7 Tips For Elevating Your Photography Aesthetic

Color helps a photo pop and can influence the mood of your image. Experiment by choosing a certain theme (such as pastels or jewel tones), keeping the colors monochrome or tonal, or incorporating a splash of a contrasting hue to make an object stand out. Whatever vibe you're going for, keep in mind that cooler tones tend to give off a calm, soft vibe while warmer tones skew more energetic and lively.

Dressing up your shot with an accessory or two makes a big difference when capturing tablescapes or stylized moments. It can be as simple as throwing a piece of greenery into the frame or laying a pair of sunglasses onto the table. For a classic hand-holding-a-latte shot, try showing off your personality by wearing a ring or a bracelet.

This technique is as straightforward as it sounds (and explains why mirror selfies are so visually appealing). By placing your subject within an already existing frame, you lock the viewer's focus on a specific point, creating depth and context. A mirror is an easy way to do this, but windows, doorways, arches, trees, fences, or shadows can also serve as interesting frames.

The Rule of Thirds is a popular technique for composing more engaging photos. The principle works by imagining your frame is divided into a grid of nine equal parts using two horizontal lines and two vertical lines. This creates four intersection points, and the idea is to position the subject of your photo at these intersections rather than centering it. It demonstrates that sometimes all it takes is a slight shift in your framing to create a more dynamic image.

Photography may be a two-dimensional art form, but communicating depth can be achieved by playing with perspective and finding the right angle. Contrast plays a role as well. The more contrast you have between your foreground, midground, and background, the more pronounced the depth in your photograph will be, helping it feel more realistic.

Shapes are a fundamental element of design and an easy way to add interest to your photos. Look for strong, easily recognizable shapes in your space such as buildings, mountains, balloons, or balls. To highlight standout textures, get in close and show the contrast between opposing materials. When combined, shape and texture help to create a multi-dimensional image that feels visually rich.

This is a good tip to keep in mind when shooting an ordinary setting or object. Simply adjusting your angle or changing position can give your subject a whole new energy. Play with extremes by shooting directly above or below, or meet somewhere in the middle by only slightly tilting your lens. Either way, you're bound to capture a unique POV.

There's so many ways to explore your creativity with instax®. For more inspiration, check out the brand's inspiration page. And don't sleep on the INSTAX UP™! App either, which allows you to easily scan your prints and turn them into digital downloads.