Every year brands and marketers build celebrations of all kinds into their content calendars.
For many companies, celebrations and cultural recognitions are a perfect platform for product launches and seasonal collections.

In the west, the winter holidays remain heavily commercialized, with projections for retail shopping to reach, on average, $1,455 US per consumer during the holidays, a healthy number cited by the 2022 Deloitte holiday retail survey. Although the holiday season is synonymous with spending in the west, it is not the only hot seller throughout the calendar year. Back-to-school and back-to-college spending in 2022 was expected to reach 37 billion and 74 billion in the US. That is approximately $864 US and $1,199 US per family, as reported by the National Retail Federation.

Celebrations and festivities are found all over the world, giving Licensing Contributors countless ways to produce salable and evergreen content.

In Hindu culture, Diwali is an important celebration. Thanks to findings from Criteo, we can see that year over year, online sales leading up to Diwali grew 17%. While across China (and increasingly other parts of the world), Singles’ Days has been adopted by major brands like Alibaba in 2009. In 2021 more than 290,000 brands participated in Singles’ Day, 700,000 were participating for the first time.

But it doesn’t stop there. In addition to festive and cultural celebrations, there are various other celebrations and milestones that brands and companies participate in on an annual basis. Below we cover the three types of celebrations we think you should know about, and the 500px team covers some do’s and don’ts to help you create the best content for your portfolio!

A quick look at the various types of celebrations found in commercial advertising

Celebration marketing

You have probably seen it a million times by your favorite brands, but did not realize it had a name. Celebration marketing has become very trendy and is when a brand celebrates observed months or days that are dedicated to recognizing a particular theme, group, or concept. National Women’s Day is a very popular celebration by brands and companies.

Some other popular observed days and months are:

-Black History Month (USA, Canada, Ireland, and the UK)
-Asian Pacific American Heritage Month (USA, Canada)
-World Mental Health day (Global)
-Pride Month (Various countries around the world)
-National Singles Day (China and beginning to be seen in other parts of the world)

Do’s and Don’ts

DO research observances that are celebrated in your home country and shoot any that resonate with you.

DO use friends and family in your shoots and strive for relatability and diversity in your casting.

DO consider food as a way to capture celebrations.

DO remember that these celebrations are a space to positively recognize culture and contributions—your shoots should reflect this.

DON’T shoot various celebrations with the same models in front of the same background. This will look too stock-like and will most likely be declined.

DON’T overdo it with the props. Sometimes subtly is best. A small rainbow pin on a lapel will speak louder than 100 photos using the same rainbow flag.

Festive and cultural celebrations

These celebrations are baked into our annual calendars and are observed on an annual basis. Typically, most brands and companies will celebrate festive or seasonal occurrences, however small or large.

In Western culture, holidays like Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, Chinese New Year, Easter, Valentine’s Day, Halloween, and the seasonal transitions (i.e., fall/winter and spring/summer) are just some of the popular celebrations.

However, every country and culture will have its own traditions and celebrations, and 500px highly encourages content that is diverse and depicts a variety of cultures and experiences.

Do’s and Don’ts

DO capture celebrations that you take part in and that represent you.

DO consider storytelling when shooting your content. From intimate details to wide shots, get creative and document every part of your experience.

DO look for candid shots of people laughing, crying, hugging, and partaking in the celebration.

DO remember that festivals in the street or a public place may need to be creatively and strategically shot to ensure no copyright or IP issues are present. This may include costumes, people in the background that do not have a model release, and logo/names of business.

DON’T intrude on religious or ceremonial celebrations without proper acknowledgment and permission.

DON’T submit multiple photos that are similar in composition.

Milestones that unite us

Milestones are often overlooked, which is unfortunate because milestones typically have a way of uniting us. From first steps, first words, first day of school, graduation, first home, etc., these are very relatable concepts that can be captured by anyone in any country.

