run with it!
xoxo - Katie