Glossy photography: how to take a cover photo

2024 Author: James Gerald | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 14:00

How many of us would not like beautiful photographs? You can reach the level of glossy magazines without studio photo sessions!

Experts from Nikon, which celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, tell you how to get high-quality images right in your home.

Create and compose

Pictures for glossy magazines are unusual in most cases. Professional photographers are always striving for something new, trying to make each shot special and distinctive. For beautiful photographs, you must move in the same direction.

Any photo starts in your head. Change the essence of the frames. Try new angles, props. Expose the light in a way you've never done before. For example, if you follow the drawing of the shadow, then you can make the photo more voluminous and structural.

123RF / Svyatoslava Vladzimirska

It is the design and execution that affects whether you get a true glossy shot. Consider yourself sorceresses who create a fairy tale from a few simple things. It's a very fun process, and if you love it, every photo you take will be noticeably better.

Work with light

One way to make your shot look more glossy is to play with the light. It doesn't have to be something complicated, because even with the help of simple household appliances you can create an unusual shot. For example, use a flashlight or home lamps. In good weather, try to photograph so that the light falls on the model from the window, it will be more pleasing to the eye and natural.

To make the light pattern unusual and original, combine lighting fixtures and other objects, the so-called "masks", with each other. For example, if you hang blinds between the light source and the model, then when shooting, a beautiful picture will fall on the person, which will diversify the frame.

123RF / Svyatoslava Vladzimirska

Or you can use textured glass - light refraction and glare also adorn the photo.

By the way, don't be afraid to shoot against the light. Many aspiring photographers believe that this leads to mistakes, but in reality this is not always the case. Yes, without enough key light, the model will turn out to be noticeably darker, but in some cases, this way you will be able to give the photo additional artistry, place accents and set the mood.

123RF / sonjachnyj

Don't limit your imagination. If the light turns out to be too intense and harsh, then direct the lamps towards the white walls, which will then reflect it on the model. Just don't add complexity for the sake of complexity. Laconicism is liked by people in any genre.

Use props

Additional items will help in creating the plot and can give the picture the necessary uniqueness. In contrast, it is worth noting that there should be no unnecessary objects in the frame that can distract the viewer's attention from your idea.

Props can be used especially effectively if you combine them with original ideas and correct work with light. A girl with a bright red umbrella in the middle of an empty room with the right mood can draw attention to your photo, while such a frame does not require any expenses.

123RF / Oleg Breslavtsev

Even with cheap props, impressive results can be achieved. Take some strong light sources and ask the model to toss up a lot of flour or sand. Shoot small particles at fast shutter speeds for an interesting effect that brings any composition to life. In the fall, there is an option to bring leaves home for filming.

Remember technique and filters

In many cases, a photo in the style of glossy magazines is associated with high quality. This can be achieved if you use the capabilities of your camera and lenses correctly.

Lenses should be selected depending on the specific application. For example, the AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f / 1.8G fixed focal length captures light well and allows for clear proportions within a room. The lens parameters can be changed, and this is where filters come to our rescue. They can be created from available tools. Taking pictures through a ball or a prism will make the picture more abstract, and if you pull a regular stocking over the lens, the picture will turn out softer.

123RF / rawpixel

Work with the model

If you are just starting to explore the world of photography, then most likely your model also has a little experience. There is nothing wrong with that, you just need to properly set the person up for shooting. Compliment while filming. Even if the model is slouching, just say: "Everything is working out well, and now we will try to change the position and make the back more even." When we feel supported, it is much easier for us to work and find common ground with other people.

Try not to set difficult tasks, and explain any unusual idea as simply and naturally as possible.

Remember - the photographer is responsible for everything during the shooting. Only you can estimate how the shot will turn out. Therefore, keep a close eye on the light, the setting, and everything else. Yes, at first it will seem difficult, but then you get used to it and noticeably improve your skills in taking beautiful photos.

You can also get a beautiful glossy photo at home. Look for new ideas, take an unconventional approach to every detail of the filming, and then you will achieve the desired result.