If you love exploring and photographing new places, time stuck at home can feel like a wasted opportunity. It isn't. It's the perfect chance to practise your skills in new ways, and you'll be surprised how easy it is to take striking photos in and around your home.
Portraits
Whether you're with family, friends or on your own, portraits are always a good idea. Play with the lighting: choose a well-lit space, or go for something moodier. Try a monochrome look. Once you have that settled, think about what props to put in the background.
If you're on your own, step in front of the camera and try a self-portrait. You may be really pleased with the results.
Pet portraits
We've seen a lot of pet portraits recently, and they put a smile on anyone's face. Throw treats in the air to catch different expressions mid-shot. Place small props around your pet so it looks like a giant among them. Look on Instagram and Facebook to see how people around the world have photographed theirs.
Ink drops in water
Drop some ink into water, stand back and watch the magic happen. Then introduce different colours and see how they work together. A dropper gives you more control over what goes in. To take it further, find a reflective background so you can shoot from different angles.
Flat lays
A flat lay is a photograph of one or more objects on a surface, taken from directly above. It sounds simple, but objects don't always sit well together. Arranging them to look good takes time, and as with all still life you may need lots of tiny adjustments to get it right.
Doors and windows
Photograph the world outside through your front door or a window. Different times of day give different light, and you'll be surprised at the beauty you can find if you look for it. You could take a photograph every hour and combine a whole day into a collage.
Oil and water
One for macro lovers, and one of the simplest ideas here.
- Fill a container with water.
- Add some washing-up liquid and stir gently.
- Leave it for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Add a few drops of cooking oil and start shooting.
Light painting
You don't need fancy lighting. The light on your smartphone is perfect for making light trails. Start with your camera at ISO 100, f/16 and a shutter speed of 30 seconds, then adjust to taste.
Frame the results
We'd love to see what you come up with, so send us your creations and we'll share them on our social media.
Any good framers will show you a range of solutions and advise on what suits the work and where it will hang. We also have a simple guide to help you hang your perfectly framed picture. You can reach us on 01234 856 501 or at sales@EasyFrame.co.uk, and we'll always chat even if you don't want to buy.