It’s 2020 and most days off are reserved for staying home. But staying home doesn’t mean your Instagram content has to pause, it just means you can take this opportunity to make use of what you have at home and get creative! Here are some things you can do to step-up your at-home photoshoot game this weekend.
PLANNING
Planning is so important for any photoshoot. With the extra time at home, make a mood board with the colours and the type content you want to create. Inspiration is free! So take a walk around the house and collect items that relate to your mood board or take a little scroll through Pinterest/Instagram – there’s so much content already out there that could inspire your creation.
SUBJECT IN FOCUS
Choose one subject and keep all other distractions to a minimum. Unlike videos (which have multiple frames) you only have one frame to tell your story. In the few seconds your audience is scrolling, you have to make your message come across.
Minimalism also creates a sense of curiosity. It gives your audience enough information and plants a thought, but allows their imagination to do the rest.
TIMING AND LIGHTING
Unless you’re going for night photography, use natural light and shoot in the day! It creates a softer and more authentic feeling that’s difficult to achieve with harsh artificial lights. Wedding photography is often does outside because natural light brings out the natural beauty of the subjects.
You’re also going to be able to get amazing shots in the late afternoon or sunrise when those rays bring out the natural tones in your skin.
PROPS AND LOCATION
Location sets the scene; props tell the story.
Any place in the house can have the potential to be an amazing place for a shoot. It could be as simple as a wall, or any room with good natural light. Props are key to storytelling. You can interact with props and play with them, leave them in the background, or even make the props the subject in a flat lay. Here are some ideas of things you can do with props:
- Blankets, candles and books can make any place in the house look cosier for all your cold weather content.
- Flowers and plants can bring life to your photos. I find that green plants in the background make the image appear more natural and comfortable, whereas colourful flowers can evoke emotions.
- A mirror could be fun to play around with for different angles.
- Confetti can be one of the best Instagram props if you have a colourful and fun feed!
- Plates, cutlery, food, cute mugs… could be a great combination for foodie flat-lays. Food (or even just the idea of eating) connects people, and the type of food and crockery could help tell your story.
- a bedsheet or a large piece paper/fabric could be great for a minimalistic backdrop!
CAMERA EQUIPMENT
Although professional cameras with a great lens are great for image quality, creativity and LOTS of experimentation with your vision are what really make a photo. I like to use my Canon G7x Mark 2 because it has a remote shooting option, which allows me to take my own photos without having to mess with the timer. I have also heard from other content creators that they like to use small bluetooth remotes connected their devices, which they can easily hide when taking their own photos. Of course, if you have a friend or a family member who would take your photo that would work too!
I also find that a little tripod could be great for keeping your camera in one place while you experiment with what looks good in the frame.
HAVE FUN WITH EDITING!
Your journey doesn’t have to end with a click! Editing could add that extra “oomph” to your shot.
I hope you enjoyed this post and feel inspired for your next photoshoot creations!