Aesthetic Photography: How to take Aesthetic Pictures

Aesthetic photography has taken the world by storm. But what is it? Simply put, it’s the art of capturing photos that evoke feelings and emotions. In our digital age, everyone wants their pictures to stand out, to have that unique touch. Aesthetic photography does just that. It goes beyond just a snapshot; it tells a story, captures a mood, or simply takes your breath away.

Whether you’re scrolling through social media or looking at a magazine, aesthetic pictures have a way of catching your eye. So, how can you tap into this art form? In this blog, we’ll share some pro tips that will guide you on your journey to taking stunning aesthetic pictures. Let’s begin!

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What is Aesthetic Photography?

An aesthetic photograph is more than just a pleasing image. It’s crafted with intent. Every detail, from the light’s angle to the subject’s position, is chosen deliberately. But what truly sets it apart from other photography genres? It’s the depth of connection it establishes.

When a photo can reach into someone’s soul, stir memories, or spark imagination, it holds aesthetic value. Every element, from the subject to the colors and lighting, is chosen with purpose.

Originating from the Greek word “aisthētikos” which pertains to sensory perception, aesthetic photography seeks to deeply resonate with viewers, leaving a lasting impression or connection.

Difference between Style and Aesthetic

The terms “style” and “aesthetic” are often used interchangeably in various contexts, particularly in art and design. However, there are nuances that distinguish them. Here’s a breakdown of their differences:

Equipment for Aesthetic Photography

Well! Although A good camera can make capturing high-quality images easier. Aesthetic photography is less about the gear and more about the vision behind the lens. The best equipment won’t create emotion or tell a story on its own.

It’s the photographer’s perspective, creativity, and understanding of light and photography composition that truly shape an aesthetic picture. Remember, equipment is a tool; the artist wielding it makes the difference.

Recommendations for cameras and lenses

For those keen on investing in equipment, consider the following:

DSLRs: Brands like Canon, Nikon, and Sony offer cameras suitable for beginners to professionals. For starters, the Canon EOS Rebel series or Nikon D3500 are great choices.

Mirrorless Cameras: Lighter and more compact, brands like Fujifilm, Sony, and Olympus offer fantastic mirrorless options. The Sony A7 series or Fujifilm X-T series are noteworthy.

Lenses: Your choice of lens can impact the image’s depth, clarity, and perspective. A prime lens like the 50mm f/1.8 is versatile and excellent for portraits, while wide-angle lenses are perfect for landscapes.

The Role of Smartphones in Aesthetic photoshoot

The saying, “The best camera is the one you have with you,” rings especially true today. Smartphones, with their ever-evolving camera technologies, have become formidable tools in the hands of a creative photographer.

Besides, they’re portable, always accessible, and equipped with advanced editing apps. While they might not replace professional equipment for specific projects, they’re perfect for capturing spontaneous moments with an aesthetic touch.

Moreover, platforms like Instagram have paved the way for mobile photography. It proves that with the right vision, smartphones can produce breathtaking aesthetic photographs.

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How to take Aesthetic Pictures

So, here are some tips that serve as a foundation. It’s up to you to mold them, tweak them, and make them your own, creating images that echo your personal touch.

1. Understand Your Personal Aesthetic

Every photographer has a unique eye. Before diving deep into techniques, it’s crucial to understand your style. What colors, moods, and subjects resonate with you?

Do you lean more toward vibrant cityscapes or tranquil nature shots? Defining your personal aesthetic means embracing what you find appealing and translating that into your images.

2. Play with Lighting

Golden Hour Magic: Often considered the most magical time for photography, the golden hour—shortly after sunrise or just before sunset—casts a soft, warm glow that can transform any scene. This light is flattering for both portraits and landscapes.

Experimenting with Shadows: Don’t shy away from harsh midday sun or low-light environments. Shadows can add drama, depth, and intrigue to a photograph. They can carve out features, create patterns, and lead a viewer’s eye across the frame.

3. Use Natural Elements

From the delicate petals of a flower to the majestic expanse of a mountain range, nature offers countless subjects that can enhance the aesthetics of a photograph. Incorporate elements like water reflections, intricate leaf patterns, or the texture of tree bark to add depth and intrigue.

Different weather conditions can set varied moods. Rain can introduce reflections and a moody atmosphere, while fog can create a mysterious backdrop. Seasons, too, change the landscape dramatically, offering a plethora of options to capture, from the bloom of spring to the barrenness of winter.

4. Focus on Composition

Rule of Thirds: The rule of thirds involves dividing your frame into nine equal parts using two horizontal and two vertical lines. Placing your main subject along these lines or at their intersections can create a balanced and visually appealing image.

Leading Lines: These are lines within an image that lead the viewer’s eye to the main subject. It could be a pathway, a river, or a row of trees. Using leading lines can help guide the viewer through the image and create a sense of depth.

Other Compositional Techniques: Explore others like framing, symmetry, and patterns. Composition is essentially about arranging elements in a way that’s pleasing to the eye. Experiment to find what works best for your style.

5. Use Negative Space

Negative space refers to the empty or unoccupied areas around or between the subjects of an image. Instead of filling the frame entirely, allow some portions to remain void.

This not only accentuates your main subject but also offers a sense of tranquility and simplicity. By letting your subject breathe, you provide viewers with a break from visual clutter.

6. Get Creative with Colors

Understanding color theory can be a game-changer. Complementary colors (those opposite on the color wheel) can create vibrant contrasts.  While analogous colors (those next to each other) provide harmony.

Consider these relationships when composing shots to evoke specific emotions or highlight subjects. Once your image is captured, you can further refine its aesthetics using post-production software.

Tools like Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop allow photographers to adjust hues, saturation, and luminance. Whether you’re aiming for a vintage look or a cinematic tone, color grading can significantly elevate the aesthetics of a photograph.

