101+ Most Creative Photography Ideas to Try Right Now
Similar to having writer’s block, you might feel like you’ve exhausted every single photography idea out there — and now you’re stuck.
But you don’t need to be!
There are tons of different techniques and ideas that you have yet to explore that will take your photography to the next level.
That’s why we’ve compiled over 101+ creative photography ideas to get your photos jumping off the page.
Let’s jump in!
101 Best Creative Photography Ideas
- Light Prism
- Light Trails
- Light Painting
- Creative Flash Lighting
- Spiral Light
- Water Erosion, Smudging & Staining
- Underwater Photography
- Water Splash Photography
- Oil and Water Photography
- Water Droplet
- Shadow Photography
- Pattern Photography
- Abstract Photography
- Smoke Art Photography
- Symmetry
- HDR Photography
- High Speed Photography
- Stitching photographs
- Creative Blur Effects
- Genre Switching
- Photography Projects
- Renting New Lenses
- Macro Photography
- Lighting Gels
- Try New Techniques
- Fire Hydrant trick
- Exploring Local Places
- Unusual Subject
- Reflective Photography
- Golden Hour Photography
- Self Portrait Photography
- Sunset Photography
- Photo book Printing
- Wrong Setting Experiment
- Creating Photo Series
- Old photographs
- Scouting New Locations
- Limit Yourself
- Photography Collaboration
- Dark Sky Photography
- Maximizing the Seasons
- Recreating Photographs
- Family and Friend Photography
- Compact Camera Photography
- Local Event Photography
- Long Exposure Photography
- Crystal Ball Photography
- Bokeh Effect
- Motion Blur Photography
- Out of Focus
- Cinematic Sets
- Double Exposure
- Word Photography
- Shooting through Objects
- Art of Refraction
- Yummy landscape
- Photo Retouching
- Chalk Drawing Photography
- Flowers in Ice
- Rubik's Cube Photography
- Tilt Shift Effect
- Mixed media Photography
- Paint Photography Combination
- Scanner Photography
- Photo Projection
- Photogram photography
- Street Photography
- Texture Overlay
- Candid Photography
- Mirror Photography
- Time Slice photography
- Time Suspension Photography
- Motherhood Photography
- Panorama Photography
- Silhouette
- Juxtaposition
- Smoke Bomb
- Aerial Photography
- Picception Photography
- Panning Photography
- Photographing Age Ranges
- Duo Tone Photography
- Photographing Humanity
- Still Life Photography
- Food Photography
- Star Trail Photography
- Black and White Photography
- Pet Photography
- Photography As Storytelling
- Optical Illusions
- Lens Flare Photography
- Landscapes
- Night Photography
- Street Portraits
- Neon Portraits
- Sunrise
- Waterfall Photography
- Childish Fun
- Light and Shadow Interplay
- Monochromatic Color
- Shapes
Playing with light
Using light in unique ways can emphasize different elements in your photography. Sure, you can experiment with hard lighting, but there’s a lot more to it than that.
1. Light Prism
Light prisms are great accessories for making your picture ideas more unique. This approach involves the placement of a prism over the lens bracing for the dispersal of light over the subject. The result is a splash of vibrant rainbow hues.
Pro tip: When you’re shooting on-location, it’s important to safely store your light prism in a well-padded camera backpack to avoid any scratches. The Voyager camera pack is an ideal option that can pack tons of camera gear.
2. Light Trails
Light trails can take your picture ideas to a new level. To create this effect, however, a long shutter speed is key. Once finished, a unique array of light can be created.
3. Light Painting
Light painting is another great photography idea. With a handheld light source and a long shutter speed, you can capture some of the most interesting and unique “paint” designs.
To learn more about light painting, watch the video below:
4. Creative Flash Lighting
Flash is a great source of light in photography. When used creatively and without limitations, magic happens!
5. Spiral Light
Spiral light is a form of light painting and is a cool photography idea. This picture idea requires the photographer to hold a light source while spinning around. A long shutter speed will capture the light spirals.
Water photography Ideas
The beauty of water is its multipurpose nature. Its aesthetic appeal makes for a cool photography idea.
6. Water Erosion, Smudging, and Staining
Printed photos dipped in water are cool photography ideas. The water coupled with the ink makes for an eroded but colorful effect.
7. Underwater Photography Idea
Underwater photos are sure to captivate people’s attention. This photography idea gives an abstract effect while depicting new perspectives.
8. Water splash
This picture idea calls for a water tank, black background, and slow shutter speed. A combination as such creates a colorful, distinct scene.
9. Oil and water photography idea
Oil and water blend beautifully. When mixed with something colorful the results are stunning, and excellent for picture ideas.