There are tons of milestones, from big to small, that are worth celebrating and can make for amazing evergreen content that can sell again and again.

Do’s and Don’ts

DO use people you know and shoot authentic moments.

DO get creative when illustrating milestones. Why can’t your dog have a birthday celebration?

DO capture candid reactions. These are often the best photos and evoke real emotion.

DO remember that everyone is different, and milestones come at different times for everyone. Do you know a mother who went back to school in her 30s? Or an elderly couple tying the knot? Perfect, we want to see it.

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One summer’s day, Costas Kariolis planned to shoot the sunset at Derwentwater jetty in England’s Lake District. But when the time finally arrived, he found only mist and rain, with no sign of the sun’s illuminating rays. Instead of turning back and going home, however, he stayed.

“The conditions turned out to be better than I could have asked for or imagined that evening,” he remembered. The result: a tranquil, minimalist scene.

Cloudy weather, while often underestimated, offers some gorgeous possibilities for natural light photography. The 500px community is home to countless stories like this one, where a photographer faced unexpected weather conditions and ultimately made the most of them.

Overcast days have drawbacks—sunsets are less dramatic, and the golden hour can be non-existent. But there are benefits too. To start, cloudy skies act like a massive (and free!) softbox, diffusing the sunlight for soft, even illumination without harsh, unflattering shadows.

Another bonus: during “bad” weather, beautiful locations are less likely to be crowded, giving you more room to explore without the distraction of other people. The next time clouds are on the forecast, instead of staying indoors, consider heading outside and taking advantage of what the day has to offer. Here are some photography tips to help you do just that.

Tip #1: Watch your exposure settings

In low-light photography, shooting in manual mode will give you the flexibility to slow down your shutter speed, open your aperture, or boost your ISO—all of which will brighten your images. Bumping up your ISO to 400 or even 800 can make a significant difference.

Tip #2: Embrace long(er) exposures

Of course, even with a higher ISO, you might need to increase the amount of light entering your lens. For landscape photography, the best way to do that is by slowing down your shutter speed and using a tripod. Keep in mind that even on cloudy days, you’ll need an ND filter to shoot long exposures during the daytime.

Longer exposures can create beautiful effects when you’re shooting moving clouds, transforming them into silky, painterly blurs across the sky. The same is true for flowing water, so you’ll often see photographers on the coast taking advantage of overcast weather for this reason. If you plan to shoot water, bring a CPL filter to cut glare and get all those fine details.

Tip #3: Shoot in RAW

When navigating tricky lighting, shooting in RAW format will give you more flexibility in post-production. That way, you can often recover details lost in the shadows on overcast days—without having to bump up your ISO terribly high. Even if you underexpose just a bit (and a lot of photographers do this to preserve the highlights), you should be okay.

Another reason to shoot in RAW is that you can always go back and change your white balance; cloudy days tend to yield bluish images, so adjusting your white balance can help correct that. While shooting, you can also use your camera’s “cloudy” setting or set your white balance manually.

Tip #4: Incorporate cloudy skies

Overcast skies can be flat and boring, with little to no texture—but sometimes you’ll get lucky with moody, dramatic cloud formations. Look around, and face in another direction to see if you can spot some texture in the sky. If you do, seize those opportunities: move the horizon line a bit lower to include some of the sky, and use the clouds to add interest to your composition. (In the 1920s and ’30s, Alfred Stieglitz created an entire series of abstract cloud photos.)

Another way to use clouds in your composition is through reflections, either in bodies of water or puddles just after rain. Sukjin Yoon captured this dreamy scene below while walking by a pond. “The reflections are even more striking on cloudy days,” the artist explains.

Tip #5: Focus on the details

When the sky is dull and uninteresting, consider excluding it from your shot and instead turn your attention to the details of the landscape itself. Rock formations, foliage, and other foreground elements can make for striking nature photography even on gray days, as evidenced by this long exposure photograph by Matteo Bertetto (above). Try swapping out your wide-angle for a longer lens to change your perspective.

