Looking for creative landscape photography ideas often leads me in unexpected directions – it can be for you as well. Follow me as I go through some landscape photography ideas I have found helpful in continuing to capture more and different images.

Table of Contents

• Landscape Photography Ideas – Blue Hour
• Landscape Photography Ideas – Low Angle
• Landscape Photography Ideas – Telephoto Compression
• Landscape Photography Ideas – Black & White
• Landscape Photography Ideas – Make Canvas Prints

Landscape Photography Ideas – Blue Hour

Photo by Wojciech Dziadosz via Shutterstock

Blue hour photography is a wonderful method for capturing awesome and unique landscape images. What is blue hour photography, and what makes it part of my list of unique landscape photography ideas to try?

Blue hour photography refers to a time of day with a particular lighting characteristic – blue light. Many photographers know golden hour backward and forwards. Golden hour refers to the time of day just after sunrise or coming up on sunset. 

In golden hour, the sun is above the horizon but low in the sky. With the sun low in the sky, the light passes through more atmosphere and takes on a somewhat warm and golden hue. This makes for beautiful landscape images.

Photo by Mr. Simon Paul via Shutterstock

Blue hour is when the sun is below the horizon, but the sky is still lit by sunlight. With the sun out of the picture (literally!), the wavelengths of light are more similar to nighttime conditions. The color hues are decidedly cool, leaning towards purple, violet, and blue. Hence the name blue hour.

What time is blue hour? In the morning, it is from an hour or so before to right before sunrise. In the evening, it is just after the sun dips below the horizon and lasts for about another hour. Before or after blue hour is entirely nighttime. The actual length of time will depend on the season, the weather, and your latitude.

Calculating proper exposure can be tricky, with some light values requiring shutter speeds of several seconds. However, the beautiful results are well the effort required for landscape photography ideas involving the magic of Blue Hour.

Landscape Photography Ideas – Low-Angle

Photo by Kedardome via Shutterstock

Extreme low-angle photography is one of the better landscape photography ideas for unique images. Zooming with your feet is a common method for changing the view of a landscape scene. As the name indicates, you just walk closer to the subject to frame a tighter shot. Low-angle photography is similar in intent.

Lowering your camera almost to ground level creates a unique perspective that can work wonders with certain landscape photography scenes. It works especially well with extreme depth-of-field effects with foreground interest. The image above, for example, benefits from a low-angle perspective because it fills the foreground with the beautiful long exposure effect of the water rushing over the rocks in the stream.

Landscape Photography Ideas – Telephoto Compression

Photo by skyNext via Shutterstock

Forced perspective tricks can be accomplished as landscape photography ideas by using lenses other than the normal range of lenses often used in photography. Ultra wide-angle lenses stretch apparent perspective, which is a common effect in landscape photography.

Going to the other extreme and using very long lenses gives a forced perspective effect known as telephoto compression. Instead of stretching the apparent perspective, this effect compresses the apparent perspective, making objects seem to be closer to each other.

In the video above, Henry Turner explains how to use telephoto compression in landscape photography.

Read more: Is a Zoom or a Prime the Best Lens for Landscape Photography?

Landscape Photography Ideas – Black & White

Photo by Sam Kranz via Shutterstock

Black-and-white landscape photography ideas are part of what got me into this field in the first palace. Seeing what Ansel Adams could do with a landscape scene and black & white film and paper was magical.

You can do black-and-white in film and in digital photography, too. Digital black-and-white landscape photography ideas can turn a current scene into a classic and timeless work of art. Do it in-camera with its black-and-white mode or use a post-processing program like Adobe Photoshop Lightroom to adjust any color digital image file.

When creating black-and-white images, focus your attention on elements of the scene that provide interest in the absence of color. It’s common to look for textures and patterns that catch the viewer’s eye. The image of the beach above is a good example of this. The beach sand takes on an almost asphalt-like appearance. Combined with the softer texture of the water coming ashore and the linear element of the horizon, this photo is oozing with detail!

Landscape Photography Ideas – Make Canvas Prints

With these unique and special landscape photography ideas captured in your camera, you will want to display them in the best form possible. If you ask me, a large canvas print from Artbeat Studios is a marvelous way to showcase the results of these landscape photography ideas.

I’ve used Artbeat Studios for years to order prints of all shapes and sizes. And one thing has rung true for all of them – the exceptional quality. Beyond the inherent value of a well-made print, you can also benefit from features like different styles, wraps, and frame options to tailor the look of your print to your specific needs and likes.

Artbeat Studios ensures the best-looking prints by using archival inks to print the image on the canvas. The canvas is then wrapped around a frame made with real wood bars that prevent the canvas from sagging or drooping over time. The result is a canvas print of your landscape image that stands the test of time – as it should!

Generating your print is simple, too. Start the process using Artbeat Studios’ online order portal, and you’ll have a gorgeous print at your doorstep in a few days!

Implementing these unique landscape photography ideas and then printing them as canvas prints will lead you in unexpected directions, resulting in the beautiful art of your favorite genre of photography.

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
• Photography Tips: Techniques for Beautiful Landscapes

Hero shot by IZZ HAZEL via Shutterstock.

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In this article, we’ll share seven tips and techniques to help you achieve better results in newborn photography. From creating a comfortable and friendly environment to sharing those precious moments with others, these tips will empower you to shoot stunning images that parents will cherish forever.

Whether you’re a professional photographer specializing in newborns or a parent looking to capture beautiful memories of your little one, we’re here to help you take your newborn photo skills to the next level. Now, it’s time to dive into newborn photography and unlock the secrets to achieving better results with the help of our tried-and-true tricks!

Check out the video above by Kelly Brown to see how a professional newborn photographer typically conducts a session and to learn her insider tips. 