10. Water droplet photo idea
Water droplets are excellent for picture ideas. After pouring water from a height, the photographer aims to capture the splash. This cool photography idea is a great way to draw attention.
Artsy Photography Ideas
Applying artistic techniques to photography creates more of an aesthetic and there are numerous ways of achieving this. The use of shadows, symmetry, patterns, and more are just a few examples of how this can be done. See the picture ideas below.
11. Shadow Picture Ideas
Shadows are a byproduct of nature and composition. What’s more, they’re perfect for photography ideas. With the proper lighting and mindful arrangement, they will surely enhance the scene.
12. Pattern Photography
Photographing patterns is a great photography theme idea. This adds a level of individuality.
13. Abstract Photography Ideas
Abstract photography symbolizes heightened creativity. It gives life to cool ideas while grabbing a hold of an audience.
14. Smoke Art Picture Ideas
Smoke adds to cool photography by giving a stylish effect. Though it usually carries a negative connotation, this photography idea can be intriguing if presented strategically.
15. Symmetry Picture Ideas
Symmetry is a fascinating photography idea. Capturing the identical aspects of a scene is a great way of creating appeal.
Thinking Outside the Box
Innovative photography ideas are what catch attention. Viewers always appreciate a fresh and novel take on creativity and the options are endless. In this final and more expansive section, creative strategies are further explored.
16. HDR Photography Ideas
High Dynamic Range speaks to the documentation of a scene through different exposures. A technique as such reveals the range of color and contrasts of a photo from light to dark.
17. High-Speed Photography Ideas
This cool photography idea captures what is invisible to the naked eye.
18. Stitching Photographs
This photography idea brings a new take on storytelling. By connecting pictures from different periods in life a new narrative is put forth.
19. Creative Blur Photography Ideas
Image sharpness is a major factor in achieving quality photographs. Rule-breaking, however, is sometimes necessary for creative and novel visuals. Blur can add a fun and intriguing element.
20. Genre Switching
Everyone has their niche, but switching photography genres can be exciting. This opens you to new discoveries and picture ideas.
21. Photography Projects
As exhilarating as photography is, goal setting intensifies the thrill. Committing to a certain number of projects within a timeframe keeps you on your toes and sharpens your skills.
22. Renting New Lenses
Different lenses serve different purposes but all are key for snapping stellar shots. Changing lenses to examine their effects is a great photography idea.
The Voyager camera backpack features tons of storage space for your lenses and additional accessories.
23. Macro Photography Ideas
Shooting with a macro lens is a great photography idea. This allows the subject to be approached closely and a stronger glimpse at the details.
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24. Lighting Gels
Lighting gels and diffusers can add a cinematic vibe when using this creative photography idea. These filters work harmoniously with light to produce a colorful effect.
25. Try New Techniques
Change is good, especially in photography. While it is useful to have default preferred settings, trying out new techniques is fun. Experiment with different apertures, lenses, angles, or even post-production techniques. This way you’ll have variety and your picture ideas advance.
26. Fire Hydrant Trick
Fire Hydrants are a creative tactic for macro photography ideas. Through a macro lens, this seemingly simple object becomes a display of patterns, texture, and shadows.
27. Exploring Local Places
The best scenes don’t always come from traveling abroad and exploring exotic territories. Some of the most creative and appealing scenery is found locally. Local festivals, sporting events, and communal settings offer great opportunities for creative photography ideas.
28. Unusual Subject Photography
Novelties in photography are greatly appreciated. Try photographing objects, scenes, or people in a way that offers a new perspective.
29. Reflective Photography
Reflections are a wonderful picture idea. They provide viewers with a different angle and perspective.
30. Golden Hour Photography
The golden or “magic” hour is an elite picture idea. The sunlight is softer here and paints a golden hue over the scene.
31. Self Portrait Photography
Being your own muse is fulfilling. Self-portraiture is a reminder that beauty and appeal aren’t always found in an outside source. It allows us to discover, explore and capture some of the best parts of ourselves.
32. Sunset Photography Ideas
Sunsets are a phenomenal photography idea and can produce some of the most creative pictures. Not only are the hues from the sky visually pleasing, but they emit a peaceful, calming feel as well.
33. Photo Book Printing
The further you advance in your photography journey the more your body of work expands. Photo books are excellent photography ideas as they document your best creative work.
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34. Wrong Setting Experiments
There really isn’t a “wrong” way of creating. Sometimes the best scenes come from happy accidents. Explore camera settings that you wouldn’t usually use. This will certainly amplify your picture ideas.
35. Creating Photo Series
Making a photo series is another creative photography idea. Though a picture is worth a thousand words, a series can expand on a message or concept being conveyed.
36. Vintage Photography
One amazing benefit of photography is the opportunity to time travel. How fun would it be to replicate a vintage picture idea? Creating old photographs can be done through props, clothing, and color/texture effects.
