When used thoughtfully, photographs can tell powerful personal stories, evoking a myriad of emotions and connecting us with the past. But doing so requires some know-how and finesse.

Below, I’ve shared tips and techniques to effectively communicate your narrative and create lasting impressions, no matter if you use a smartphone, DSLR, mirrorless, or action camera to tell personal stories. Let’s get to it!

Table of Contents

• Choose Your Narrative for Personal Stories
• Embrace Candid Moments
• Focus on Details to Enhance Personal Stories
• Utilize Composition Techniques
• Personal Stories Need to Show Emotions
• Use Light Thoughtfully
• Final Thoughts on Capturing Personal Stories in Images

Choose Your Narrative for Personal Stories

Photo by oneinchpunch via Shutterstock

The first step in telling a personal story through photographs is to define the narrative you want to convey. Consider the theme or message you wish to communicate.

This could be the joy of a family reunion, the beauty of a travel adventure, the growth of a child, or the love shared between partners. Once you have a clear vision, it becomes easier to frame your shots and select the right moments to capture.

This, in turn, allows you to focus on other areas of capturing memories. For example, if your goal is to highlight the love of a couple, you might add symbolic elements or details that show that love. Think about including objects, gestures, or locations that evoke emotions or represent something larger, such as the couple enjoying visiting the place they first met. These small elements often add layers to the narrative in the shot.

Embrace Candid Moments

Photo by Kleber Cordeiro via Shutterstock

Some of the most authentic and compelling stories emerge from candid moments. Candid shots capture genuine emotions, unposed interactions, and the essence of the situation. In other words, candids can’t be forced.

So, be patient and observant, ready to seize the perfect moment when it presents itself. And when it does, be prepared to rapid-fire shots. Often, the best candid image is buried in a sequence of burst shots.

Candid photographs have a way of drawing viewers into the scene, making them feel like they are part of the story – which is precisely what you want when you’re telling a visual story!

Focus on Details to Enhance Personal Stories

Photo by Fotangel via Shutterstock

Incorporate details into your photographs to enrich the narrative. Details provide context and add depth to the story you’re telling.

Whether it’s the wrinkles on a grandparent’s hands, the texture of a rugged landscape, or the laughter lines around a friend’s eyes, these elements offer a richer storytelling experience.

Close-up shots can be particularly effective in highlighting the smaller, often overlooked aspects of a moment. When framing a tight shot (or cropping in post-processing), don’t be afraid to fill the frame – doing so really highlights the finer details that enhance the story.

Utilize Composition Techniques

Photo by Denis Belitsky via Shutterstock

The way you compose your photographs can significantly impact the story they tell…

For example, use leading lines to draw the viewer’s eye towards the main subject or create a sense of depth. Employ the rule of thirds to balance the elements in your frame, adding visual harmony to your images.

Photo by Pablo Calvog via Shutterstock

Experiment with different angles, perspectives, and framing techniques to add creativity and intrigue to your storytelling as well…

For example, you might use a frame within a frame technique to draw greater attention to the subject of your photo. Additionally, you could position your camera low to the ground and frame a shot looking up at a person or object to enhance their size in the frame to tell a story of power, influence, or triumph.

You can make creating images like this easier by incorporating gear that helps you capture low-angle shots in the first place. I personally use the Octopad in situations like this, as it offers rock-solid stabilization and places my camera just inches above the ground.

Additionally, Octopad has a non-slip bottom surface, so it stabilizes your camera, even on uneven, angled, or slippery surfaces. So, whether you’re angling for a photo on a snowy mountain trail, a steep city street, or somewhere in between, Octopad can help you out!

I also appreciate how small and lightweight Octopad is. You can easily throw it in your camera bag without it taking up the entire space – unlike a traditional tripod. Furthermore, Octopad works with all manner of photography gear, from smartphones to action cameras to full frame cameras with large lenses. You can use Octopad for video gear, too, like lights and microphones.

In other words, this little gadget is something you can get a lot of use out of for telling personal stories in photos and videos. All this is wrapped in a package that’s budget-friendly. What’s not to like?!

Personal Stories Need to Show Emotions

Photo by Evgeny Atamanenko via Shutterstock

Emotions lie at the heart of every personal story. Whether it’s happiness, sorrow, excitement, or nostalgia, capturing emotions in your photographs makes the story relatable and compelling.

Photograph the expressions on people’s faces, their body language, and the atmosphere around them to convey the emotions of the moment. Emotive storytelling fosters a deeper connection with your audience.

Use Light Thoughtfully

Photo by Dima Aslanian via Shutterstock

Light is a powerful storytelling tool. The way you use light in your photographs can set the mood and convey emotions effectively.

For example, soft, diffused light can create a sense of tranquility, while dramatic lighting can add intensity and evoke a sense of drama. Learn to work with natural light and artificial sources, such as lamps or candles, to create the desired ambiance and atmosphere in your images as well.

