Whether a photo is successful is not only in the eye of the beholder, but also in your power.
With a few tips, you too can create an aesthetic Instagram feed and unique images that stand out from the crowd. Of course, the focus is on creativity and fun - we will show you how you can implement your creative ideas and develop new ones.
Contents
What do you want to say?
First, ask yourself what the intention or statement behind the picture is. This can, for example, simply be illustrative or aesthetic, political, etc. Once you are aware of the message, you can adapt the basic compositional tools of photography to achieve the desired effect.
snapshots
Of course, there is not a message behind every picture, some pictures arise from the moment. For snapshots, it is advisable to always have the camera with you and to observe your surroundings carefully. You don't need a natural spectacle or a huge festival to capture small gestures and details on camera.
Reflect and carefully observe your fellow human beings. What makes a snapshot is the depiction of reality and that it is reproduced completely candidly. Therefore, try the camera – eg a Mini camera – to be rather inconspicuous, since most people tend to pose for pictures, which would take away the natural character of the photograph.
The staging
A staging means that everything in the photo is planned or staged. The effect of the picture is not left to chance, but consciously created and changed. This type of photo can be found in fashion and advertising photography in particular.
You can also try it out here and get an overview of different types of staging photography.
inspiration
Online, on platforms like Pinterest or Instagram, you can find a lot of inspiration and like-minded people who share the passion for photography. Exchanging ideas with others or finding ideas for your own implementation can be a lot of fun. Do a little research on the internet and find photographers whose work touches or speaks to you.
The W you can also get inspiration for photo ideas. World Press Photo is an international photo contest where photographers from all over the world present their photographs. A winning photo, the so-called “World Press Photo”, is chosen every year.
On the website you will find interesting and impressive photos, most of which draw attention to social or political grievances. The special thing about the pictures you find here is that a story is usually told in the form of a photo. Look at different photographs and think about which ones appeal to you the most.
But sometimes you can also find inspiration for great projects in everyday life through certain people or situations, so always be open to new inspiration. Also Books are a good source of inspiration.
Nature is also often used as a source of inspiration. Be inspired by beautiful plants and flowers and find the perfect photo motif here.
If you don't have any ideas for a photo, don't be afraid to copy or change existing photos or styles first. The method of adopting and changing a style or an idea is known in art as pictorial quotation and has already been taken up by a number of artists.
Overview of the design tools
You communicate the message of the photo using photographic design tools. Here we briefly present the basic design tools.
Light is the most important design element in photography. Make sure the picture is well lit. It is important that the photo is neither over- nor underexposed.
The way food is Perspektive has a decisive influence on the effect of the photograph. A person recorded from a frog's perspective, for example, appears superior and powerful.
The Composition describes the arrangement of the picture elements and the placement of the motif in the picture, e.g the Golden cut harmonious. In the golden ratio, the smaller part of the photo is related to the larger, as the larger is related to the whole.
Play consciously with different means, familiarize yourself with the basic “rules” in photography and dare to break them. Play with the light, for example, or deliberately arrange the picture elements chaotically. This creates tension in the picture and creates a unique effect on the viewer.
Suggestions
- It is best to always take your camera with you when you go out - you will see that you will also find interesting motifs in your area.
- Photography is similar to most hobbies - practice makes perfect. So try out the equipment, for example the cover. The more you photograph and try out, the better your feeling for the camera equipment will be.
- Ask your friends if they would like to have a shooting session and photograph different people. This is fun and you get more practice in photographing people.
- If you know and master the means of design in photography, break them consciously and, for example, photograph motifs from an unusual perspective or with little light. Images that make you look twice stick in your mind and stand out from the rest.
- Sort your photos, ie delete duplicate or unsuccessful photos and use your successes for later photos or inspiration.
- Share your pictures online or analog and get feedback from like-minded people. Sometimes others notice something in your own photo that you would have missed yourself.
image editing
To make your images look interesting or to create a certain effect, you can post-process them. For example, black and white photographs are exciting and have a timeless character.
You can also try adjusting the light or contrast. Be careful not to overdo it. Many beginners make the mistake of using filters that are too strong so that the image no longer looks natural or of high quality.
Editing tools such as Lightroom or Photoshop are suitable for every photographer, and a wide variety of images can be edited here. Again, make sure to edit the image to achieve the desired effect.
Facilities
If you're just starting out with photography, you don't need the most expensive equipment yet. However, it is still worth investing in good equipment. When you buy a camera, take some time to learn about the different functions and try them out.
With an interchangeable lens camera, you can Objectives exchange as you wish and the desired visual effect. Familiarize yourself with different lenses, such as telephoto or Wide-angle lens .
For a good camera is also a suitable one bag important to keep the camera protected. Especially when traveling you should have the right accessories ready for the camera.
Conclusion
Be aware of the statement or intention of the picture and use the creative means in a way that is coordinated with it. You will find inspiration online on various platforms, but sometimes ideas can also be found in real life. To get more practice, take your camera with you to different places and try out different motifs. But the most important thing – have fun taking photos and being creative.