Table of Contents

• Newborn Photography Tricks: Invest in the Right Gear and Props
• Newborn Photography Tricks: Have a Good Relationship With the Parents
• Newborn Photography Tricks: Take Posed & Lifestyle Shots
• Newborn Photography Tricks: Family Love
• Newborn Photography Tricks: Lighting & Angles are Key
• Newborn Photography Tricks: Think Creatively & Be Flexible
• Newborn Photography Tricks: Bring All Your Hard Work Together in a Beautiful Print

Newborn Photography Tricks: Invest in the Right Gear and Props

Photo by Tatyana Vycvia Shutterstock

Just like every other genre of photography, having the right equipment is essential for newborn photography. Besides a camera and lens (we recommend having a good prime and macro lens), you will also want to invest in a stable tripod, a lighting kit, and backdrops.

Props and accessories are equally important. Our favorite props are toys, baby blankets, pillows, clothes, and hats/headbands. On the other hand, useful accessories include baby wipes, hand sanitizer, heating pads, and other baby-related items. 

Newborn Photography Tricks: Have a Good Relationship With the Parents

Before you shoot a newborn photography session, you always want to establish a good relationship with the parents. If everyone is on the same page before the start of the photo shoot, your life will be infinitely easier, and the parents will ultimately be happier with your work.

Additionally, they will trust you more with their child and hopefully won’t be continuously looking over your shoulder or trying to micromanage you while shooting. This gives you a lot of confidence, makes you more relaxed, and will improve the quality of your photos. 

Newborn Photography Tricks: Take Posed & Lifestyle Shots

Photo by Katrina Elena via Shutterstock

There are two common types of newborn photography, posed and lifestyle. Mixing in both during a newborn shoot is good practice because it will give your images more variety. Moreover, while playing around with posed shots is incredibly fun, natural lifestyle shots often create some of the best memories. 

Posed shots are easier to do in the first two weeks after the baby is born because this is their “sleepy” and easygoing phase. After that, they usually become slightly more difficult to capture. Alternatively, you can do lifestyle shots anytime during the first two months. Then they graduate and lose the “newborn” title. 

Newborn Photography Tricks: Family Love

Photo by pyrozhenka via Shutterstock

Even though the clear star of any newborn photography shoot is the baby, we love taking a few group portraits, too. This includes mother/baby photos, father/baby photos, parent/baby photos, sibling/baby photos, and family portraits. 

As the newborn ages, these images are often some of the most treasured pictures by the parents and the ones that stay hung up around the house the longest. At the same time, they make ideal gifts for grandparents, other family members, and friends.

Newborn Photography Tricks: Lighting & Angles are Key

Photo by Vad-Len via Shutterstock

As cute as babies naturally are, they can be incredibly challenging to photograph because of their small and uneven sizes. Due to this, it’s critical to shoot in a well-lit space and to choose your angles wisely. If you don’t, you will be shocked (and sometimes downright frightened, ha!) when you review your images.

We prefer working with natural lighting, but you always want to carry a lighting kit just in case. Some of the most popular angles to shoot from are birds-eye-view (overhead), getting level with them, and over the shoulder. 

Newborn Photography Tricks: Think Creatively & Be Flexible

Photo by Svetlana Satsiukvia Shutterstock

Creativity and flexibility are two of the most important skills to be aware of when capturing newborn photography. For starters, the more creative you are, the happier the parents will be, and the more your work will stand out from the crowd and catch the attention of potential clients.

And flexibility is crucial because newborns are extremely unpredictable. You never know what will happen, and everything is out of your control. So, remember, as long as you stay flexible and go with the flow, you will walk away with a handful of good shots, even if nothing goes as planned.

Newborn Photography Tricks: Bring All Your Hard Work Together in a Beautiful Print

Last but not least, you want to display your newborn photos like a pro. And what better way to do that than by having your newborn photos printed as a large-format canvas?

Our yearly canvas print shootouts have revealed over the years that some companies are simply better than others. Namely, Artbeat Studios is frequently at the top of the quality list, and as such, your photos of newborns would be in good hands if you chose to order a print from the Artbeat team.

Not only does Artbeat Studios have a reputation for quality, but you can also rely on tons of choices. You can choose from Giclee or Metallic canvas, a .75-inch or 1.5-inch wrap, and either a white or black frame. No matter your choice of finishes, you will get a print with archival-quality inks and canvas, kiln-dried frames, and the option of ordering sizes as small as 8×8 up to as large as 48×96.

Heck, you can even order a custom-sized print if you want!

In other words, your newborn photos can be as beautiful and touching as you can make them, but if you have a bargain-basement company create your prints, all your hard work might be lost. Instead, rely on a top-quality outfit like Artbeat Studios. We trust them with our images – and you should, too!

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:

• What is Lifestyle Newborn Photography? 4 Tips for Getting Started
• Newborn Photography: Essential Tips for Capturing Precious Moments

Hero photo by Tatyana Vycvia Shutterstock.

The post Use These Newborn Photography Tricks to Get Better Results appeared first on Photography Talk.

Part of the program of summer landscape photography is simply finding the time to get out and shoot (which can be easier said than done!). But, you also need the skills behind the lens to get the best results.

In this article, I’ll share some essential tips to help you make the most of your summer landscape photography. We’ll cover everything from choosing the right time of day to utilizing natural elements, adjusting camera settings, and enhancing your photos through post-processing. In other words, you’ll get a dash of this and a dash of that, so you have a fully stocked toolkit to elevate your summer landscape photography game.

So, with that, let’s get to it!

Table of Contents

• Choosing the Right Time of Day for Summer Landscape Photography
• Utilizing Natural Elements in Summer Landscape Photography
• Camera Settings and Equipment for Landscapes
• Post-Processing Techniques for Summer Landscape Photography
• Bring It Home With a Beautiful Print

Choosing the Right Time of Day For Summer Landscape Photography

Photo by Piotr Krzeslak via Shutterstock

One of the most critical aspects of landscape photography is lighting, and the time of day plays a significant role in determining the quality of light. Understanding when to shoot can make a dramatic difference in your summer landscape photography photos.