7. Use Different Perspectives

The perspective from which you shoot can drastically change the feel and story of a photograph. Instead of always shooting at eye level, try different photography angles:

Low Angles: Shooting from below can make subjects appear larger or more dominant.

High Angles: Shooting from above offers an overview and can make subjects appear smaller or more vulnerable.

Side Angles or Diagonals: These can introduce dynamic tension or highlight depth.

8. Incorporate Textures

Textures offer a tactile dimension to photographs, making them feel more immersive. Whether it’s the roughness of a brick wall, the softness of a feather, or the ripple of water, textures add depth and interest.

When capturing textures, focus on details, and play with lighting to accentuate or soften them. A textured surface under specific lighting can create intriguing shadows, further enhancing the aesthetic appeal of a shot.

9. Experiment with Depth of Field

Depth of field (DoF) refers to the range within a photograph that appears sharp. By adjusting the aperture (the f-number on your camera), you can control this sharpness.

A lower f-number (e.g., f/1.8) results in a shallower depth of field, making the background blurry and highlighting your subject. Conversely, a higher f-number (e.g., f/16) provides a deeper depth of field, keeping both foreground and background in focus.

10. Tell a Story

Photography is a powerful medium to convey emotions, ideas, or narratives without words. Think of your image as a visual story. What do you want it to express? A desolate landscape might tell a tale of solitude.

A candid smile can speak volumes about joy. An abandoned building might whisper tales of bygone days. Before pressing the shutter, consider the emotion or story you wish to encapsulate within that frame.

11. Play with Reflections

Reflections can add a layer of depth and creativity to your images:

Mirrors: These can be used to show a different angle of your subject or introduce an element of surprise.

Water: Whether it’s a serene lake, a bustling city puddle, or raindrops on a window, water reflections can be mesmerizing. They can add symmetry, or with ripples, introduce a touch of abstract.

Other Reflective Surfaces: Think beyond the obvious. Surfaces like glass, polished metal, or even a pair of sunglasses can provide unique reflective perspectives.

12. Post-Production Tweaks

After capturing your shot, post-production can take your image from good to great. Here are some basic editing tips to enhance the aesthetics of your photographs:

Crop & Straighten: Sometimes, a slight adjustment in framing can make a huge difference. Cropping can help you emphasize your subject or eliminate distracting elements. Also, ensure your horizons are straight, especially in landscapes.

Adjust Exposure & Contrast: Brighten an underexposed image or tone down one that’s too bright. Playing with contrast can help define shadows and highlights, adding depth to your photo.

Color Correction: Adjust the temperature (warm or cool) and tint to ensure your image looks natural. This is especially crucial for portraits to ensure skin tones are accurate.

Saturation & Vibrance: While it’s tempting to push colors to their extremes, subtle enhancements often work best. Saturation affects all colors uniformly, whereas vibrance intensifies the muted colors without affecting well-saturated areas.

Sharpening: A little sharpening can help define details, but be cautious. Over-sharpening can introduce unwanted noise.

13. Stay Authentic

In a digital age where post-production tools are readily accessible, there’s a temptation to transform photos extensively. Here’s how to ensure your edits enhance rather than detract from this authenticity:

Natural Enhancements: While it’s okay to tweak exposure, contrast, or colors, aim to keep these adjustments true to the original scene. For instance, if you’re editing a sunset, enhance its natural colors without turning it into an unrealistic hue.

Avoid Over editing: Over-smoothening skin, exaggerating features, or removing every minor imperfection can make portraits look artificial. Embrace the little “flaws”; they often add character and make the image relatable.

Preserve Original Elements: Before removing or adding elements, ask yourself if it’s necessary. Does it aid the story or merely make the image “prettier”? Authenticity often lies in the untouched details.

Listen to Your Gut: If after editing, something feels “off” or too manipulated, it probably is. Trust your instincts and aim for a balance between aesthetic enhancement and authenticity.

Remember the Purpose: Photography is an art form that tells a story, evokes emotions, or captures a memory. While aesthetic appeal is important, it shouldn’t come at the expense of the photograph’s heart and soul.

Popular Aesthetic Photography Books

There are numerous books that delve into the realm of aesthetic photography from renowned photographers. Here are some popular aesthetic photography books for our audience:

“The Photographer’s Eye” by Michael Freeman: An essential read for understanding composition in photography. Freeman breaks down the “why” behind the aesthetics of great photographs, helping readers improve their eye for creating compelling images.

“The Art of Photography: An Approach to Personal Expression” by Bruce Barnbaum: This book is about the philosophy and artistic side of photography. It emphasizes the importance of vision and provides guidance on cultivating one’s personal style.

“The Nature of Photographs” by Stephen Shore: Renowned photographer Stephen Shore delves into the essence of photographs, explaining their depth and how they are perceived. This book aids in understanding the layers of meaning and aesthetics in photography.

“Annie Leibovitz At Work” by Annie Leibovitz: The legendary portrait photographer shares the stories behind some of her most iconic images, offering insights into her creative process and the aesthetics of portrait photography.

“Vivian Maier: Street Photographer” by Vivian Maier (Edited by John Maloof): Showcasing the stunning street photography of Vivian Maier, this book is a testament to the aesthetic beauty that can be found in everyday moments.

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Final Thoughts

So, as you continue your photographic journey, let these aesthetic guidelines be your compass. But don’t forget to let your individual style shine through. Try the process of discovery, experimentation, and expression.

Let your photos be a testament to your unique aesthetic style. And in doing so, you’ll not only capture moments but also the hearts and minds of those who view your work.

Here’s to the beautiful interplay of aesthetics and individuality in photography. May your lens always find beauty, and may your heart always guide its capture.