Authentic, Original Images Made with Your Surroundings in Mind
Authentic, Original Images Made with Your Surroundings in Mind.
Authenticity and Originality are important words to any creative. Together, they are two of our biggest aims when we strive to create art that is unique, thought-provoking, and evokes emotion. For me this means shooting images using the environment around me as my backdrop, to ensure they are telling the narrative I desire, capturing the essence of my every day. I want to share with you how considering your environment when taking photos can help create more authentic imagery for your viewers and a more satisfactory product for you.
When photographing, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and use them to your advantage. This may mean finding interesting vantage points or using natural elements in the landscape as a framing device. By considering your environment, you can create images that are more reflective of where you are shooting, which can help to give your work a sense of authenticity.
“Using Natural Elements In The Landscape As A Framing Device.”
Consider the colouring of your surroundings, the textures and patterns that are present, and any interesting features or landmarks that may be nearby. You want to use these colourings to your creative advantage, when editing consider how you can enhance the colours, mood, and tones that you witnessed, replicating the feeling of the environment in post-production. Let us say you are shooting during the Golden Hour. This is the time of day shortly after sunrise or before sunset when the light has a warm orange hue. Shooting at this time will help to enhance the natural colours and mood of your surroundings, and can give your images an extra emotive feeling; the warm embrace of a golden hour capture.
“The Warm Embrace Of A Golden Hour Capture.”
Being in tune with your surroundings can also help you to find interesting compositions. Look for lines and shapes that lead the viewer’s eye into the frame, or try incorporating natural elements as part of your composition. This could be anything from a tree branch reaching out into the sky, to a river winding its way through the landscape. Consider the weather and atmosphere too, clouds can provide a great opportunity for drama and intrigue in an image. If it is overcast, using long exposures can help to create moody images with a sense of curiosity.
“Consider The Weather & Atmosphere Too, Clouds Can Provide A Great Opportunity For Drama And Intrigue.”
When shooting landscapes, it is often helpful to have an idea of the story you want to tell before you start composing your shot. What is the narrative behind the image? What feeling do you want to evoke in the viewer? Having a clear idea of what you are trying to achieve, can help you to be more selective with your shots and find better compositions that will support your story. When I am out shooting, I often have a few ideas in my head of images that I would like to create and the stories I want to tell with my images. I then use the environment to help me create this story, whether that is a specific color tone or an interesting house, tree, babbling brook, or rustic fence in my frame.
When photographing people, it is also important to consider their surroundings. This may mean finding a location that has personal significance for them or capturing them in an environment that tells a story. By considering your surroundings, you can create images with deeper emotional value for your viewers. The background can also help to enhance the visual elements of your subject. This is also something to consider when working with brands, capturing the essence of the brand through location and visual storytelling. For example, if you are shooting for a brand that focuses on wellness and relaxation, consider shooting at home or in nature. Think about what your surroundings can bring to the table when creating images as this will help ensure they stand out from an oversaturated market.
There is also something satisfying about producing work using elements of your environment; it shows that you have taken the time to know your surroundings intimately. This can be a great way to connect with viewers, as they will feel like they are getting a glimpse into who you are and what is important to you. When shooting, try to include elements that represent your everyday moments and personal values. We all love to follow creative individuals who bring us along for the ride, giving us a window into their lives, and creating imagery that reflects your surroundings can help you connect on a deeper level.