Golden Hour

The golden hour, which occurs shortly after sunrise and before sunset, is a magical time for photographers. During this period, the sun is low in the sky, casting a warm, soft light that creates long shadows and enhances textures. The golden hour light is ideal for bringing out the rich colors of a summer landscape.

Blue Hour

Photo by Wojciech Dziadosz via Shutterstock

The blue hour is the time just before sunrise and after sunset when the sun is below the horizon, and the sky takes on a deep blue hue. This period offers a unique lighting condition that can add a moody and ethereal quality to your photos. It’s perfect for capturing serene and tranquil scenes.

Midday Challenges

While the golden and blue hours are perfect for landscape photography, sometimes you may find yourself shooting during the harsh midday sunlight. The light at this time is intense and can create harsh shadows and overexposed highlights. To manage this, look for shaded areas or use a polarizing filter to reduce glare and enhance colors. You can also experiment with black-and-white photography, where strong contrasts can add a dramatic effect.

Weather Considerations

Photo by midfon via Shutterstock

Needless to say, weather can significantly impact the quality of your photos…

Overcast days provide diffused light that reduces harsh shadows and brings out details in a summer landscape. Stormy skies can add drama and a sense of scale to your landscapes. As noted above, bright sunlight can create harsh shadows and tons of contrast that are ideal for black-and-white summer landscape photography.

Always keep an eye on the weather forecast and be prepared to adapt your plans accordingly. Getting the best results relies in part on working with what you’ve got. If you head out looking for only one type of landscape with the ideal weather conditions for that area, you’ll probably be disappointed! Don’t be afraid to pivot and pursue other types of images based on what Mother Nature is doing.

Utilizing Natural Elements in Summer Landscape Photography

Photo by Smit via Shutterstock

Incorporating natural elements into your compositions can elevate your summer landscape photography by adding depth, interest, and a sense of place. Reflections are a fantastic place to start. Water bodies like lakes, rivers, and ponds can create stunning reflections that add symmetry and balance to your photos. Position yourself at a low angle to capture the reflection clearly. Early morning or late afternoon is ideal for this, as the light is softer, and the water is often calmer.

Leading lines are another compositional tool you can use to create better shots. Lines are visual elements that draw the viewer’s eye through the image and towards the main subject. Natural features such as rivers, trails, and tree lines make excellent leading lines. Position these elements diagonally or horizontally to guide the viewer’s gaze across the frame.

Photo by Smit via Shutterstock

Using trees or branches to frame your shot can also improve the composition of your summer landscape photography. Specifically, trees or branches create a natural border and add depth to your composition. This technique helps to direct attention to the central subject while adding context and a sense of scale. Be mindful of how the light interacts with the foliage, creating interesting patterns of light and shadow.

Of course, we can’t miss out on discussing foreground interest…

Including elements in the foreground of your composition can add a sense of depth and scale. Flowers, rocks, or even patterns in the landscape can serve as compelling foreground subjects. Ensure that your foreground is in sharp focus to maintain clarity throughout the image.

Camera Settings and Equipment for Landscapes

Photo by Photostriker via Shutterstock

Choosing the right camera settings and equipment is crucial for capturing high-quality landscape photos. While each of the topics discussed below is far too broad to discuss in detail here, you can get a general sense of basic camera settings and equipment you’ll need for landscape photography.

Aperture and Depth of Field

Aperture settings play a significant role in determining the depth of field in your photos. For landscape photography, a smaller aperture (higher f-stop number), like f/8 to f/16, is ideal to ensure that both the foreground and background are in sharp focus. However, if you want to isolate a specific subject, a larger aperture (lower f-stop number), like f/2.8 to f/4, can create a beautiful bokeh effect.

Shutter Speed

Photo by Alex Borderline via Shutterstock

Shutter speed affects how motion is captured in your photos. For sharp, detailed images, use a faster shutter speed, like 1/500-1/1000 seconds. If you want to capture motion blur, such as moving water or clouds, experiment with slower shutter speeds, like 1/30th of a second or slower. But beware – a tripod is essential for long exposure shots to avoid camera shake.

ISO Settings

Keep your ISO as low as possible to reduce noise and maintain image quality. In bright conditions, an ISO of 100 or 200 is sufficient. In lower light situations, you may need to increase the ISO (say, to 800, 1600, or higher), but be mindful of the trade-off between sensitivity and noise. It’s worth studying the exposure triangle, too, so you understand the interrelationship between aperture, shutter speed, and ISO.

Essential Equipment

Aside from a sturdy tripod, polarizing filters are essential for summer landscape photography. These filters can enhance colors and reduce reflections, while neutral density (ND) filters allow you to use slower shutter speeds in bright conditions. Wide-angle lenses are ideal for capturing expansive scenes, while telephoto lenses can help you isolate distant subjects.

Post-processing Techniques for Summer Landscape Photography

As discussed in the video above by Sam & Hannah Bose Photography, post-processing is an essential step in bringing out the best in your landscape photos. Give their video a watch to get a full rundown on a complete start-to-finish editing process. I’ve listed a few critical editing tools and tips below as a quick-start guide for summer landscape photography post-processing, too:

• Start by adjusting the exposure to ensure that your image is correctly lit. Increase the contrast to make the colors pop and add depth to the scene. Be careful not to overdo it, as too much contrast can result in a loss of detail.
• Summer landscapes are full of vibrant colors. Use the saturation and vibrance sliders to subtly enhance these colors. For a more natural look, consider using selective color adjustments to boost specific hues without affecting the entire image.
•  High Dynamic Range (HDR) processing involves combining multiple exposures to capture a wider range of light and shadow details. This technique is particularly useful for scenes with high contrast, such as sunsets or sunrises. Most modern cameras have an HDR mode, or you can use post-processing software to merge your exposures.
• To capture wide, expansive landscapes, consider creating a panorama by stitching multiple images together. Use a tripod and overlap each shot by about 30% to ensure seamless merging. Panorama stitching software can then combine your shots into a single, stunning image.
• Selective editing allows you to adjust specific parts of your image without affecting the entire photo. Use tools like the graduated filter or radial filter to enhance the sky, add a vignette, or draw attention to a particular area. This technique helps to create a more balanced and visually appealing composition.