Final Thoughts on Capturing Personal Stories in Images

Photo by Tereshchenko Dmitry via Shutterstock

Photographs have an incredible power to transport us to different moments in time, allowing us to tell personal stories that resonate with others. By choosing your narrative, focusing on details, utilizing composition techniques, and other techniques, you can effectively communicate your stories through photography.

Remember, the best personal stories are the ones that evoke emotions, spark memories, and leave a lasting impression on the hearts of your viewers. So pick up your camera, unleash your creativity, and start sharing your stories with the world. Happy storytelling!

Our articles might have affiliate links and the occasional sponsored content, but don’t sweat it – if you buy something, we get a little kickback at no extra cost to you, and we only hype products we truly believe in!

Learn More:

• Travel Photography Tips for Beginners: How to Make the Most of Your Photos
• A Beginner’s Guide to Portrait Photography Angles

Hero Photo by Chay_Tee via Shutterstock

The post Capturing Memories: How to Tell Personal Stories Through Photographs appeared first on Photography Talk.

In the past, you needed a dedicated camera to take good travel photos, but not anymore. Thanks to the rise of smartphones with built-in high-resolution cameras, anyone can take great photos nowadays. That said, we still recommend investing in a DSLR or mirrorless camera for traveling if you are serious about photography and want to grow as a photographer.

In this article, we’ll share five travel photography tips for beginners designed to improve your skills and help you make the most of your photos. We’ll cover various topics, including planning and packing for a trip, the best camera settings for travel photography, how to get sharp images, and more.

OK, what are we waiting for? It’s time to dive in and discover how to start taking better travel photos today!

Check out the video above by Andrew Lanxon Photography to learn how a professional travel photographer takes his best photos when on vacation. 

Table of Contents

• Travel Photography Tips for Beginners: Make a Plan Before You Travel
• Travel Photography Tips for Beginners: Don’t Overpack
• Travel Photography Tips for Beginners: Have Your Camera With You at All Times
• Travel Photography Tips for Beginners: Shoot RAW Photos
• Travel Photography Tips for Beginners: Bring a Tripod Alternative to Help With Sharp Photos

Travel Photography Tips for Beginners: Make a Plan Before You Travel

Photo by Opat Suvi via Shutterstock

Researching and planning before traveling will not only make your vacation smoother and more enjoyable, but it will also help you take better pictures. Find the best photo destinations where you are going, and be sure to include them on your travel itinerary. If you want to go a step further, you can create a detailed shot list of all the photos you want to capture.

Other ways to plan for a photography trip are preparing the right photography gear, getting accustomed to your camera before you go, and staying up to date with local weather forecasts.

Travel Photography Tips for Beginners: Don’t Overpack

Photo by BublikHaus via Shutterstock

Photographers love gear, and while having lots of photography equipment at home is convenient, it’s completely the opposite when traveling. Lugging around a heavy suitcase is a giant burden and an easy way to make yourself miserable while on the road. That’s why we recommend practicing minimalism and only packing the true essentials for your next trip.

That means your travel camera, one or two lenses (max), a lightweight tripod alternative, and spare batteries/memory cards. Depending on the type of images you enjoy shooting, you might also want to throw in a small camera cleaning kit and some lens filters. The less you have, and the easier it is to carry, the more likely you are to take photos.

Travel Photography Tips for Beginners: Have Your Camera With You at All Times

Photo by StratfordProductions via Shutterstock

That leads us to our next travel photography tip for beginners—always carry your camera, no matter what. You never know when something unexpected will happen, and you want to be prepared to capture it on camera when it does. Even if you are only popping out to grab a quick morning coffee, think twice before heading out without your camera. 

Following this rule is easier than ever in the current age of smartphone photography. Better yet, you can instantly share photos from phones with loved ones back home or upload them to social media.

Travel Photography Tips for Beginners: Shoot RAW Photos

Photo by weerasak saeku via Shutterstock

Another one of our top travel photography tips for beginners is to take RAW images instead of JPEGs. RAW photos store much more information in them than JPEGs, which gives you more control when it comes to editing them. Editing is an easy way to enhance the quality of your photos, as long as you don’t overedit. 

When shooting in RAW, we recommend investing in memory cards with more storage and an external hard drive since the files take up more space. Other important camera settings for travel photography to monitor include the shooting mode, autofocus mode, drive mode, and exposure settings. 

Travel Photography Tips for Beginners: Bring a Tripod Alternative to Help With Sharp Photos

Photo by Sarath maroli via Shutterstock

One of the keys to getting the best images is stabilizing your camera. When traveling, having a tripod – the traditional means of camera stabilization – isn’t always practical. So, many travelers turn to simply holding their cameras in their hand while they shoot, like the gentleman in the image above.

Though this may generate acceptable results in most situations, why leave things to chance? The slight movements that occur while hand-holding your camera can cause otherwise fantastic photos to be slightly blurry. So, to address this problem, bring a tripod alternative to help you achieve maximum sharpness.

