Often, I talk about the need to find your own way as a photographer and to test things out and experiment so you can find your own photography style and point of view.
But there's also something to be said for giving tried-and-true photography trends a try as well.
Now, this isn't to say that every photo you take should emulate what others are doing, but when you're struggling creatively, it sure doesn't hurt to scope out what other people are doing.
In the video above, Shelby Church doles out a few photography trends that can help you get artistic and fun photos.
I've outlined a few of my favorites below.
Editor's Tip: One of the best ways to learn new photography tricks is to join a workshop on location, like Monument Valley.
Use Smoke Bombs to Add Color
I love a good shot with a smoke bomb...
We're taught that color and texture are important elements in creating an eye-catching photo, and a smoke bomb is just the ticket for doing so.
As you can see in the screenshot above, the green smoke adds much-needed contrast to this shot, which is predominantly bright white.
What's more, the billowing clouds of smoke add an interesting texture to the foreground that gives the image a little more depth as well.
As Shelby points out in the video, these are not made to hold in your hand, so use extreme caution if you decide to use them.
Learn More:
Must-Have Props for Photography: Confetti Cannon
Sure, they make a huge mess, but confetti cannons are great additions to your photography for images that are fun and full of life.
Much like the smoke bombs discussed above, confetti adds tons of visual interest to your photos by adding color and texture to the shot.
The problem, of course, is that a confetti cannon is a one-and-done deal - once you twist the top off, you better be ready to take the photo.
Perhaps a better idea is to grab a handful of confetti and have the subject blow it out of their hands toward the lens.
As you can see above, you don't need a lot of confetti to have a huge impact on the shot.
Editor's Tip: Many of the best lenses are extremely expensive, but there are many prime lenses that perform well and are affordable.
Light Up Your Portraits With Sparklers
Using sparklers is yet another fun photography trend that you can tap into to create more interesting images.
There's really not a lot to explain with this tip...just light the sparkler and let your subject go wild!
The key with getting a great portrait when using these props for photography is to maintain focus on the subject (unless you want to blur them out on purpose).
Since the sparkler, confetti, and smoke will be closer to your lens than the subject's face, you'll need to be careful about focusing. In fact, you might need to put your lens into manual focus mode in order to prevent the autofocus from zeroing in on the prop you're using instead of the subject.
In any case, these props are all easy to use, super cheap, and will give your photos a little extra punch.
What's more, working with these and the other materials outlined in the video, you might just be able to come up with your own unique photography ideas as well!
Learn More:
- 10 Unique Photography Tricks Anyone Can Do At Home
- Get Better Smartphone Photos With These Simple Hacks