Bring it Home with a Beautiful Print

The final summer landscape photography tip I want to offer is the notion that you should select your very best images to have printed. The process of doing so can be enormously informative and helpful for your growth as a photographer.

Think about it…

Printing an image requires you to survey all the photos you took, pick the best ones, and take time editing them. Then ,you have to consider which of the final batch speaks most to you, and more importantly, why it speaks to you.

There’s something to be said for holding a print of your image in your hands as well. It’s one thing to see it on a computer screen, but to have a physical print you can feel and hang on your wall makes the experience all the more real.

Printing Options for Your Images

These days, your options for printing summer landscape photography are virtually limitless. You can work with any number of online printers to get things like metal, acrylic, canvas, or paper prints. But not all printing companies are made alike…

I’ve worked with Artbeat Studios for a number of years now, and they have always provided me with some of the very best prints I’ve ever gotten. This goes for all the various substrates they offer, too. I’ve reviewed their metal, acrylic, canvas, and paper prints over the years, and in each instance, I was blown away by the quality of the prints. Heck, they even turned one of my iPhone photos into a stunning metal print, as you can see in my video below:

Anyone can slap an image on a substrate and dropship it to you. But the folks at Artbeat Studios do so much more than that. Aside from having a team of highly-skilled artisans, Artbeat Studios uses only the finest-quality materials and cutting-edge tools to create your prints.

What’s more, the care they take for your images is truly impressive. I’ve been in their shop and watched them work, and you’d think every customer was their own mother or grandmother. The Artbeat team knows that your images are important to someone, so they want the viewing experience to be second to none.

So, once you’ve edited your favorite images, don’t trust anyone to do the job of turning them into prints. Give Artbeat Studios a try and experience products and services that are the cream of the crop!

Friendly disclaimer: Our articles may contain affiliate links that support us without costing you more, and sometimes we spice things up with sponsored content—but only for products we truly stand behind!

Learn More:

• Four Simple Beginner Photography Tips
• Is a Zoom or a Prime the Best Lens for Landscape Photography?

Hero photo by Smit via Shutterstock

The post Summer Landscape Photography Tips appeared first on Photography Talk.

This too shall pass, though! Especially if you’re proactive.

When creativity stalls, it’s time to explore new techniques and perspectives. Doing so will reignite your passion for photography, and might just help you find a new genre that excites you!

Below, I’ve outlined some unique and unusual creative photography ideas to help you break free from routine and discover fresh inspiration. Let’s dive into the world of creative photography and explore five innovative techniques that can transform your work!

Table of Contents

• Creative Photography: Print Your Work
• Creative Photography: Lensball Photography
• Creative Photography: Infrared Photography
• Creative Photography: Light Painting

Creative Photography: Print Your Work

Image Credit: Artbeat Studios

Printing your photos is a fantastic exercise when it comes to creative photography. On the one hand, you have to review your image and select the best ones to print, which helps you develop your creative eye and identify what works and what doesn’t from technical and creative standpoints.

On the other hand, you’re also required to edit your best work to make it truly shine. Sometimes, all you need is a productive post-processing session to kickstart your creative juices! The moment when you get your edits just right and your image pops off the screen can be really addictive.

But viewing your photos on your computer screen pales in comparison to seeing your creative photography hanging on your wall. There’s something to be said for the experience of seeing one of your photos in person – being able to touch it and experience the view as you gaze at the wall is so much more satisfying than looking at a computer (for me, anyway).

There are some “rules” you should be aware of when printing your photos, though…

Rules for Printing Photos

Image Credit: Artbeat Studios

First, don’t print every photo you take. Not only is that expensive, but it’s not necessary. Cull your collection to just a few examples of your best work and have them printed. Related to that is a second point – ensure the image files you send to the printing company are the right size, both in terms of the physical size of the image and the file size. Not paying attention to directives on those fronts can delay the process.

This brings me to my third rule – be careful what printing company you use. Online printing companies are ubiquitous these days, but not all are made alike. That’s why I’ve spent the last handful of years testing metal, acrylic, and canvas prints from companies far and wide, so I could determine which ones are worth my hard-earned money.

As I discuss in my video above, over and over again, Artbeat Studios has risen to the top of the heap in terms of quality. And this is true whether it’s a metal, canvas, or acrylic print. These folks simply know how to make a gorgeous photo to display on your wall.

How Artbeat Studios Can Help

Image Credit: Artbeat Studios

The Artbeat Studios team offers a variety of options for printing your photos, too. Aside from the substrates I listed above, you can choose from a virtually endless number of sizing options. Combined with various types of frames, mounts, and finishes, you can really dive deep to develop a print that speaks to the specific subject matter or your style.

What’s more, ordering a print from Artbeat Studios couldn’t be simpler. They’re headquartered here in Southern California, and their team of experts is at the ready to take your order and answer any questions. I’ve met most of the Artbeat team in my visits to their shop, and I have to say that these folks aren’t just supportive of their clients’ needs and wants – they downright bust their butts to ensure each client gets a top-quality print.