I’ve used the Octopad for years and years now, and a simpler and more effective tripod alternative you won’t find. Its small form factor allows you to throw it in a camera bag or satchel without being weighed down by a bulky or heavy tripod. Yet, despite its small size, it offers all the stability you need to keep your camera on the straight and narrow while the shutter is open.

In fact, the non-slip bottom of Octopad is ideal for positioning it on virtually any surface – including those that are sloped, slippery, or wet. And don’t worry about getting Octopad dirty or wet, either. Its durable build allows it to be used and abused without suffering malfunctions. Like I said, I’ve had my Octopad for years, and it’s still going strong!

Octopad Isn’t Just for Camreas

Better still, Octopad is a great help for other creative pursuits. For example, I often use my time traveling to film footage for my YouTube videos. Octopad is perfect for supporting external mics, B-roll cameras, or lighting for my videos. With a couple of these bad boys in my bag, I can generate high-value video footage on the go. Nice!

Now, gear is not the end-all, be-all for great travel photos. However, having gear that facilitates your process certainly helps. So, as you travel more and take more photos and videos, be sure to invest in quality gear that makes your job easier, that way you have more time to explore!

Just so you know, some of the cool stuff we mention comes with affiliate links, meaning we earn a commission if you buy (no extra charge to you!). Plus, we occasionally feature sponsored content, but rest assured, we only shout out products we genuinely stand behind.

Hero Photo by Jaromir Chalabala via Shutterstock

Learn More:

• Photography Tips: Techniques for Beautiful Landscapes
• These Beginner Tips Will Get You Better Photos With Your Action Camera

The post Travel Photography Tips for Beginners: How to Make the Most of Your Photos appeared first on Photography Talk.

In this landscape photography guide, we’ll share six landscape photography tips that will transform your photos from average to outstanding overnight. We’ll discuss topics such as knowing the best places to shoot beforehand, taking advantage of the best times of day for landscapes, experimenting with different angles, and more.

Regardless of your experience as a landscape photographer, there are always ways to improve. So, whether you’re a professional photographer who shoots with a digital camera or a beginner photographer who takes pictures with your phone, join us as we explore the best photography techniques for capturing beautiful landscapes!

Check out the video above by Michael Shainblum to discover the one tip that helped him take better landscape photos and be more creative. 

Table of Contents

• Choose the Right Location for Beautiful Landscapes
• Understand Composition Principles for Beautiful Landscapes
• Maximize Natural Light for Landscape Photography
• Use Filters and Accessories for Beautiful Landscapes
• Experiment with Perspectives and Angles

Choose the Right Location for Beautiful Landscapes

Photo by 86Eric_Anthony_Mischke 86 via Shutterstock

It used to be way harder to plan a landscape photo shoot, but thanks to today’s modern resources, you can now do almost everything from the comfort of your home. You can research locations on blogs, survey them on Google Earth, and view other photographer’s portfolios for inspiration. You can also check the weather online to choose the best day to go.

With that said, we also recommend getting off the beaten path and exploring lesser-known spots every once in a while. The landscape photography industry is full of images from the same locations, and you never know when you might stumble upon a hidden, beautiful landscape. 

Understand Composition Principles for Beautiful Landscapes

Photo by Kishivan via Shutterstock

Composition is one of the core principles of photography, and while it’s important across all types of photography, it’s even more so in landscape photography. That’s because (in most cases) your subject matter is the landscape itself, and there are no people or objects to grab the viewer’s attention.

Therefore, studying the basic rules of composition for photography and knowing how to use them to your advantage to capture beautiful landscapes is essential. The three main principles you want to master are the rule of thirds, creating depth with leading lines, and balancing elements within the frame for visual harmony. 

Maximize Natural Light for Landscape Photography

Photo by Flaviya via Shutterstock

Whenever taking pictures outdoors, you are at the mercy of weather and sun conditions. And while they constantly change, a little knowledge and planning beforehand can eliminate much of that unpredictability. For example, it’s best to shoot beautiful landscapes during either the “golden hour” or “blue hour” to maximize natural light.

Checking the sunrise and sunset times on your favorite weather app is the easiest way to calculate these times. Alternatively, two fantastic apps for tracking the sun and moon positions are PhotoPills and Sun Surveyor. Another lighting tip is to use shadows and highlights to add drama and depth to your landscape images. 

Use Filters and Accessories for Beautiful Landscapes

Photo by costagliola via Shutterstock

Lens filters are your best friend if you can’t shoot during golden hour or blue hour (or sometimes even if you can). There are two popular types of filters: polarizing filters and ND (Neutral Density) filters. Polarizing filters reduce glare and enhance the definition of skies. Have you ever worn polarized sunglasses? It’s the same! 

On the other hand, ND filters adjust the amount of light that hits the camera sensor and are ideal for shooting in the middle of the day when the sun is most intense, for long exposures, and for creating motion blur. Other must-own landscape photography gear includes tripods, remote shutter releases, and a camera backpack to carry it all.

