This year is a tough one, but I am here to tell you that lockdown photography is possible. Who said we have to stop doing what we love just because we’re stuck in the house? Taking photographs during a lockdown is possible and should not discourage you. Whether you have a nice little house with a garden or a small apartment in the city, with these 5 ideas to keep creativity alive, you can find photographic inspiration around you in a second.
5 ideas for lockdown photography
Here are my personal 5 ideas for lockdown photography and keep your creativity going:
- Take the opportunity to clean up and tidy up your hard drives and photographs.
- Think of new photo projects that you would like to do when you are no longer confined to the house.
- Learn new things: photo editing, photographic techniques …
- Take care of yourself and turn those moments into a DIY photoshoot.
- Do webcam photoshoots with your friends.
Ready to know how to do lockdown photography? LET’S BEGIN!
1. Clean up and tidy up your hard drives and photo archives
Let’s be honest, it’s never a pleasant job organizing and arranging all the thousands of photographs taken, but before moving on to why you don’t think it’s a good idea, let me explain why I decided to include this tedious task in the 5 ideas to keep creativity alive.
One of the many tasks of a photographer is to make sure you have your entire archive on hand so that you are ready for any eventuality. This will not only allow you to have a clear and easily accessible photo archive, but it can also help you find new photo ideas.
Imagine running into an old photoshoot you made years ago. You will probably notice how much you have improved since then. And do you know what else you can find?
An old idea that you can develop in a new way thanks to your new experience.
I have already wanted to take a specific type of photo, but still not be able to do it due to both a lack of technique and/or equipment. Over time these ideas are forgotten, but not erased. A single detail is enough to bring back them to mind. I am talking of that first simple photographic inspiration.
What do you think about it? Did I persuade you to fix your photo archives?
2. Prepare for when lockdown photography will be no more
What better time than a forced quarantine to think about your next photo projects?
Thinking about the future not only allows you to escape from present confinement but in my opinion, it is a good way to stay mentally sane and at the same time clarify your goals.
The photographers I follow online do every type of thing not to think about being stuck within four walls, but they also think a lot about what they will do as soon as this whole situation has stabilized.
Maybe we should try and follow their steps.
3. Learn new things: photo editing, and photographic techniques…
How many times have you felt like a broken record that kept repeating: “I would love to learn how to use Photoshop but I don’t have the time”.
Well, the time is now at your disposal, so why not take advantage of it?
Take advantage of the lockdown. In photography, there is always something new to discover and learn. I always wanted to learn how to use Photoshop better and so I signed up for an online course. Not only that, but I am also taking web design courses and many others.
Now more than ever is the time to get involved and learn new skills and improve old ones. In addition, keeping busy helps you not to go crazy!
Unleash your creativity and don’t be afraid of new skills!
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4. Turn the little moments into DIY photoshoots: examples of lockdown photography
Now more than ever it is important to take care of yourself. What I am finding myself doing more and more is transforming the little moments of self-care into photoshoots at home. Of course, it’s not something I always do, but it amuses me and stimulates my creativity.
Here are a few ideas:
Photo by Randy Tarampi on Unsplash
Food photography
Do you want to cook a dish you know well and would like to show your friends or share? Why not try making a homemade mini photoshoot of your recipe?
Photograph all the steps and share the final result. Try to create harmonic compositions and do a little more study.
Remember that your goal here is to make photos that are a little more professional and less of an Instagram story.
Not only will you have a great dish to enjoy, but also some new photos!
Photo by Alisa Anton on Unsplash
Enjoy a SPA DAY
Being locked in the house all day can be frustrating. That’s why taking some time for yourself is important.
Treat yourself to a relaxing afternoon and bring the spa to your home. Light a few candles, make a detox drink, or a nice cup of tea.
Take a nice bath and listen to ambient music. Do you like it as an idea?
And why not add some fun and try a spa-themed photoshoot? The starting point is the same: try to take care of the composition and take more professional shots.
There is no limit to creativity, so indulge yourself!
Do you relax playing the Playstation or Nintendo? Do a gaming-themed photoshoot! Colored lights, popcorn, and a fun atmosphere.
Are you more of an athletic type and can’t sit still even when forced home? Take a sports-themed photoshoot. You could make photo guides of exercises to do at home and share them, or you could take photos closer to the lifestyle genre like the one below.
5. Make a webcam photoshoot with your friends
One of the main obstacles to lockdown photography is being completely isolated. The lack of subjects to capture can be an obstacle to your creative streak.
A solution? Ask your friends to model you and make a great photoshoot via webcam!
Perhaps you have already seen some photographs do some experiments. Many photographers in lockdown are adopting this solution to continue producing new content.
Why leave all the fun to the pros?
It can also be an idea for an alternative and fun evening with your friends.
That is all for the moment! I hope I’ve given you some good ideas to start with your lockdown photography despite everything. Keep creating!