And that’s what it’s all about – you work hard to create a beautiful print, and you want your printer to work equally as hard to ensure your photo shines. There aren’t many companies that equal the experience of working with Artbeat, so if you are desperate to get out of a creative funk, check out Artbeat Studios’ lineup of products, get a print ordered, and be ready to be impressed!

Creative Photography: Lensball Photography

Photo by Julio Macias via Shutterstock

What is Lensball Photography?

Lensball photography involves using a glass lensball to create mesmerizing reflections of your surroundings. This technique adds a surreal twist to your photos, turning ordinary scenes into captivating visual narratives. The lensball acts as a wide-angle lens, compressing a 180-degree view into a small, crystal-clear sphere.

How to Get Started

To start with lensball photography, you’ll need a high-quality glass lensball, available in various sizes. Smaller lensballs are easier to handle, while larger ones provide more detail. Position the lensball in front of your camera and experiment with different angles and compositions. You can place it on a flat surface or hold it in your hand.

Tips for Stunning Shots

Focus on the Ball: Ensure your camera focuses on the image within the lensball, leaving the background blurred for a striking bokeh effect. You can see how to do this in the video above by Ralph Mayhew Photography.

Play with Perspectives: Try shooting from different heights and angles to capture unique reflections.

Incorporate Backgrounds: Use interesting backgrounds to enhance the overall composition. Landscapes, urban settings, and colorful scenes work particularly well.

Why It Works

Lensball photography forces you to think differently about composition and perspective. It challenges you to see the world in a new way, sparking creativity and helping you break out of your rut.

Creative Photography: Infrared Photography

Photo by Iwan Hainim via Shutterstock

What is Infrared Photography?

Infrared photography captures light that is invisible to the naked eye, revealing a hidden world of surreal colors and contrasts. By using infrared filters or specially modified cameras, you can create ethereal images that look like they belong in a dream.

How to Get Started

To begin with infrared photography, you’ll need an infrared filter that fits your camera lens or an infrared-converted camera. Infrared filters block visible light while allowing infrared light to pass through, creating stunning effects. Set your camera to a long exposure and experiment with different settings to find the perfect balance.

Tips for Stunning Shots

Shoot in Bright Light: As Thomas Heaton discusses in the video above, Infrared photography works best in bright sunlight, which provides the strongest infrared light.

Explore Nature: Foliage reflects infrared light beautifully, turning green leaves into a glowing white or pink.

Post-Processing: Infrared images often require post-processing to enhance colors and contrasts. Experiment with different editing techniques to achieve your desired effect.

Why It Works

Infrared photography allows you to see the world differently, capturing landscapes and scenes in a way that is impossible with regular photography. This fresh perspective can reignite your creativity and inspire new artistic directions.

Creative Photography: Light Painting

Photo by Dolan Mbengi via Shutterstock

What is Light Painting?

Light painting is a technique that involves creating long exposure photographs by moving light sources in front of the camera. This allows you to “paint” with light, resulting in vibrant and abstract images that can range from simple shapes to complex designs.

How to Get Started

To start light painting, you’ll need a camera with manual settings, a tripod, and a light source such as a flashlight, LED, or glow stick. Set your camera to a long exposure (typically 10-30 seconds) and move the light source in front of the lens during the exposure.

Tips for Stunning Shots

Experiment with Light Sources: As the video above by B&H Photo Video discusses, different light sources produce different effects. Try using various colors and intensities to see what works best.

Plan Your Design: Before you start, have a rough idea of the shapes or patterns you want to create. Practice your movements to ensure smooth and consistent light trails.

Use a Tripod: A stable camera is essential for sharp long exposure shots. A tripod ensures that the background remains steady while you move the light source.

Why It Works

Light painting is an incredibly creative and fun technique that allows you to experiment with color and motion. It pushes you to think outside the box and try new things, making it a perfect way to break out of a photography rut.

Creative photography techniques like these can help you break out of a photography rut. By exploring new methods and techniques, you can reignite your creativity and discover fresh inspiration. Embrace these techniques, experiment with them, and enjoy the process of capturing the world in new and exciting ways!

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:

• These Beginner Tips Will Get You Better Photos With Your Action Camera
• 5 Unique Exercises to Help Improve Your Photography Skills

Hero photo by oatawa via Shutterstock.

The post Creative Photography: How to Get Out of a Photography Rut appeared first on Photography Talk.

Selecting the ideal location for a portrait photography session can significantly impact the final results. The location sets the tone, complements the subject, and enhances the overall aesthetic of the photographs (if you choose the right location, anyway).

As an experienced photographer, I’ve learned that finding the perfect spot involves a blend of creativity, practicality, and foresight. This guide relies on that experience to help you navigate the essential factors in choosing the perfect portrait photography location. So, without further ado, let’s get to it!

Table of Contents

• Understanding the Purpose and Style of the Shoot
• The Prints of Your Photos Should Align With the Purpose and Style of the Shoot, Too
• Considering Lighting Conditions
• Assessing Background and Environment
• Accessibility and Convenience
• Pre-Shoot Location Scouting

Understanding the Purpose and Style of the Shoot

Photo by Shopping King Louie via Shutterstock

Choosing a portrait photography location begins with understanding the purpose and style of the shoot. The location should align with the theme and the subject’s personality to create a cohesive and visually appealing portrait.

The first step is to determine the shoot’s purpose. Are you capturing professional headshots, family portraits, or developing an artistic series? Each type of portrait has different requirements. For example, professional headshots might benefit from a clean, minimalist backdrop in a photo studio, while family portraits could be enhanced by a warm, natural setting outdoors.

Next, consider the desired style and mood. Are you aiming for a modern, urban look or a serene, nature-inspired feel? The location should reflect the intended vibe. Urban settings with architectural elements can convey sophistication and energy, whereas natural environments like parks and beaches evoke calmness and beauty.