Tip #6: Consider portraits

Harsh sunlight can lead to unsightly shadows, making outdoor portraits a challenge. One of our best tips for shooting outdoors is to wait for a cloudy day. Overcast days are perfect for getting outside, photographing people, and capturing smooth, flawless skin.

You can even have your models lift and turn their faces toward the sun without having to squint their eyes. Even though the lighting might be diffused, you still want to get those bright catchlights in the eyes.

Bring a reflector to bounce some light back onto your model’s face and avoid dark shadows under the eyes. If the light is too flat, you can also consider adding some negative fill using a black surface to increase contrast and add some moodiness.

For portraits, unlike landscapes, you’ll need to keep a relatively fast shutter speed to avoid motion blur. Instead, open up your aperture to let in more light; at wider apertures, you’ll also get some nice background blur and bokeh.

Tip #7: Experiment with color

One way to combat the flatness of overcast lighting is to include a pop of color for contrast. Yellows, oranges, and reds can help to add some warmth to an otherwise dreary scene. At Multnomah Falls in Oregon, Brett Cederberg incorporated a red hat, which beautifully complemented the lush greens of the landscape.

Below, Brian Hamill used the vibrant colors of autumn leaves to create interest on an overcast day in Cornwall.

Tip #8: Try monochrome

Alternatively, you could remove color entirely with a black-and-white edit—perfect for moody scenes. Experiment with contrast and curves in post-production to add depth and interest. By taking color out of the equation, you can focus on textures, tones, and light. While photographing waves at Cape Disappointment in Washington, Louis Ruth chose to process this image in black and white due to the overcast weather.

Parting thoughts

While visiting the Island of Skye, Donna Stevens experienced dramatic changes in weather: “cloudy skies, sun, rain, and snow—all in one day.” For her, the unpredictability of the weather created a sense of awe and wonder, with dark and gloomy scenes giving way to sunlit, sparkling vistas.

Landscape and adventure photographers can’t control the weather, but we can plan ahead to be sure we’re on location when something magical happens. If the forecast promises clouds and rain, dare to go out anyway; you might be surprised by what you find.

Looking for more photography tips and tricks to help you shoot in “bad weather”? Check out our 10 secrets for shooting on rainy days.

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At 500px amazing photography is at our core, but these photos would not be possible without the talented people behind the lens. The 500px Spotlight series highlights the global and diverse photographers that are part of the 500px Community. This week we are excited to introduce you to Licensing Contributor Ashvini Sihra.

Ashvini Sihra is an Indian photographer currently based in Rajasthan, India. The 500px team is captivated by her use of color, originality, and authenticity. Ashvini takes inspiration from her culture, experiences, and the people she photographs. Her work has a subtle way of reminding the viewer that our humanness and histories are what shape us as individuals and that should be celebrated.

Q: Hello Ashvini! Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

A: Okayyy… I come from a very small town in Rajasthan, a very historical state of India.
I love traveling and exploring different cultures and people. I try to bring that authenticity of a place into my photography.

Q: Ashvini, when did you first pick up a camera, and what made you want to explore photography as a career?

A: I tried a few different things in different clubs during college. Photography club was the place where I first used a camera. Initially, I was not sure which genre I liked the most, but I knew I loved taking portraits. I love capturing people in their most natural forms. I only bought my first camera as a hobby, but then it became much more than that.

Q: At 500px we believe understanding other cultures and places enriches one’s creative practice. Can you tell us about the arts and culture scene in India?

A: If I try to explain it here, I won’t be able to describe it. Even I am not fully aware of all the diversity that India holds. There is so much to explore and to learn. India is filled with rich and diverse cultures that people take pride in preserving and passing on to their coming generations.

Modern forms of art are developing day by day, but many artists like to keep a touch of their culture and originality in their works.

