Like other types of photography, conceptual photography is the art of portraying an idea, emotion, or story through a two-dimensional image. It can also encompass using unusual techniques and equipment to produce a unique image. Conceptual photographers often experiment with materials, such as color, texture, light, and negative space, to create a more abstract or unusual effect.
Conceptual photography is photography that tries to communicate with the viewer on a deeper level. Instead of just showing the viewer a pretty photo, conceptual photographers show the viewer something more than simply a pretty photo. Instead of just showing the viewer a pretty photo, conceptual photographers show the viewer something more than simply a pretty photo.
Here are 5 Top Tips for Shooting Unique Conceptual Photos
Tip 1 – Dedicate the Time to Brainstorming and Planning
Getting inspiration from conceptual photography can be hard, especially after spending hours wandering through Instagram. What makes shooting conceptual photos so tough is the simple fact that you never really know what the outcome will be. You only have so much time, budget, and skills to work with, so you have to maximize those resources to make the best image possible.
When it comes to photography, there are no rules. It’s an art. It’s being creative and being yourself. But to stand out in your industry, you have to think outside the box. And for that, you need to dedicate the time to brainstorming and planning.
Tip 2 – Define the Concept or Message
When conceptual photography is done right, it’s not hard to look at an image and not see an idea. And these ideas can range anywhere from the abstract to the literal. Some photographers like to tell stories with their images. Others aim to capture emotion through a photo. But sometimes, photographers use their creative vision to try to capture a feeling or concept that hasn’t been seen before. Simply put, conceptual photography tells a story. It triggers an emotion or a thought in the viewer.
A good example of this is boudoir photography, which touches upon the concept of body positivity. It highlights the unapologetic nature of women who accept themselves the way they are and try to flaunt their features unabashedly. In doing so, this type of photography promotes a body-positive mindset in others and encourages them to feel good in their own skin. Thanks to the best female nude photographer in London or elsewhere who may have given a chance to women from all walks of life to show their solidarity with the concept of body positivity by opting for photoshoots.
Tip 3 – Start Creating the Images
Shooting unique conceptual photos can seem challenging, but it doesn’t have to be. If you want to learn to shoot photos that stand out, you need to look at others’ work for inspiration. Start creating the images you want by shooting something completely different. Maybe start with a color or black and white photo, and then throw in some objects or people. When you start shooting different photos, it will help you find your unique voice.
Tip 4 – Step Back and Refine the Image
Every photographer has a bag full of tricks for shooting unique conceptual photos, many of which are deliberately counterintuitive. It takes a certain amount of skill and practice to pull off some of the tricks you see in conceptual photography-and while some may be easy for some photographers, others require years of practice.
One trick involves taking a step back and refining an image. Instead of taking the photo directly in front, step back to get a different perspective, which often leads to better photos.
When shooting a unique conceptual photograph, step back from the image and take a closer look at it. Begin by ensuring you’ve chosen the correct subject – a headshot, landscape, etc. – and that it’s properly lit. Then, look for the interesting aspects of the subject. For example, you may decide that the lighting highlights a particularly interesting element in the background or that the subject’s pose is eye-catching.
Tip 5 – Use Post Production to Experiment with Conceptual Photography
Don’t ever limit your creativity when it comes to photography. Use post-production to experiment and get creative with your conceptual photography. Shooting unique conceptual photos can be one of the most satisfying creative experiences photographers can have if they allow themselves to experiment. You can shoot anything you want, as long as you shoot a concept. There’s no right or wrong and very few rules. If done correctly, photos shot this way can be so whimsical that no one will question how you created them.