Photo by Patrick Foto via Shutterstock

Incorporating locations that hold personal significance to the subject can add depth and authenticity to the portraits, too. Whether it’s a favorite park, a meaningful landmark, or even their home, these settings can bring out genuine emotions and stories that make your photographs all the better.

Lastly, ensure that the chosen location complements the subject’s wardrobe and the overall color scheme. Visual consistency helps create a harmonious and aesthetically pleasing portrait. For instance, a bright, colorful outfit may stand out beautifully against a neutral, urban backdrop. Avoid matching the subject’s outfits to the environment or, worse, to other people in the shot. Matchy-matching clothes are not a vibe you should go for!

The Prints of Your Photos Should Align With the Purpose and Style of the Shoot, Too

Image Credit: Artbeat Studios

The type of substrate you use to print your images has a lot to do with the final presentation of the shot. As such, it should align with the purpose and style of the photo.

For example, a metal print is modern and sleek, lending itself to edgier portraits, like street portraits or other portraits in urban settings. Now, metal prints aren’t only for modern, edgy portraits, of course, but they might be a more appropriate option than, say, canvas prints.

Speaking of canvas prints, more traditional portraits – like family portraiture – might be more conducive to printing on canvas. I personally love getting portraits printed on canvas because I like the texture and depth it adds to the shot.

But, not all canvas prints are made alike. You really have to be careful where you order canvases and other types of prints from, as the quality varies greatly from one company to the next. That’s why I’ve used Artbeat Studios for years and years – the quality of their products is consistently above average (and they have different types to choose from, as shown above). In fact, Artbeat Studios is responsible for many of the best prints I’ve ever ordered!

The quality of these prints isn’t the only upside to working with Artbeat Studios for your printing needs. They’re a dedicated team of professionals who will help you through every step of the process. Not sure what format your images should be in? They can help! Want to know more about sizing or the printing process? Just ask! Believe me – I’ve had plenty of questions for the Artbeat Studios team over the years, and in every instance, they’ve taken the time to walk me through the answers to my questions, so I’m a more informed consumer.

Anyway, back to printing portraits…

Like I said earlier, I really like the depth that canvas gives portraits, but it isn’t the best choice for all situations. Fortunately, companies like Artbeat Studios offer a range of products, so you can invest in the ones that best meet your needs. Aside from the canvas and metal options I’ve already mentioned, Artbeat Studios also offers paper prints, acrylic prints, and EZ stick metal prints. In other words, you have lots of choices when creating portrait prints!

Considering Lighting Conditions

Photo by dekazigzag via Shutterstock

Lighting is one of the most critical elements in portrait photography – its quality and direction can dramatically affect the mood and clarity of your portraits. When selecting a portrait photography location, it’s essential to consider the available lighting conditions, which can vary greatly:

• Natural light is often preferred for its soft, flattering qualities. When scouting locations, observe how the light interacts with the environment at different times of the day. The golden hour, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, offers warm, diffused light that is ideal for portraits. Avoid harsh midday sunlight that can cast unflattering shadows.
• In some situations, artificial lighting might be necessary. Urban settings with streetlights, neon signs, or indoor locations with controlled lighting can provide creative opportunities. Make sure the location has the appropriate power sources and space to set up your lighting equipment.
• Consider the direction from which the light is coming. Front lighting illuminates the subject evenly, while side lighting adds depth and dimension. Backlighting can create a beautiful halo effect but may require additional fill light to illuminate the subject’s face.
• Reflective surfaces, such as water, windows, and light-colored walls, can enhance natural light by bouncing it onto your subject. When scouting locations, look for elements that can act as natural reflectors to improve lighting conditions.

Assessing Background and Environment

Photo by ESB Professional via Shutterstock

The background and environment play a significant role in the overall composition of a portrait. A well-chosen background can enhance the subject and add context to the photograph. As such, pay attention to the elements in the background. A cluttered or distracting background can detract from the subject. Look for locations with clean, simple backgrounds or ones that naturally frame the subject, such as arches, doorways, or trees. Get more portrait photography location tips in the video below by Omar Gonzalez Photography:

Additionally, choose backgrounds that complement the subject’s attire and the intended color palette of the portrait. Harmonious colors can create a more cohesive and visually appealing image. For instance, a subject in earth tones will look great against a backdrop of greenery or autumn foliage. Incorporating depth into your portraits can make them more dynamic and engaging as well. Look for locations that offer layers or natural lines that lead the viewer’s eye toward the subject. This could be a path, a row of trees, or an alleyway.

The environment should also support the narrative of the portrait. As noted earlier, for a professional headshot, a modern office building might be appropriate, while a casual lifestyle shoot might be better suited to a park or a cozy café. The environment should add to the story without overpowering the subject, too.

Accessibility and Convenience

Photo by Kleber Cordeiro via Shutterstock

Practical considerations are crucial when choosing a portrait photography location. Ensuring the location is accessible and convenient for both you and your subject can prevent unnecessary stress and logistical issues. So, consider the travel distance to the location. It should be easily reachable for both you and your subject. Check for available parking or public transportation options, especially if the location is in a busy urban area.

Be aware that some locations require permits or fees for photography. Research these requirements ahead of time to avoid any legal issues. Public parks, historic sites, and private properties often have specific regulations for professional photography. Assess the availability of essential facilities as well, such as restrooms and changing areas. These are particularly important for longer shoots or sessions with multiple outfit changes. Nearby amenities, like cafes, can also provide convenience for breaks.

Of course, it’s paramount to have a plan for various weather conditions. Outdoor locations can be impacted by rain, wind, or extreme temperatures. Identify indoor or sheltered alternatives that can serve as backup locations if the weather doesn’t cooperate.