Q: Your portfolio is a pleasure to scroll through! The 500px team is constantly amazed by how every shoot you produce has a unique feel. One thing that stands out to us is your use of color! What inspires your color choices?

A: I come from Rajasthan—if you Google that word, the images section of the browser will be filled with colorful photographs. It’s definitely Rajasthani culture and style that inspires me to fill my photographs with colors.

Q: As a photographer, you know that color is a great way to communicate feelings and emotions to the viewer. It is especially important to know how to use it effectively in commercial advertising. Can you walk us through your creative process of planning and styling this shoot?

A: One thing when shooting well planned portraits is that your subject should pop out and be the focus of the photograph. I shot this photo inside my home, so the wall was my backdrop. I had no other options, and I wanted my model to stand out from the background—so light pink against olive green—I love that contrast. I don’t know the science, but it should look good to me—and it did.

Q: You creatively use your photography as a stage to represent your life and community in India. What do you want your audience to take away when they view your work?

A: I used to be embarrassed about these same things as a kid. As I grew older, I started admiring it and taking pride in it. And started including that in my work. So, I think one thing that my audience can take away from me and my work is that there is no shame in being authentic and, more importantly, being yourself. I want people to admire the things that have shaped them as the human that they are now.

Q: The 500px team often describes your portfolio as authentic, real, and inspirational. What are your thoughts on authenticity in commercial advertising?

A: I think authenticity is the future. The time for “just for the show” things is gone. Authenticity brings credibility, and that is very important.

Q: We appreciate how your shoots make everyday places exceptionally beautiful and original. It is a skill that seems to come naturally to you. If you were given an unlimited budget to execute any shoot you dream of, what would it be?

A: Ooooo, tough question—one thing for sure is it’ll be a showcase of Indian culture. Maybe a shoot where I cover different states of India, each shoot curated in such a way that it shows the roots and the richness of the place’s culture and traditions.

Q: Would you rather have the ability to fly and take photos from above, or transport yourself anywhere and take photos across the world?

A: Definitely transport myself—we have drones now for flying.

Q: Are there any projects you have on the go or in the near future that you can share with us?

A: Not at the moment. I am focusing on one of my social media pages right now, which is going well. But I love arranging shoots for 500px, as they give me a clear picture of what they’re looking for, but I always have the liberty to customize it.

Q: Can you share a career defining moment or project with us?

A: In terms of stock photography, it was 500px that got me serious about commercial photography, particularity the 500px Project #ShowUs Commercial Grants.

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99 years ago, Man Ray photographed Kiki de Montparnasse in the studio, her back facing the camera and her head turned over her left shoulder. A few months ago, that portrait made history as the most expensive photograph ever sold at auction, going for $12.4 million.

Portraits have a unique ability to capture a specific time and place—but they also have the potential to last for generations. Albert Einstein, Marilyn Monroe, Gloria Swanson, and Kiki de Montparnasse live on in photographs by Yousuf Karsh, Richard Avedon, Edward Steichen, and Man Ray, respectively.

In portrait photography, trends come and go, but the essence of great portraiture remains the same. In this introductory guide, we’ll share some photography tips for making pictures that stand the test of time.

Understanding gear

A DSLR or mirrorless camera

A quality camera with manual controls and interchangeable lenses will give you more room to explore your creative potential. You can switch between focal lengths, experiment with your aperture, and nail your focus exactly where you want it.

A fast prime lens

Every photographer has a preference when it comes to focal length, but the gold standard is probably an 85mm. These lenses won’t distort or compress facial features, so they’re almost always flattering. If you want to go a little wider, a 50mm can work for full-body or waist-up portraits.

Why choose a prime lens over a zoom? Prime lenses tend to be “faster,” meaning that they have wide maximum apertures. By shooting wide-open in a prime, you’ll get that lovely, natural bokeh effect that’s so popular in portrait photography.