Try a Different Kind of Tripod

Of course, you can lighten your load of gear significantly by investing in a camera tripod alternative…

I’ve been using Octopad (shown above and below) for years and years, and it’s proven its weight in gold. This compact device has a standard 1/4-inch interface. This means you can use it with mirrorless cameras, DSLRs, action cameras, lights, and other photography and videography accessories. Personally, I most frequently use my Octopads with my GoPros to capture B-roll when I’m filming in the field.

But, Octopad is ideal for landscape photography applications, too. Think about it – having a stable base for your camera is necessary to get the sharpest photos. Octopad certainly delivers! Its weighted base has a grippy surface to keep it in place. This is true even on angled or slippery surfaces like wet rocks near a stream.

Additionally, the reinforced stitching and Oxford fabric construction means the base is completely sealed and offers long-lasting durability. When you’re in rain, snow, mud, and other elements taking landscape photos, you need gear that’s built to last – and Octpoad is!

And since Octopad is small enough to slide into your backpack, you get all these benefits without having to lug around a big, heavy tripod. When I’m camping and go for a hike to take photos, I always take my Octopad in lieu of a big tripod. It’s just so much simpler and easier!

Experiment with Perspectives and Angles

Photo by Bjoern Alberts via Shutterstock

Perspective and angle also play an important role in reproducing natural scenes in photos. The best ways to experiment with perspective are adding foreground interest into a scene and using different-length lenses. Foreground elements add depth and context, while lenses (wide-angle vs telephoto) transmit different perspectives and add diversity to your compositions. 

At the same time, a landscape can look completely different depending on the angle it’s photographed from. Three common angles for landscape photography are eye-level, low-angle, and birds-eye-view. Tripods help with low-angle photography, and drones are amazing tools for aerial photography.

Our articles might have affiliate links and the occasional sponsored content, but don’t sweat it – if you buy something, we get a little kickback at no extra cost to you, and we only hype products we truly believe in.

Learn More:

• Summer Landscape Photography Tips
• 5 Keys for More Impactful Photos of Landscapes

Hero photo by Kris Wiktor via Shutterstock.

The post Photography Tips: Techniques for Beautiful Landscapes appeared first on Photography Talk.

However, getting great photos with an action camera requires some know-how; it’s not just a matter of aiming it at whatever you’re photographing and taking a photo – some skill is involved. Whether you’re new to action cameras or looking to improve your skills, these beginner tips will help you take better photos with your action camera!

Table of Contents

• Action Camera Tips: Use Protune Settings
• Action Camera Tips: Take Advantage of Burst Mode
• Action Camera Tips: Use a Tripod or Mount for Stability
• Action Camera Tips: Shoot During Golden Hour
• Action Camera Tips: Use Filters to Enhance Your Photos

Action Camera Tips: Use Protune Settings

One of the first steps to getting better photos with your action camera is to learn how to adjust its settings (which you can do in the video above by David Silberhorn). This includes utilizing the Protune settings. Protune is a feature available on GoPro cameras that gives you more control over the camera’s settings, allowing for higher-quality images.

Protune allows you to manually adjust settings like ISO, white balance, and sharpness. This level of control lets you fine-tune your camera settings to match the lighting conditions and your creative vision.

For example, adjusting the ISO setting can help you manage noise in low-light situations, while setting the white balance can ensure accurate color reproduction.

When you enable Protune, your camera also records at a higher bitrate, capturing more detail in each photo. This is particularly beneficial if you plan to do post-processing, as it provides more data for adjustments without degrading image quality. While Protune files are larger and take up more storage space, the trade-off in image quality is often worth it.

Action Camera Tips: Take Advantage of Burst Mode

Photo by anatoliy_gleb via Shutterstock

Action cameras are designed to capture fast-paced activities, and burst mode is an essential feature for this purpose. Burst mode allows you to take a series of photos in rapid succession, ensuring you don’t miss a single moment of the action.

Whether you’re photographing a skier flying down a slope or a mountain biker navigating a tricky trail, burst mode helps you capture the perfect shot. By taking multiple photos in quick succession, you increase your chances of getting a sharp, well-composed image even in fast-moving scenarios.

After shooting in burst mode, you can review the sequence and select the best frame from the batch. This is especially useful when capturing unpredictable moments, as it gives you a range of options to choose from. With burst mode, you can be confident that you won’t miss the crucial shot.

Action Camera Tips: Use a Tripod or Mount for Stability

Stability is key to achieving sharp, clear photos regardless of the type of camera you use. This is especially true in action-packed environments. Using a tripod or mount can significantly reduce camera shake and help you capture better images.

Handheld shooting often results in blurry photos due to camera shake. To minimize this, use a tripod or mount your camera securely. There are various mounts available for action cameras, including chest mounts, helmet mounts, and handlebar mounts, each suited for different activities.

