Nowadays, we’re filled with visual content, from giant billboards to thousands of small Instagram pictures. And from time to time, you may come across a photo that captivates your eye – and you save it to show friends or just admire the photographer’s work alone. What you saw is an aesthetic photo. But what’s the sorcery behind it, you may ask?
It’s time to let you in on the secrets of creating an eye-catching photograph that everyone will want to recreate.
What’s Aesthetic Photography?
By definition, aesthetic photography involves an image pleasing to the eye, while aesthetic is the measure of beauty. But what does this mean? Can any beautiful picture be defined as aesthetic? Not exactly. Like beauty, aesthetic photography is difficult to describe in words because it all depends on the viewer himself.
Aesthetic photography means that a picture appeals to the eye, whether it’s about color, composition, or subject. It just makes the viewers want to sit and observe it for hours.
Aesthetics and Its Importance
Let’s start by saying that every photographer wants to get noticed. That’s why we’re constantly posting on social media and desperately checking for likes.
And for some people, it’s not even only about attention, as many professional photographers are looking for clients on social media. And that’s where aesthetic photography comes to the rescue. By applying its principles and developing your own aesthetic, you can end up being such a pro that people start naming you just by looking at one of your images.
So How To Make Your Photos More Aesthetic?
Composition
It is important to understand that not every photograph with good composition will be aesthetic, but an aesthetic image cannot have bad composition. Any photo with bad composition will be bad, no matter from what angle you look at it.
So it’s important for all photographers to learn the rules of composition and practice to master them.
The rules of thirds
You probably know this rule by heart since it is the basis for all photographers. But let me remind you: to use the rule of thirds, try dividing your photo into nine equal rectangles (most smartphones and cameras have this feature). Now place your subject at one of the 4 points where the lines intersect to create a catchy and attractive shot.
Leading lines
Leading lines are another great way to attract the viewer’s eye to the most important subject in the picture. And it could be any lines – the top of a wall, railroad tracks, a fence, etc. Just get creative and make sure your camera is angled right.
Triangles
Triangles are an excellent shape that you can find practically everywhere. Using triangles in your photography will not only balance your image but will also trick the viewer’s brain into being attracted to your photography even more.
Experiment with angles
A great way to make your photo differ from the rest is to try a completely different angle. For instance, instead of taking pictures of flowers straight on, try it from the side or the back of the flower. Unusual images aren’t always weird; they can be pretty intriguing sometimes.
As an alternative, use a drone. Drone photography is becoming mainstream now, and you can take some rare pictures with this device.
Detailed shot
A detailed shot is another great way to perfect your photos. Even if you don’t have a special macro lens, you can always experiment with your smartphone or camera. Just try to focus on one element in the big picture or get closer to the subject – experiment; there are many ways to be creative!
Aesthetic pictures of yourself
Whether you’re a professional photographer, an Instagram celebrity, or just looking for ways to improve your photos, aesthetics can be one of the greatest parts that will take your photo game to the next level.
- Lighting and angles are crucial.
Make sure you don’t take selfies under any fluorescent lighting, as this can create harsh shadows on your face, drain your skin color, and all these cannot make your picture look worth it. Instead, try standing next to a large window so that natural light highlights your features and hides your drawbacks.
- Don’t hold your phone while taking selfies.
That may sound like a weird rule, but trust me, holding a phone in your hands doesn’t help take a great picture. Better use a tripod or a countdown timer on your phone or camera.
Develop your own aesthetic
If you don’t know how to develop your own aesthetic yet, don’t worry. The good news is that there’s a lot of content on the World Wide Web: just watch, absorb, and be inspired! And, of course, practice!
Once you become successful at creating aesthetic paintings, you can develop your own aesthetic and attract millions of viewers to your artwork.
Also, it won’t hurt if you learn how to edit. Just try different presets, play with vintage style colors, some special effects – and boom, you won’t even notice how you become a professional aesthetic photographer!