A reflector

Natural light is a portrait photographer’s best friend, so feel free to get outside during the golden hour to take advantage of those beautiful, diffused rays. Natural light can be unpredictable, so bring a reflector to bounce light back onto your model’s face and fill in any unwanted shadows.

If you end up using natural light and can’t shoot during the golden hour, choose an overcast day or areas with open shade to avoid harsh, direct sunlight and shadows.

A basic lighting kit

While natural light goes a long way, artificial studio lighting will give you more control and flexibility in your freelance photography work. To start, consider LEDs: they’re continuous, so you’ll see the effect they have on your scene in real time, and they’re relatively affordable. You can also get LED panels in a variety of colors to mix things up.

For more power, consider upgrading to a strobe. When working with these strong studio lights, modifiers are essential: start with a softbox/octabox to diffuse harsh light. Finally, color effect gels go a long way in helping to create different vibes with a simple setup.

A tripod

Tripods are entirely optional, but they can help you to be more intentional about your portrait framing. Plus, you’ll be freed up to focus on your model and direct them throughout the shoot.

Collaborating with models

Most of our portrait tips have nothing to do with gear and everything to do with connecting with people. Great portraits are true collaborations, so take the time to get to know your model, familiarize them with your idea for the shoot, and ensure they’re comfortable on set.

These tips apply when you’re working with models in a studio/editorial photography setting, and they also apply if you’re approaching a stranger for a spontaneous street portrait. Share a bit about who you are, what you do, and what inspired you about your model.

Often, your model might spark ideas for your session. When photographing the surf champion Charlotte (above), Bella Kotak chose a stunning rock pool as her location—a perfect choice for this fairytale-inspired scene. She made the pearl fish herself after speaking with Charlotte, who mentioned her love of the movie character Nemo.

Whether you’re shooting outdoors on location or in the studio, here are some details to consider.

Posing

The level of direction you give will depend on your models and their comfort level, but it usually helps to have some general ideas and suggestions to start. You can look up some photography guides and templates online for popular poses.

Keeping all your poses (very) easy and simple will ensure they look natural, rather than stiff and rigid. It’s also a good idea to encourage some movement throughout the shoot, capturing candid gestures and moments that help express your models’ personalities.

Lighting

In portrait photography, some basic lighting patterns to know include Rembrandt lighting, butterfly lighting, and split lighting. You can achieve all of these with a single light source, but they’ll have vastly different effects. Split lighting, for instance, where only half of the face is lit, is well-suited to dramatic portraits, while butterfly lighting, where the light is centered in front of the model and pointed down, is ideal for beauty shots.

Rembrandt lighting is flattering on most people. To create this lighting setup, place your light 45 degrees to the side of your model, pointing 45 degrees down toward the face, until a little triangle of light appears under one of the eyes—as in the portrait above by Hooman Mesri.

Catchlights

We recommend an octabox for two reasons: diffusion and beautiful catchlights. Catchlights are the little orbs of light reflected in your model’s eyes, giving them that spark of vitality. Naturally, they’ll take on the shape of your light source, and an octabox provides a nice, rounded shape.

For sharp portraits, use the focus points on your camera to set your focus directly on the eyes—it’s the most important part of your frame.

Backgrounds

Backgrounds, whether used in the studio or on location, can instantly elevate a portrait, so consider colors and materials that suit the model and the mood of your session. Aside from seamless paper and fabric backdrops, you can also find natural backgrounds when shooting outdoors: colorful walls, lush foliage and flowers, or open sky.

Photographing people at home can also help to put them at ease, while also giving you more opportunities to capture details of their lives and personalities. Another easy way to create a pleasing background in the field is to open up your aperture to create some bokeh and background blur behind your model.

Styling

As a general rule, timeless, neutral clothing works best for portraits. At the same time, personal items like jewelry can help capture someone’s story, so take your model’s style into account. Consider, too, a touch of color: Lisa-Marie McGinn’s use of orange makeup in the portrait above creates contrast and brings out the model’s bright blue eyes.