One of my favorite action camera mounts is the Octopad. I’ve had an Octopad for years, and it has come in handy on more occasions than I can count. 

On the one hand, I can use it to stabilize my GoPro for a low-angle image when I’m shooting outdoors. Being able to explore using different perspectives and angles like that would be challenging to achieve by hand. On the other hand, I can use the Octopad as a mount for various other accessories, including lights and microphones, which is advantageous for recording videos in my studio and in the field.

No matter what I’m doing, the high force ballhead on the Octopad ensures that my action camera or other accessory stays put. Speaking of staying put, the anti-slip base keeps Octopad right where I need it to be – even if the surface is slippery, wet, or steeply angled. Nice!

When discussing action cameras, one of their best features is their rugged durability. Octopad fits the same bill. I’ve put my Octopad through its paces in all sorts of environmental conditions, and it’s done its job and done it well each and every time.

If you’re ready to level up the quality of your action camera photography, I can think of no better accessory to add to your kit than Octopad. It offers the stable base you need for your photography and offers loads of versatility for using other accessories, too.

Action Camera Tips: Shoot During Golden Hour

Photo by maxim ibragimov via Shutterstock

Lighting plays a crucial role in photography, and one of the best times to shoot is during the golden hour—shortly after sunrise and just before sunset. The light during these times is soft, warm, and diffused, creating ideal conditions for photography.

Golden hour light enhances colors and reduces harsh shadows, resulting in more flattering and visually appealing photos. It’s a great time to capture the natural beauty of landscapes, the vibrant hues of a sunset, or the warm glow on your subject’s face.

Shooting during the golden hour can add a magical quality to your photos, too, making them more dramatic and engaging. The low angle of the sun creates long shadows and a rich, golden light that adds depth and dimension to your images. Plan your shoots around these times to take advantage of the best natural light.

Action Camera Tips: Use Filters to Enhance Your Photos

Filters can be yet another valuable tool for enhancing your action camera photos. They help manage exposure, improve color balance, and reduce unwanted reflections, making your images more professional and polished.

As Vic Barry discusses in the video above, Neutral density (ND) filters reduce the amount of light entering the lens, allowing you to use slower shutter speeds even in bright conditions. This is particularly useful for capturing motion blur in action shots or achieving a balanced exposure in high-contrast scenes.

Polarizing filters are another good option. As you can see in the video above by MicBergsma, they can reduce reflections from water, glass, and other reflective surfaces, enhancing the color and contrast of your images. They are especially effective when shooting landscapes, as they can make the sky appear more vibrant and the colors more saturated.

By following these beginner tips, you’ll be well on your way to capturing stunning photos with your action camera. Remember to experiment with settings, angles, and lighting conditions to find what works best for you.

With practice and creativity, you can create dynamic, engaging photos that truly capture the essence of your adventures. Now, grab your action camera, get out there, and take your best shot!

A quick heads-up: If you snag something through our affiliate links or check out our sponsored content, we might earn a commission at no extra cost to you. But fear not, we’re all about recommending stuff we’re truly stoked about!

Learn More:

• A Beginner’s Guide to Portrait Photography Angles
• Four Simple Beginner Photography Tips

Hero photo by frantic00 via Shutterstock

The post These Beginner Tips Will Get You Better Photos With Your Action Camera appeared first on Photography Talk.

Photography is a game of angles, and mastering how and when to use different angles to your advantage is one of the keys to successful photographers. This rings especially true in portrait photography, which is why this article is all about portrait photography angles!

In this beginner’s guide to portrait photography angles, we’ll examine various popular portrait photography techniques guaranteed to take your images to the next level. These include eye-level photography, high-angle photography, low-angle photography, over-the-shoulder photography, close-up photography, and more.

Additionally, we’ll recommend one of our favorite pieces of gear for portrait photography. Now, who is ready to learn more about portrait photography angles with us?!?

Check out the video above by Glyn Dewis to discover five portrait photography tips that will instantly improve your portraits.

Table of Contents

• Portrait Photography Angles: Shoot at Eye Level
• Try High Angle or Low Angle Shots for More Drama
• Portrait Photography Angles: Use Over-the-Shoulder Shots for a Unique View
• Close Up vs Medium vs Long Shots in Portrait Photography
• Try Varying Facial Views, Too
• More Portrait Photography Tips

Portrait Photography Angles: Shoot at Eye Level

Photo by Rock and Wasp via Shutterstock

The most widely used portrait photography angle is the eye-level shot. Eye-level portraits are great because they place the viewer and the subject on the same plain, making it easy for the viewer to connect with the subject. Moreover, portraits with the subject looking directly into the camera are usually more visually attractive. 

Another reason many people shoot eye-level portraits is that they are easy—you don’t need a tripod or any other advanced equipment. If you are new to portrait photography angles, we suggest getting comfortable with this angle before moving on to the more creative ones we discuss below.