37. Scouting New Location
New scenes in photography are great for creative appeal. Explore new locations in your city or community. Numerous photography ideas await you.
38. Limit Yourself
A great photographer can work with what they’ve got and can maximize it to the fullest. Try limiting your focal length, number of photos, and your subject to see what happens.
39. Photography Collaboration
Partnering with other creatives is a recipe for success. New photography ideas, techniques, and creative insight are shared mutually and the pictures are magnificent.
40. Dark Sky Photography
Dark Sky photos rank high in terms of creativity. These images present a dreamy, otherworldly visual extremely pleasing to the eye.
41. Maximizing the Seasons
Each season offers its own aesthetic value. Whether it's the vividness of fall leaves or the sparkling of the snow, seasonal photography is a pristine option for creative photography.
42. Recreating Photographs
They say imitation is the best form of flattery. Recreating your favorite picture ideas not only celebrates the appeal of an already existing picture, but it opens the door to creativity, too. Here, you can apply your take and personal touch to a concept or creative idea.
43. Family and Friends
Photography is the perfect way of capturing the most sacred moments in life. Family and friends are a huge part of that. Documenting the dynamic between those you love most offers both creative and sentimental appeal. People appreciate anything that inspires emotion.
44. Compact Camera Photography Ideas
DSLR cameras produce outstanding images but compact cameras are excellent, too! Consider using one for any upcoming photography adventures.
45. Local Event Photography
Local events offer some of the most exciting and creative photography opportunities. Check out a carnival, amusement park, or even a small festival and you’ll be wowed by the endless possibilities.
46. Long Exposure Photography
Long exposures give a unique and creative effect to pictures if used strategically.
47. Crystal Ball Photography
Lens or “Crystal” Balls are a phenomenal photography idea! These creative enhancers offer an intriguing distorted effect to photographs. Browse Sunny16.com to find a backpack to carry yours in!
48. Bokeh Photography Ideas
Bokeh refers to the blurred background of an image. With the right lens and proper distance, you can create this aesthetic in your own photography.
49. Motion Blur Photography
Blur is often frowned upon in the photography world but there are occasions where it can be viewed positively. With a slower shutter speed, photographers can capture the motion occurring in a scene.
50. Out of Focus
Imaginativeness is a fascinating element of photography. Shooting out of focus creates mystery and leaves viewers wondering. This type of photography allows for creativity on both ends.
51. Cinematic Sets
Gregory Crewdson is the master of creating iconic and epic sets with his photography. Instead of just shooting what’s available to you, create a scene and build out the complete set.
52. Double Exposure Photography
This creative idea refers to the blending of two exposure values in one image.
53. Word Photography Ideas
Word photography is an awesome way to give pictures more pizzazz. Words don’t appear in images at the same rate as people and scenery. This photography idea gives a nice shock factor.
54. Shooting Through Objects
Simple props like bottles, plastic wrap, and leaves are great photography mediums. Compelling frames, shapes, and perspectives are often the results.
55. Art of Refraction
This cool photography idea refers to the shift of light from one device to another.
56. Yummy Landscape Photography
Landscape photography is even better when food is involved. Consider using food to create enticing landscapes and structures.
57. Photo Retouching
Photo retouching amplifies the creativity in photos by adding more visual effects. There are numerous tools and options available to photographers and there is no wrong way to achieve this.
58. Chalk Drawing Photography
Chalk art is incredibly eye-catching! This kind of art makes a fantastic scene for photography.
59. Flowers in Ice
Frozen flower photography provides an abstract view of floral life. To some, it is a means of “preserving beauty.”
60. Rubik’s Cube Photography Ideas
Rubik’s Cube photography is a clever take at shooting patterns, colors, and shapes.
61. Tilt-Shift Effect
Tilt-shift photography refers to the modification of a life-size subject to create a smaller version. This is an excellent creative photography idea when you want to create a forced perspective.
62. Mixed Media Photography Ideas
Photography is a wonderful medium of art. What’s more, it allows the mixing of various art forms into one project. Mixed media photography is an excellent example of this.
63. Paint Photography Combination
Paint in photography ups the aesthetic appeal.
64. Scanner Photography Ideas
Scanner Photography is the capturing of digitized photos to print them later.
65. Photo Projection
Similar to previous ideas, photo projection involves the blending of photographs into a single image. Here, one creative picture idea is projected onto another.
66. Photogram Photography Ideas
The absence of a camera is what makes photogram photography so interesting. Instead, images are produced by their exposure to light.
67. Street Photography Ideas
Street Photography emphasizes the storytelling benefits of photography. Photographers can use this medium to highlight the dynamic of street life and human interactions.