Creative compositions

Depending on your vision for the session, feel free to embrace unconventional ideas or even bend the “rules” associated with portrait photography. Faceless portraits, for instance, can help create a sense of mystery while also tapping into universal themes and emotions.

Similarly, up-close or personal portraits can reveal details about your model that others might miss. Change your angles by getting below or above your subject and capturing something easily overlooked from a new perspective.

In conclusion

When creating the portrait above, Angela Perez was inspired by the Victorian era. To emulate the dreamy style popular in creative photography at the time, she chose a fully manual Lensbaby Composer Pro lens, which is commonly used for architecture and landscapes. “My inspiration was wet plate collodion images, and I wanted to see how I [could] get a similar effect with a digital camera,” she writes. “The effect is all done in camera, no Photoshop.”

The lesson is this: portraits are always unique to the artist and the model, and there’s no such thing as “one size fits all.” The more people you photograph, the more comfortable you’ll get with your own style—and the potential of stepping out of your comfort zone.

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Great landscape photography comes with a range of unique challenges, and having the right gear for the job is essential.

As a writer and camera gear reviewer for Shotkit, I’ve worked in all weather conditions in and around the beautiful Tweed Valley in northern NSW (Australia) using a range of equipment.

This means striking the right balance between size and weight, along with performance quality, to ensure I have the right tools for the best possible results.

In this guide, I’ll break down the essential gear for landscape photography to help you take stunning photos, whatever challenges the elements throw your way.

A resilient camera

Landscape photography often requires a long trek in the countryside, through unpredictable weather, so you’ll need a resilient camera made from durable materials.

Dropping the camera is inevitable, particularly when working on muddy or icy terrain, so you’ll want one built from a solid metal alloy body.

Choosing a weather-sealed camera means you can shoot in rainy weather, as well as close to water spray from waves or waterfalls that might otherwise damage your camera.

A camera rain cover is also worth packing for additional peace of mind. A rain cover takes up minimal space in your camera bag and allows you to continue shooting in heavier rain.

A selection of lenses

Landscapes and the wilderness offer many opportunities for outstanding photographs, so taking a selection of great lenses allows you to capitalize on as many opportunities as possible.

While the best lenses for landscape photography are subjective, here are some of my suggestions for great lenses to consider adding to your kit.

Wide-angle lenses

Often seen as the go-to choice of lens for landscape photography, wide-angle lenses allow you to capture stunning vistas in a single image.

A wide-angle zoom, such as a 16-35 mm lens, provides plenty of coverage for landscape photographs, distorting perspective while highlighting interesting foreground details.

Telephoto lenses

Landscapes frequently feature points of interest and details that a wide-angle lens lacks the capability of closing in on, making a telephoto lens another essential addition to your gear.

These lenses also compress the image and pull the background detail forward, resulting in a different aesthetic than is achieved with wide-angle or prime lenses.

While telephoto lenses can be a little too heavy and cumbersome for long treks, there are smaller and lighter alternatives that won’t add too much weight to your gear.

They’re also great for close-ups of animals and plants you can’t get close to with a prime lens, giving you additional shot opportunities.

Prime lenses

With their sharper optics and lightweight build, prime lenses are also strong performers for landscape photography that deliver outstanding results.

Their fixed focal lengths help you to think more about composition, producing photographs with a more true-to-life perspective.

My prime lens of choice is a 35mm, since this focal length has a cinematic look that also works well for shooting video footage.

With that said, there are other great options for prime lenses that will deliver impressive landscape photographs, and many professionals with include a selection in their kit.

If you have the opportunity to test prime lenses of different focal lengths, have a play around and see which angle of view best suits your style.

A sturdy tripod

While many cameras feature in-body image stabilization, a sturdy lightweight tripod is a must for photographing landscapes in various lighting conditions.