Try High Angle or Low Angle Shots for More Drama

Photo by Viktoriia Hnatiuk via Shutterstock

You can try shooting high- and low-angle portraits to add drama to your images. High-angle portraits are popular because they naturally guide attention to the face (the key to gorgeous portraits) instead of the body. When shot correctly, high angles also add an appealing slimming effect that people like. A super trendy style of high-angle photography is birds-eye-view shots.

In contrast, low-angle portraits give your subjects a sense of authority and power. They are ideal for professional headshots, athletes, and shorter subjects who want to appear taller than they truly are. One word for the wise is to tread carefully with low-angle photography, though. If not captured well, the results can be extremely unflattering.

One amazing tool for low-angle portrait photography is the OctoPad. It’s an innovative and compact travel tripod alternative that provides unmatched stability on various surfaces, including wet, smooth, and uneven ground.

Better still, it’s compatible with all types of cameras (mirrorless, DSLR, point-and-shoot, action, etc.) and other gear like smartphones, microphones, and lights, giving you unmatched versatility for capturing low-angle portraits. On the one hand, you can put your camera on an OctoPad to get a beautiful low-angle shot of your subject. On the other hand, you can position a light on an OctoPad to illuminate your subject for a pleasing result.

Getting high-quality portraits is mostly about your skill behind the lens. However, having the appropriate gear certainly helps! With OctoPad in your bag, you’ll have a versatile, functional, compact, and budget-friendly gadget to rely on for the best results.

Portrait Photography Angles: Use Over-the-Shoulder Shots for a Unique View

Photo by Master1305 via Shutterstock

Over-the-shoulder portrait photography angles display a sense of interaction and mystery. For example, if you include someone in the foreground of your photograph, it can give the impression that the photo was candid (even if it wasn’t!). This is an excellent example of lifestyle portrait photography.

Contrarily, you can use over-the-shoulder portrait photography to add mystery and intrigue to your images. People love the unknown and are often super drawn to over-the-shoulder portraits. This portrait photography technique is especially popular in advertising and fashion photography. 

Close Up vs Medium vs Long Shots in Portrait Photography

Photo by Romanchini via Shutterstock

Depending on the story you want to tell, you can use different portrait photography angles, such as close-ups, medium, and long shots. Close-ups usually focus exclusively on the face and are often referred to as headshots in the portrait photography industry. Medium shots typically capture the subject from the waist up, while long shots include the entire body.

Close-ups are all about fine details, and their main goal is to transmit information to the audience by “filling the frame.” Medium shots are the go-to option for many business portraits and school portraits. Lastly, long shots are ideal for group portraits and when you want to include background elements in the frame.

Try Varying Facial Views, Too

Photo by Dean Drobot via Shutterstock

The last simple but effective portrait photography technique to play around with is facial angles. Instead of always shooting your subjects straight on, why don’t you ask them to try some new poses during your next shoot? Some portrait photography angles to try are 3/4 view, profile view, or even completely looking away from the camera.

Profile portraits are often some of the most elegant and attractive photos. One top tip is to shoot profiles from both sides because, more often than not, people are not symmetrical, and one profile will look slightly better than the other. 

More Portrait Photography Tips

Photo by Lordn via Shutterstock

The portrait photography angles covered above are, without a doubt, the most common ones. Therefore, if you want your photos to stand out, you should get used to experimenting with all of them during your photo shoots. Simply by implementing those portrait photography techniques, you will notice day and night improvements!

Finally, as a bonus, here is a list of more tips for portrait photography to consider:

• Invest in the right gear for portrait photography. The OctoPad is our favorite tool, but other essentials include prime lenses, backdrops, and a lighting kit. 
• Find simple, uncluttered backgrounds to avoid distracting the viewer. 
• Focus on the eyes and emotions to boost your visual storytelling. 
• Use the right camera settings for portrait photography (e.g., fast shutter speed, high aperture, autofocus).
• Get to know your models and establish a rapport before working with them.

Heads up: Clicking on our affiliate links and exploring our sponsored content helps us at no extra cost to you, and we only recommend gear we’re absolutely crazy about!

Learn More:

• How to Choose the Perfect Portrait Photography Location
• The Art of Child Portrait Photography

The post A Beginner’s Guide to Portrait Photography Angles appeared first on Photography Talk.

If you want to improve the quality of your food photography, you’ve stumbled upon the right place! In this guide to food photography composition techniques, we’ll share five simple tips that will instantly enhance your images’ visual appeal and overall quality.

We’ll touch on techniques such as styling and arrangement, negative space, point of view, and more. Additionally, we’ll share a must-own piece of photography gear for food photography. Finally, as a bonus, we’ve included a short list of more essential food photography tips at the end of the article.

While most of the techniques discussed below are tailored toward beginner and intermediate photographers, everything also applies to professional photographers. So, there is plenty to take away, regardless of your photography experience or skill level. With that in mind, let’s get to it! 