68. Texture Overlay
Editing software is key for this creative photography idea. Texture overlay can be done by adding new layers to an image to create more of a fine art or vintage appeal.
69. Candid Photography Ideas
Candid photography shows the beauty of a scene’s rawness.
70. Mirror Photography Ideas
Mirror photography invites the audience into the image, giving an aspect of depth to the scene.
71. Time Slice Photography
This refers to the meshing of a photo series into a single shot.
72. Time Suspension Photography
Time suspension photography is extremely creative as it literally freezes the moment.
73. Motherhood Photography Ideas
Maternity and motherhood photos are a precious keepsake for women.
74. Panorama Photography Ideas
Panoramas are the unique fusion of photos from the same camera into a single wide shot.
75. Silhouette Photography Ideas
Not only is a silhouette pleasing to the eye, it’s also a creative way of expressing emotions and conveying mystery.
76. Juxtaposition Photography Ideas
Juxtaposition is an innovative means of showing the differences between subjects. In photography, subjects of different shapes, sizes, or emotions can be placed together to highlight their contrasts.
77. Smoke Bomb Photography
Smoke bombs are a captivating creative technique in photography. They add vibrancy, thrill, and even a psychedelic feature when used with various colors.
78. Aerial Photography Ideas
Photography is all about perspective. Aerial photography is a creative means of capturing scenes from up high, affording viewers with a different vantage point.
79. Picception Photography Ideas
Picception photography is the displaying of two photographs in one. It inspires thought while also appealing to the senses.
80. Panning Photography Ideas
Panning photography is the feature of both sharpness and blur in a picture. This creative tactic is a beautiful way of conveying the action or motion of the subject.
81. Photographing Age Ranges
Snapping pictures of varying age ranges is a creative way to show the diversity of humanity.
82. Duotone Photography Ideas
Color is a spectacular aspect of photography and guaranteed to draw attention. When used intentionally, the results are amazing. Duotone is the use of two contrasting or complementary colors in a picture.
83. Photographing Humanity
The rhetoric of humanity photography is the emotional appeal. People are drawn to scenes that resonate and hit close to home.
84. Still Life Photography
Human beings are great photography muses hence their emotions, allure, and energy. Lifeless objects however are appealing, too, in their own way. Still life photography is the artsy arrangement of inanimate subjects.
85. Food Photography Ideas
Food photography is without a doubt a great creative photography idea. By showcasing its physical characteristics, it demonstrates how food can appeal to more than one sense. This is great for outdoors and indoor photography.
86. Star Trail Photography
This is ideal for astronomy lovers given its ethereal display of star movement.
87. Black and White Photography
Black and white tones add a serene feel to a photograph.
88. Pet Photography
Pet photography symbolizes innocence which plays on human emotion. Sentimental value is always a go-to creative tactic for more appealing pictures. This is also a great indoor photography idea.
89. Photography as Storytelling
Photography serves many purposes including serving as a route for unconventional expression.
90. Optical Illusions
This refers to the arranging of a subject in a manner that provokes thought and plays with the mind.
91. Lens Flare Photography
With a camera lens and help from the sun, shiny and shapely orbs can appear often giving a celestial effect to a photograph.
92. Landscapes
Landscapes are a phenomenal way of adding a creative edge to photography. Whether it’s a mountain, rock formation, or a forest, the depth of these scenes pulls us in.
93. Night Photography
Night scenes are the perfect switch-up for the usual photography routine. Daylight and golden hour shots are stunning, but night shots are just as neat! Try out longer exposures and get familiar with your tripod to create these images.
94. Street Portraits
Street portraits give photography a suave, urban aesthetic.
95. Neon Portraits
Neon photographs instantly catch the eye. Creating the perfect display of colors and light, the results are sure to amaze.
96. Sunrise
Sunrise photos appeal to both the eye and mind. Their otherworldly tones make them visually pleasing while their symbolism celebrates beginnings and second chances.
97. Waterfall Photography
Waterfalls are as beautiful as they are peaceful. This alluring combination is ideal for creative photography.
98. Childish Fun
Children are the crosspoint of innocence and joy. Capturing this essence on camera will surely inspire emotion and capture an audience.
99. Light and Shadow Interplay
Light and shadows are very useful, organic tools for making creative pictures. Together they decorate the muse in a way nothing else can.
100. Monochromatic Color
Monochromatic color photography is the capturing of an image in a single hue. Like other forms of art, the color can symbolize emotions and is open for interpretation.
101. Shapes
Finally, shapes. Using shapes in photography gives variety to photos and a geometric appeal.
Up Next: The Best Photography Techniques
There are endless methods of capturing fascinating photographs and holding viewers’ attention. Which techniques stood out to you the most? Which are you the most excited about trying? Comment with your responses below. Stay tuned for the next article!