A tripod opens up more possibilities for shots, particularly in low-light conditions or at night time, allowing you to maximize depth of field.

Using a tripod also makes it easier to align graduated filters, as well as shoot using shutter speeds that are too slow for handheld shooting.

I also like to shoot videos alongside my landscape photography, so if you’re thinking of doing the same, you’ll need to choose a fluid video head for smooth pans and tilts.

The best tripods for landscape photographers are constructed from carbon fiber, reducing the weight without compromising durability.

If you’re after a tripod that’s lightweight enough for backpacking across the great outdoors while still being stiff and reliable, our gear guides at Shotkit reviewed a selection of great value travel tripods here.

Remote release

Using a tripod brings a great deal of stability to landscape photographs, but there’s still a risk of shaking when depressing the shutter release button.

You can avoid potentially degrading the sharpness of the image by using a remote release, or as a cheaper alternative, use your camera’s built-in self-timer.

Filters

Filters are useful tools that can be used to improve landscape photographs while adding negligible weight and space to your overall gear.

Here are two filters I recommend including in your camera bag for shooting impressive landscapes.

Polarizer

A polarizing filter is the filter of choice for many landscape photographers, enhancing colors while reducing unwanted reflections in your compositions.

This filter minimizes the harsh reflections typically given by shiny objects and water, as well as darkening the sky for a richer and deeper blue.

ND filter

An ND filter—or neutral density filter—is another effective filter for landscape photography that compensates for bright skies and helps to overcome high contrast issues.

When shooting video, I like to use a variable ND filter, which allows me to shoot at a shallow depth of field in harsh light.

Spare batteries and memory cards

One of the worst things that can happen when out shooting landscape photos in the wilderness is to run out of batteries, missing the opportunity for a great shot.

To avoid this frustrating scenario, I recommend taking along at least two spare batteries in your camera bag, or more if you’re also shooting lots of video footage.

Additional memory cards are also important. While you can delete unwanted images to make space, this is a time-consuming process.

For overnight expeditions or multi-day hiking shoots, I also pack a power bank, allowing me to recharge batteries at the end of the day without the need for a main power source.

Camera bag or backpack

A solid, waterproof camera back or backpack is also crucial if you’re out in the wild taking landscape photos.
There is a wide range of dedicated rucksacks for photography gear, and the bag and rucksack you use will depend on your equipment.

My preference is to use a side-slung camera bag for my camera and lenses, with a traditional hiking rucksack for my gimbal, tripod, and other accessories.

This allows me to quickly access the camera without the need to remove it from a rucksack, but still gives me the option to use the gimbal and tripod in certain scenarios.

While there are decent dedicated rucksacks for camera equipment, these aren’t optimal for long treks and can be uncomfortable to carry over time.

A good quality camera bag and rucksack should also come with a pull-out rain cover in case you get caught in a downpour.

Waterproof clothing and boots

Keeping yourself warm and dry when out photographing landscapes is as important as maintaining dry equipment, so you need to dress for the occasion.

There’s plenty of hiking clothing available to fit a broad range of budgets, and a decent waterproof jacket combined with a pair of walking boots will make a huge difference on a day out.

If you’re anticipating heavy rain, waterproof trousers and a poncho are handy items of clothing to include in your kit in case you get caught in a downpour.

For summer landscape photography, it can be a good idea to trade the walking boots for some lightweight trainers, making it easier to scramble over rocks and access different vantage points.

AI-based photo editing software

Once you’ve filled your memory cards with plenty of landscape photographs, it’s time to perform some post-processing to really make them shine.

I’ve been using Luminar Neo for my landscape photography post-processing, which features a beautifully intuitive workflow that allows me to quickly edit my images.

Editing my RAW files is simple, with Luminar’s comprehensive tools allowing for quick correction of any distortion and vignetting in the images.

The range of light adjustment filters means I can tweak the colors and white balance to achieve the desired look, as well as alter saturation and vibrance.