Check out the video above by Lauren Short to learn how to use compositional techniques to improve your food photography. 

Table of Contents

• Food Photography Composition: Styling and Arrangement
• Techniques for Food Photography Composition
• Negative Space as a Compositional Tool
• Point of View Impacts the Composition
• Dynamic Techniques for Food Photography Composition
• Final Thoughts on Food Photography

Food Photography Composition: Styling and Arrangement

Photo by Aurela Redenica on Unsplash (license)

The easiest way to ensure good food photography composition is to arrange the food attractively before taking pictures. Exploring different organizational techniques for arranging food will lead to more visually appealing images. Factors to consider when creating the scene include colors, texture, and shape.

Two more styling tips are incorporating background elements and choosing appropriate props. Background elements can make or break a photo, so you always want to use elements that complement your main subject. Similarly, appropriate (and properly placed) props will enhance the mood and storytelling of your photos instead of creating unwanted distractions. 

Techniques for Food Photography Composition

Photo by Smit via Shutterstock

The simplest food photography composition technique is the rule of thirds. What is the rule of thirds? As you can see above, it’s an imaginary grid that divides your frame into thirds, both horizontally and vertically. Where these lines intersect, you should try to position your food because it will generate more interest and create more balanced images.

You can also use food photography composition techniques like leading lines, symmetry, and asymmetry. Leading lines help direct the viewer’s eyes through the photos and draw attention to the food. At the same time, symmetry adds visual harmony, while asymmetry creates a sense of tension. Depending on your desired look and feel, one will work better. 

Negative Space as a Compositional Tool

Photo by Marios Gkortsilas on Unsplash (license)

Like in portrait and product photography, using negative space as a food photography composition tool can yield spectacular results. It naturally and effectively isolates your subject within the frame, giving the food “breathing room” that highlights it. Moreover, negative space adds a sense of depth, especially when you use shallow depth-of-field effects.

Don’t go wild with negative space, though. You should always look for a good balance between your subject and the negative space. Otherwise, the food you are trying to photograph could get lost in the background, and your food photography composition will be less visually pleasing. 

Point of View Impacts the Composition

Photo by Kamala Bright on Unsplash (license)

Point of view and angle also play a big role in food photography composition. Different perspectives can drastically change the mood and storytelling of your image. Therefore, you should play with different angles throughout your photo shoot until you find the perfect one. Popular perspectives to try are low-angles, close-ups, eye-level, and overhead shots. 

Using low-angles for food photography creates unique photos different from what you usually see online in food ads and on Instagram. As shown above, using a low angle emphasizes the profile of the dessert while also allowing the photographer to highlight the color and texture of the strawberries in the foreground.

Our favorite piece of camera gear for low-angle food photography is the Octopad. It’s a one-of-a-kind stabilizing device that provides unmatched stability and portability…

Thanks to its compact size, the Octopad is super portable whether you are walking around the photo studio or traveling around the world. Additionally, its small footprint makes it easy to work with, even when shooting on small tables with limited space.

And if that wasn’t enough, the Octopad is one of the most versatile pieces of photography gear on the market. It’s compatible with DSLRs, mirrorless cameras, action cameras, smartphones, microphones, monitors, lights, and more!

That means you can throw this little gadget in your camera bag and use it for all sorts of photoshoots, food photography and otherwise. And since it’s a small, lightweight stabilizing device, it won’t take up much space in your bag, unlike a traditional tripod. What’s not to like?!

Dynamic Techniques for Food Photography Composition

Photo by Yuriy Golub via Shutterstock

Last but not least, we recommend spicing up your food photography by incorporating dynamic composition techniques. For example, you can use elements of movement (sprinkling salt, pouring sauce, dancing flames, etc.) to add dynamism and narrative to your pictures.

Other dynamic food photography composition techniques include layering, stacking, framing, and cropping. Layering and stacking typically add depth and more visual interest. Framing and cropping, on the other hand, can focus attention on specific details of a food photography scene. 

Final Thoughts on Food Photography

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Although food photography composition is important, it’s not the only thing to keep in mind when photographing food. With that said, here are some more food photography tips to help you achieve better results. 

• Invest in the right camera equipment for food photography (camera, lenses, tripod, etc.). 
• Lighting plays a HUGE role. Don’t be afraid to experiment with natural and artificial light. 
• Use shallow depth of field (bokeh) effects to isolate the food from the background. 
• Edit your photos in post-production to enhance the vibrancy of colors (but don’t overdo it). 
• Get creative, try different things, and practice!

A quick heads-up: If you snag something through our affiliate links or check out our sponsored content, we might earn a commission at no extra cost to you. But fear not, we’re all about recommending stuff we’re truly stoked about!

Learn More:

• The Best Backdrop for Food Photography
• iPhone Food Photography Tips for 2022

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Landscape photography covers a large array of ideas for interesting, compelling, and gorgeous images. Adding artificial light for landscape photography is one such idea that deserves a look.

