Sure there are a lot of unique, cool and unusual things you could photograph but what is the point if you do it badly. Before getting to the ideas here are a few tips on how to make the most of every photo opportunity.
One of the first things you need to know about making a great shot is that it requires some sort of composition. This means when you are photographing a subject you want to be sure that it is the subject that is the focal point and not any other components that distract will viewers making it difficult for them to see your vision. It all comes down to framing; it doesn’t even have to perfectly done when you take the photo it can be cropped later. Use the rule of thirds by imagining the intersecting lines and place the most important features of you picture within the cross hairs of the intersections.
Having perfectly in-focus images isn’t always going to make a big difference. In fact, it is a very good way to photograph people. You can also use exposure to create a mood for your viewers; the picture can stir the soul with just a simple adjustment.
Now that you have some idea of how to get a great shot it is time to find some interesting things to take pictures of. One of the coolest photography ideas ever is to create a set of time-lapse pictures. This is somewhat how they used to do the Claymation cartoons back in the day taking one frame at a time (Gumby is a classic). Ever heard the term “watching the grass grow”? It is actually quite interesting to see things like a butterfly emerging from its cocoon in a compressed amount of time.
Try photographing at night all around your city. Parks have flowers and trees that all become something uniquely different, and at times a bit otherworldly, when the sun goes down. The skyline is a favorite as is the colored lights on the buildings in the downtown area; just don’t forget your tripod.
Be creative with special effects filters and experimenting with backgrounds to make the ordinary appear extraordinary. It will amaze you at the ways in which it changes the object from something as simple as putting a candle behind a thin piece board. Use different colors of light on inanimate objects. If you are feeling really creative try capturing shadows of an object instead of the object itself, these are always interesting and quite unique.
There are a lot of things to be found in nature or set up that can guarantee you an interesting shot. Have fun with angles as well as light and color to create cool and unique pictures that will shock and amaze your friends.
Hi. I’m Pat Lindle, a digital camera repair training manager at C.R.I.S. Camera Services in Chandler, Arizona. When not fixing cameras or training, I enjoy photographing events and updating the company camera repair blog.