Pre-Shoot Location Scouting

Photo by Inna Igorivna via Shutterstock

Thorough pre-shoot scouting is key to ensuring a successful portrait photography session. Visiting potential locations in advance allows you to assess the environment and plan your shots more effectively. Schedule site visits at the same time of day as your planned shoot to evaluate the lighting and atmosphere accurately. Take test shots to see how the location looks through your lens and identify potential issues.

Utilize tools like Google Maps, photography apps, and social media to research locations as well. Platforms like Instagram and Pinterest can provide inspiration and insights into how other photographers have utilized the space. Also, check for Restrictions. During your scouting visit, look for any restrictions or obstacles that might affect your shoot. Look for signs indicating private property, restricted areas, or specific rules about photography.

Photo by FXQuadro via Shutterstock

Determine the best angles and compositions for your portraits during your pre-shoot visit, too. Consider the position of the sun, the direction of light, and the background elements. Having a plan will save time and help you capture the best possible shots.

With that, you have a few tips for choosing the perfect portrait photography location. It involves a blend of artistic vision and practical considerations to get the best results. But, by understanding the purpose and style of the shoot, considering lighting conditions, assessing the background and environment, ensuring accessibility and convenience, and conducting thorough pre-shoot scouting, you can find the ideal location to enhance your portraits.

Happy shooting!

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:

• A Beginner’s Guide to Portrait Photography Angles
• 3 Techniques That Will Completely Change Your Portrait Photography

The post How to Choose the Perfect Portrait Photography Location appeared first on Photography Talk.

Scrolling through Instagram and other social media platforms makes it easy to see other people’s photos and envy them. However, what if we told you, with a few simple tweaks, your feed could be the one your friends and family are blown away by? That’s right, and in this article, we’ll explain how!

Below, we’ll discuss four simple beginner photography tips that will instantly improve the quality of your photos. We’ll explore the basic rules of photography and when to break them, different photography styles, flash photography, the benefits of printing your photos, and more!

Now, without further ado, it’s time to learn the four simple photography tips that will help you achieve better results overnight. Let’s get to it!

Check out the video above by Pat Kay to discover twenty more essential photography tips for beginners. 

Table of Contents

• Beginner Photography Tips: Stop Using Your Camera’s Flash
• Break the Beginner Photography Rules
• Try Different Types of Photography
• Beginner Photography Tips: Print Your Work!
• More Beginner Photography Tips

Beginner Photography Tips: Stop Using Your Camera’s Flash

Photo by Koldunov via Shutterstock

When shooting at night and in other low-light situations (sunrise, sunset, indoors, etc.), most beginner photographers immediately want to use their camera’s flash. We are here to tell you—don’t do it! 

Built-in flashes are notoriously difficult to use, and, more often than not, you won’t be happy with the results. Why? There are many reasons, but the most common issues are washed-out colors, harsh shadows and contrast, unwanted noise, and horrible “red eye” effects. 

So, what are your alternatives? The best way to eliminate the need to use your flash is to use natural light whenever possible. This means prioritizing taking photos during the day and outdoors compared to at night and indoors. Reflectors, screens, and ND filters are useful photography gear for working in natural light. 

Another technique is to shoot long-exposure photography. By slowing down your shutter speed, more light will reach your camera’s sensor, leading to brighter images. One important thing to note is that you need a tripod to capture long exposures. If you don’t use a tripod, your images will be blurry and out of focus. 

Lastly, if you are dead set on using artificial light, you must invest in a good external flash or a portable lighting kit. External flashes can be used on or off-camera, while lights are ideal for creating moods and atmospheres.

Break the Beginner Photography Rules

Photo by Dolan Mbengi via Shutterstock

Most of the time, beginners should follow photography’s basic rules and guiding principles. That said, don’t be afraid to occasionally experiment and break those rules! Ditching the rules from time to time is a great way to indulge your inner creativity and play around with more unique shots. The more you do this, the quicker you discover what does and doesn’t work for you.

If you can only focus on one rule, it should be the rule of thirds. Simply put, the rule of thirds states that if you divide your image into nine equal quadrants, the most important elements should fall at the intersecting points of the quadrant lines. Learn everything about it, and practice it diligently until you master it. Once you’ve done that, you can start to ignore it and see how the results differ. Two types of photography where disregarding the rule of thirds can lead to stunning results are macro and portrait photography.

Try Different Types of Photography

Photo by 22Images Studio via Shutterstock

Another beginner photography tip is to shoot all different types of photography when you are getting started. New photographers tend to have one specific genre of photography in mind when they first pick up a camera and will only shoot images related to that topic. 

For example, landscape photographers may only bring their cameras with them when they go hiking or travel photographers only when they go on vacation. This limits their potential as photographers and slows their growth.

Instead, you should bring your camera with you everywhere! Even if you have a favorite type of photography, trying different ones teaches you what to look for in a scene, expands your creative eye, and enhances your visual storytelling skills. Here are a few of the most popular types of photography worldwide.

• Landscape photography
• Portrait photography
• Urban photography (street, architecture, cityscapes, etc.)
• Travel photography
• Wildlife photography

Beginner Photography Tips: Print Your Work!

Our last key beginner photography tip is to print your photos. You don’t have to print all of them, but after every photo shoot, event, or vacation, we suggest picking one or two of your favorites and printing physical copies.

An innovative new type of photography print perfect for beginners is EZ-Stick Metal Prints from Artbeat Studios. They share the same excellent quality and durability as traditional metal prints but with a twist—double-side, re-adherable adhesive. This means it’s quick to install them, you can easily move them around, and they won’t damage your walls.

We recommend Artbeat Studios because of their dedication to quality and friendly staff. We have ordered many prints from them over the years and have never been disappointed with their work. In addition to EZ-Stick Metal Prints, their product catalog includes metal prints, acrylic prints, canvas prints, and paper prints.  

