Use different angles, artful poses, props and interesting themes to create striking and out-of-the-ordinary portraitsHow to Take Creative Pictures
Instead of spending an enormous amount of time hunting for the perfect location, focus on the photo composition and proceed like an artist painting an image.
Photo Shoot Ideas for Models
Models come in different sizes, shapes, personalities and ages. Take these factors into consideration when planning for a photo shoot in order to prevent awkward expressions, especially if they are not professional models.
Creative Poses and Expressions for Models
Mimicking animals with graceful, sleek or pronounced gestures provide an endless number of posing options for the model. Good animals to imitate include a cat (sly and elegant), frog (ready and unpredictable), cheetah (quick and nimble), flying bird (light and free) and bald eagle (bold and fierce). As another option, objects can be personified and persons can be objectified to create an interesting picture.
In addition, make a list of all the adjectives and phrases that have the potential to produce creative expressions such as the words agony, freedom, ecstatic, drained, confident, sly, concerned, bold, proud, stealthy and mysterious.
Make-up and Costumes for Models
Make-up can play a big part in making the poses come alive at the photo shoot. Don’t be afraid to experiment with garish colors and original designs. Think outrageous and exotic, such as adding jewels over the eye shadow, outlining the eye with dark colors or coloring the lips with citrus colors and extending the lip line to form another shape.
To find ideas for costumes, jewelry and accessories, turn to classic movies, cartoons, plays and old eras. Outfits can be found in thrift shops like Crossroads Trading, Goodwill or Out of the Closet. Clothing pieces do not have to be fabric. They can also be made out of leaves and organic objects.
Themes, Props and Lighting for the Photo Shoot
Themes can be chosen by occupation (e.g. stewardess), subject (e.g. recyclables such as wearing a skirt made out of plastic bags), scene (e.g. forest) and color schemes (e.g. black and white).
For props, the kitchen is a great place to find an abundance of them such as eggs, fruits, honey, oil and flour. An example of using an egg as a prop: a cracked egg on a low glass table with a model posed under the table. This can create a unique effect that leaves room for artistic interpretation.
As for lighting, one can never go wrong with natural light. Use sunlight penetrating through half opened blinds and patterned fences to take advantage of the wonderful shapes, patterns and textures that result from the light. They can be reflected on the model’s legs, arms or face. Artificial lighting such as colorful light bulbs and glow sticks also work well.
Camera Angles for Taking Creative Pictures
Take advantage of the ability to shoot from different angles. Different POVs include shooting in the perspectives of a young child, an insect, a bird, a giant, a homeless person, etc. It may require one to get down and dirty or exert a lot of energy, but it can be well worth the effort.
Photo Shoot Locations
Possible photo shoot locations for models include houses, garages, apartment fire escapes, rooftops, backyards, car tops, grocery markets, forests and anywhere there is space.
The freedom to take creative pictures makes photography an art form. Maintain a creative mind by studying ads, magazines and books, and the photo shoot ideas will not run out.