7 Inspiring Photography Ideas To Try

Get out of your comfort zone and try some different types of photography

Are you looking for some new photography ideas?

It’s easy to get stuck on shooting the same things all the time. No matter how much you love what you normally photograph, it can cause slumps in your creativity and inspiration.

As a photographer we all go through different peaks and troughs, and one of the best things to do is to try different things.

When I first started this journey, I photographed everything around me – you name it, I photographed it. I was always looking for new photography ideas to try.

“Be brave enough to suck at something new”

~ Unknown

After joining a local sunrise group I discovered that it was landscape and nature photography that I really love. There is just something about being out in nature. I just love watching the day come alive at sunrise or photographing a waterfall in the bush, or the sun dipping behind a mountain at sunset.

There are times when you will be so inspired that you can barely put your camera down and let the poor batteries recharge. There will also be times that you just don’t feel the love. Having some new photography ideas could get your creativity firing, and get out with your camera again.

Wherever you are at, these 7 photography ideas are sure to give you some inspiration. AND you may even learn some new things – winning!

Let’s get out of our comfort zone and try something different! You clearly don’t have to try ALL of these, just have a look and see if any of these interest you.

1 – Black and White

Black and white photos never go out of style, and done well, they can be incredibly compelling. 

“Seeing” in black and white can definitely be a challenge in a world filled with colour, but it can really benefit your overall photography.

When you take colour out of the equation, you start looking for other elements in your frame to create an interesting image. It is an opportunity to focus more on your composition, shapes and textures just as a beginning. Learning to edit black and white photos provides another fabulous learning opportunity.

TIP – Set your camera to shoot in both Jpeg and RAW. Then set your mode to monochrome so that you’re seeing black and white on your screen is black and white.

2 – Birds and Animals

Ok, this is a bit of a grey area for me. Having said that I don’t photograph things that talk, I do make an exception for some birds and animals :).

Photographing birds is the most difficult type of photography I have tried so far. They are just so quick! Once you’ve spotted one, the next challenge is to try and get focus on it with your lens. Usually by this time the bird has long gone and all I have photos of is sky and trees!

On the flip side, finally capturing a moving animal or bird in focus is incredibly rewarding. You will need a zoom or telephoto lens, but I encourage you to give it a go.

I’ve not yet attended a wildlife safari or anything adventurous, but I have enjoyed photographing animals at various locations. Think zoos, animal sanctuaries or even local shows with different animal events such as rodeos.

Some of the gorgeous personalities at Mogo Zoo, NSW, Australia

A local horse riding centre offers the opportunity to photograph the “running of the horses”. You can experience watching over 100 horses run out of their evening paddocks to the yards ready for their day.

These can be a great way to spend the day. You also get to try different photography ideas without going on an expensive safari!

This is so not my area of expertise, but this article has some really good tips to get you started.

3 – Buildings and Architecture

Walking around a city or town can provide another source of new photography ideas to try. It’s also a great activity to experiment at different times of the day in various lights. Photographing inside buildings is also a great rainy day opportunity.

Photographing buildings is less dynamic than photographing moving objects, but it can be an incredibly interesting genre to learn.

Composition is definitely crucial and it can provide some real creative photography opportunities.

4 – Up Close and Personal

Getting in close and capturing minute details is one of those photography ideas that you can play with almost anywhere.

Think flowers, textures, rocks, shells, insects, and even people if that’s your thing!

The opportunities really are endless.

Sand Textures – if you look hard enough you can find interesting textures in so many places

5 – Check Out What’s On Where You Are

This applies either in your local area, or when you are travelling in new places.

One of my first stops to an area is the visitor information centre. I’m often surprised by what is in their local area and they are always happy to help.

Festivals, markets or even different seasons provide many opportunities to photograph new things.

6 – Be a Tourist Where You Live

Sometimes we get so caught up seeking new experiences that we neglect what’s around us where we live. 

So same as the point above so don’t forget to check out any local attractions that you may not have visited for years.

If you’re struggling with this, check out what visitors to your area are sharing. Sometimes new ideas can be refreshing and you may see things you’ve not realised are there.

It may also give you a new appreciation of the area you live in. I live on the coast with many beaches, but I’ve found some truly hidden gems with a bit of research.

Bonus – if you’re going to a paid event you’re supporting your local community.

7 – Get Creative with Editing

Ok, so this one isn’t getting out with your camera but it’s great to learn new things and get creative in a different way.

I had so much fun learning new techniques when we were in lockdown. It involves putting elements from different photos together to make a whole new scene.

If this is something you are interested in, I highly recommend SandraD Imagery. She offers great online training, resources and even some freebies, so check her out!

Conclusion 

Just get out and explore. Jump in your car or head for a walk – you never know what you might find. And don’t forget to take your camera with you!

There really is always something interesting to photograph if you look close enough.

I truly hope this gives you some new photography ideas to get out and try.

Let me know in the comments if you’ve found this useful. Or better yet, if you have any ideas I can add to this list!

That’s it for now – Keep clicking and stay caffeinated

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Note – This post does not contain any sponsored or affiliated links. All suggestions and opinions are mine. Unless otherwise stated, all photos are mine and remain my copyright images – Sam Wilson Photography.