Check out the video above by Artbeat Studios to see how beautiful and convenient EZ-Stick Metal Prints are.

More Beginner Photography Tips

Photo by romain-jorge via Shutterstock

Finally, here are some bonus simple beginner photography tips to help you level up your photography skills.

• Invest in the right beginner photography equipment (camera, lenses, tripod, etc.).
• Understand important camera settings (shutter speed, aperture, ISO, focus, etc.).
• Shoot during the right times of day (golden hour & blue hour).
• Don’t underestimate the importance of photography planning. 
• Learn the basics of photo editing (but don’t overdo it).

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.

Learn More:

• How to Shoot in Manual Mode – Beginner’s Guide With Examples
• What is Lifestyle Newborn Photography? 4 Tips for Getting Started

The post Four Simple Beginner Photography Tips appeared first on Photography Talk.

Newborn photography is a popular form of portraiture that focuses on capturing an infant in their first few weeks of life. It’s a beautiful art form, and sessions result in treasured heirloom photographs.

Lifestyle newborn photography moves beyond the delivery room documentation or posing table portraits and shows the infant moving out into the big wide world. Similar to lifestyle portraits for older kids or adults, newborn lifestyle photography incorporates elements around the home or outside.

Let’s explore a few tips to help you capture the beauty of this stage of life!

Table of Contents:

• Lifestyle Newborn Photography in Natural Light
• Go Outside for Lifestyle Newborn Photography
• Include Family in Lifestyle Newborn Photography
• Handheld Camera Frees Up Framing and Posing
• Lifestyle Newborn Photography – Embrace the Fidgeting
• Provide High-Quality Prints of the Images

Lifestyle Newborn Photography in Natural Light

Photo by  Elizaveta Galitckaia via Shutterstock

Newborn lifestyle photography is a little different from the more traditional or formal portraits we may be used to. One of the things that makes this type of photography so special is that it puts the viewer into the image, making them feel a part of it.

Natural lighting for lifestyle newborn photography is a good way to make the viewer feel as though they are right there with the image. Within the parameters of natural lighting, we can still adjust or control certain aspects of lighting.

For instance, a collapsible 5-in-1 or 6-in-1 reflector can be used to great advantage. Not only can we redirect some of the light to create a lighting ratio or a fill light, but we can also change the color balance of that light by using either the warmer or cooler panels of the reflector kit. A gold panel warms things up, while a silver panel cools it down, white being mostly neutral.

Go Outside for Lifestyle Newborn Photography

Photo by Veda J Gonzalez via Shutterstock

Outdoor newborn lifestyle photography is the epitome of a natural look for this style of photography. The natural element is conducive to imparting feelings of unity, growth, togetherness, and the wonders of life.

We do need to exhibit care for outdoor newborn lifestyle photography. Extremes of heat or cold would not be a good idea, nor would windy weather or any precipitation. So, we can look for some alternatives to suggest the outdoors in our newborn lifestyle photography, such as an enclosed porch or perhaps a sunroom. An indoor botanical garden might work as well.

Include Family in Lifestyle Newborn Photography

Photo by  Bandak Dmytrovia Shutterstock

Indoors or outdoors, including family in the lifestyle newborn photography adds to the overall feel of togetherness we’re trying to capture and convey with our portrait sessions.

The newborn child exists within an established framework of family and friends. Remember, too, some friends are actually closer to some people than relatives may be, so it might be worthwhile to check that out during the pre-session discussions. 

Mom and Dad are obvious choices of who to include in the photos, but older siblings can be included if there are any. Some of the best moments come from that sibling reaction to their new baby brother or sister. Grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins, best friends, and any of these relationships are proper subjects to include.

Handheld Camera Frees Up Framing and Posing

In many portrait photography, lighting configurations and camera placement are static. They stay in one place with light stands, tripods, camera mounts, etc. For lifestyle newborn photography, freeing up the photographer’s movement by using the camera handheld is often better.

Handheld is a valid method for a lot of lifestyle portraiture. It especially comes in handy for any time we’re dealing with children as our subject matter. Of course, we will want a high enough ISO or fast enough lens aperture to provide usable shutter speeds.

Lifestyle Newborn Photography – Embrace the Fidgeting

Photo by Natalia Lebedinskaia via Shutterstock

Since we’re keyed in on being able to use natural or portable lighting and using our camera handheld, we’re set up better to be able to capture those fleeting moments that come and go so rapidly with lifestyle newborn photography.

You might as well embrace the fidgeting, which can be any movement, not only an uncomfortable or crying child. Being adjustable ourselves is vital for any style of child portrait photography. Just be kind, be reasonable, and acquiesce to the parent’s or guardian’s wishes.

Provide High-Quality Prints of the Images

Once we’ve captured all those wonderful images in our lifestyle newborn photography session, we want to provide our clients with the best possible display methods.

Artbeat Studios has everything you would want in this regard. That perfect picture from the session can be made into an extraordinary, large wall art photo. Canvas prints work exceptionally well for newborn pictures. It has a charm that ties together all those aspects of family togetherness.

Here’s an example of the wonderful reaction you can cause by providing a family with ultra-high-quality photo prints of loved ones. It’s from the Artbeat Studios YouTube channel:

Alternatively, a modern or contemporary look and feel can be provided with high-quality metal and acrylic prints. All three of these printing options will give the family an heirloom piece of photo art commemorating the arrival of that precious newborn child.

The entire process of photographing newborns, from the pre-birth meeting with the client to the final delivery of a high-quality heirloom photo print, is a joy. Use these tips to make your lifestyle newborn photography images part of that family’s joy.

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:

• Newborn Photography: Essential Tips for Capturing Precious Moments
• Use These Newborn Photography Tricks to Get Better Results

The post What is Lifestyle Newborn Photography? 4 Tips for Getting Started appeared first on Photography Talk.