In collaboration with PhotoWeekly
On your city trips you photograph non-stop, but in the end your pictures all look the same and maybe a little boring? That doesn't have to be the case! Especially when great photo motifs are just waiting to be photographed. Here are 10 creative ideas for your next city trip that you should try out so that your photos don't look like they've been snapped.
Who hasn't experienced it: You've taken hundreds of photos during your last city trip, but in the end you still can't find anything that's right for you. Some snapshots are there, but the certain something is missing - for example exciting perspectives or a creative image composition. The following picture ideas should give you an incentive to give your next city photos a special touch.
A fairly simple but effective solution to prevent boring pictures is to change the perspective. So don't just shoot at eye level, but try the frog perspective. This makes for interesting and unusual image compositions. For example, you can use a wide-angle lens to photograph tall buildings, such as the skyscrapers in Frankfurt am Main, vertically from the ground. Due to the strong distortion, the buildings will grow together in the center of the image.
If you're traveling in other cities, you're sure to find exciting differences. And what's more interesting than capturing actions and the hustle and bustle of the streets, which then also tell stories! Go to a busy square and keep an eye on your surroundings. Whether it's street musicians, the daily hustle and bustle of the marketplace or street artists, there will be a great motif.
But attentionPhotographing (and especially publishing) people is only allowed with their consent! Therefore, always be respectful!
Photographing the silhouette of a skyline is a popular subject and should also be in your repertoire. For the silhouette, it's best to use sunrise or sunset.
Especially in big cities with debauched lighting, a little rain makes for fascinating shots. For example, the lights of advertising signs and street lamps are reflected in the puddles and create colorful light reflections. Splashing raindrops or single drops on the lens also bring unique effects. Or you can shoot from inside through the window and take a picture of the raindrops with the subject in the background.
There are many inspiring motifs for captivating panoramic images - so why not one of the urban skyline? Before your next city trip, find out where there are viewing platforms for tourists. Then, when the sky is clear and the light is right, be sure to snap a panoramic photo!
If you're not traveling alone and you particularly like the light in one spot, why not take a few portrait shots of your companion? Whether it's a backlit portrait or a soft street light, these photos are always memorable!
Few other genres of photography, such as nighttime long exposures, are as appealing and challenging. With your camera mounted on a tripod, simply expose a street or intersection for much longer and you'll get impressive long exposures.
Cities are teeming with reflective surfaces. Be it puddles, fountains, ponds, windows or facades. If you come across such a surface, see what motifs arise in the reflection! It is also not uncommon for several reflections to be found in one image, creating exciting patterns.
Photographing known buildings documentary properly, there is nothing special about it. Make this motif special and "alienate" it. Be creative! For example, you can photograph through a glass ball (lensball) or a shop window, or use the reflections of hoods, facades or your smartphone.
There is probably no city without graffiti. Some are pointless and not interesting, but others are real works of art. Watch out for these little works of art during your city trip and capture them on a photo.