What would you use artificial light for landscape photography? What type of landscape photography lighting gear is useful? I’ll answer these questions and also give some helpful tips in this landscape photography lighting guide! 

Table of Contents:

Why Use Artificial Light for Landscape Photography?

The first question people will probably ask when reading this article is, “Why would we use artificial light for landscape photography?”

Two good reasons to use artificial light for landscape photography are to create or enhance foreground interest and to balance out contrast extremes. Let’s take these one at a time.

Foreground Interest

Photo by Denis Belitsky via Shutterstock

Adding artificial light works fantastically for creating or enhancing foreground interest. It can also highlight aspects of the scene elsewhere in the frame, such as an off-center element. 

This technique is especially useful when the foreground subject you want to use as an important part of the composition is backlit or otherwise too dimly lit to impact the photo.

Here’s how to do it: Set up your scene as you normally would, adjusting the exposure to capture the landscape. Then, add a light for the foreground subject. While your camera’s built-in flash may work in some instances, you’ll likely need something more powerful or closer to the subject for situations like this.

Many digital camera systems have amazingly accurate and versatile flash units that work with the camera’s AF and metering system to perfectly balance the combined exposure. 

Here is a nice YouTube video from Øyvind Martinsen showing how to use fill flash for landscape photography:

Sometimes, you won’t want a perfectly balanced exposure but rather a foreground subject that pops out at you. A small, portable LED light source is a better choice in these situations. A camera mount system like the Octopad is handy for this use, whether for a foreground subject or something else in the frame.

A handheld LED light or a flashlight can be used to create a light painting within a landscape image. This technique is usually best when the ambient light is very low, such as during Blue Hour, twilight, or fully dark nighttime.

Balance Contrast

Photo by Smit via Shutterstock

Situations for using artificial light in landscape photography will often be similar to those discussed above. Instead of highlighting the foreground objects, however, we can also blend in and balance the artificial light with the natural or ambient light.

The automated flash systems on the camera or the LED lights placed near the subject could be utilized for this style of using artificial light for landscape photography. To fine-tune exposures, you can also use some of the controls in post-processing programs such as Lightroom or Luminar.

In the image above, for example, you might add lighting to the cave to balance the darkness of the walls and cave floor with the brightness of the scene outside the cave.

Types of Artificial Light for Landscape Photography

Photo by Skamai via Shutterstock

I use three types of artificial light for landscape photography. 

A large reflector like the one shown above can be used to modify light, directing reflected light toward the subject that needs illumination. An on-camera flash unit is a simple method for adding light that can work with your camera’s automation.

The third type of artificial light for landscape photography, a portable LED light, is what I consider the most versatile. Battery-powered LED lights for photography can be placed anywhere you need them, the power level is adjustable, and many of them have controls for changing the color temperature of the light emitted to match what’s already in the scene.

Useful Accessories for Landscape Photography Lighting

For many of the situations in which we need to add artificial light for landscape photography, we also need that light to be placed off-camera.

Octopad is the most useful light holder for landscape photography lighting due to its unique combination of features. 

The first feature I like to highlight is that it can go anywhere. Octopad is a semi-rigid, weighted disk made of heavy-duty material with a non-slip pad on the bottom. With this construction, it can be placed on any surface, even if that surface is angled up to 45 degrees. 

Octopad has a ball head on top that can also be combined with an extension arm if more height is needed. It’s easy to carry in a camera backpack, and since it’s low-priced, you can keep two or more on hand for using several lights. It can also be used as a tripod alternative to hold a camera and lens, or it can hold a remote microphone for videography.

Photo Ideas Using Artificial Light for Landscape Photography

Photo by Anton on Unsplash

Your creative brain is already working, creating all sorts of situations in which you could use artificial light when photographing landscapes. 

One situation that often arises is shooting into the sun’s direction for whatever artistic reason you’re employing. This leaves the foreground parts of the scene pretty much backlit or falling into shadow. 

Light painting, either extreme or subtle, is a fantastic use of artificial light for landscape photography. It can be quite striking when used as an art form in its own right, but I think the subtle use of light painting often creates a beautiful landscape with clearly defined objects throughout the scene.

Let’s not forget environmental portraiture. What better way to create an environmental portrait than to put the subject in the environment and use them as part of the landscape? 

Architectural subjects, such as abandoned structures in rural areas, can also be great subjects for using artificial light in landscape photography. If you put your mind to it, you’ll come up with dozens of other ideas for landscape photography lighting.

A quick heads-up: If you snag something through our affiliate links or check out our sponsored content, we might earn a commission at no extra cost to you. But fear not, we’re all about recommending stuff we’re truly stoked about!

Learn More:

• Summer Landscape Photography Tips
• Is a Zoom or a Prime the Best Lens for Landscape Photography?

The post Use Artificial Light for Landscape Photography? Yes, You Can! appeared first on Photography Talk.