Luminar also features an extensive selection of AI-based tools that can further improve landscape photographs, such as the AI Sky Replacement tool.

This allows me to highlight and alter the sky with ease, accurately selecting the awkward elements between tree branches and around the edges of hilltops.

What was once a time-consuming and laborious task can now be achieved with a single click, freeing up time to modify the sky’s tone and color.

These tools, combined with the software’s ease of use and quick export options for social media, are a great way to transform a good landscape photo into a stunning vista.

Learn more about your favorite camera brands and tutorials at Shotkit

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The 500px Global Photography Awards winners have been selected and we can’t wait to share the deserving winners of the 2022 edition with you. This initiative was created to recognize and highlight the exceptional talent within the community, with the bonus of walking away with prizes that can help you develop your passion for photography.

In December, we launched our second edition of the awards and increased our categories for our community to have even more chances to win. Today we will be announcing all 6 winners and 5 runners-up for each category.

The diverse categories aimed to give all photographers, hobbyists, and pros alike a chance to submit their work for consideration.

THE CATEGORIES

• Technical
• Story-telling
• Commercial content
• Documentary
• Fine Art
• Landscape

THE WINNERS AND RUNNERS UP

TECHNICAL

FIRST PLACE WINNER: Mary Bel

A note from the 500px Editors’ on the winning image:

A monochromatic moment, a mastery of soft light and intentional shadows, and a high-quality capture that doesn’t sacrifice any of the image’s details. These are a few ways to describe the photographer Mary Bel’s winning image “Remember Who You Are”.

Despite working with solely brown tones there is a contrast between all the essential elements of the shot, the dark brown skin popping out against the lighter background with the organic line of the model’s neck directing your attention and the highlight on the face making it the focal point. A technical mastery of the fundamentals of photography, lighting, and lines while also being emotive and knowing how to capture expression.

RUNNERS UP

Hanna Hafarava

Sara Zanini

Jesús FCS

Ondej Chvátal

STORYTELLING

FIRST PLACE WINNER:  Kevin Wood

A note from the 500px Editors’ on the winning image:

A strong narrative image tells a story while also making the viewer want to know more. In “Creating Adam and Eve” by Kevin Wood, expectations of the classic origin story are flipped on their head. The shot in its simplicity shows unity, humanity and the connection of man and woman, letting the sky highlight the profiles of the couple while ensuring they remain in focus. The male’s eyes are contemplative and the postures of both models shows connection but also a yearning, creating a curiosity for what is to come for the audience.

RUNNERS UP

Sebastien Sommier

Leo High

Reiko Wakai

Nika Pailodze

Pavel Burochkin

COMMERCIAL CONTENT

FIRST PLACE WINNER: Galigrafiya

A note from the 500px Editors’ on the winning image:

Commercial content more than any other genre has strict requirements to serve the purpose of marketing an experience or product. Simple is often best, but simple doesn’t mean easy. Often distilling an image down to only one subject and color leaves room for a lot more error with no other distractions. However, Halyna Vitiuk works with one color and duplicates of the same product and makes it interesting and eye-catching. From the styling to the technical precision used behind the lens, we’re sold on the sweets.

RUNNERS UP

Gustavo Chams

Tencho Tenev

Fabio Formaggio

Jaromír Chalabala

Stephen Leonardi

DOCUMENTARY

FIRST PLACE WINNER: Caleb Mensah

A note from the 500px Editors’ on the winning image:

A style of photography that should provide an honest and accurate representation of people and places. Caleb with his image creates a striking scene that shows the landscape of Ghana and the brotherhood between the men. Their stares are directly aimed at the photographer yet don’t feel posed, a new perspective of a place is delivered with beautiful colors and tones and emotions all intermingling.

RUNNERS UP

Roberto Di Patrizi

Carlotta Ricci

Eduardo Teixeira de Sousa

Marco Tagliarino

Zorica Nikov

FINE ART

FIRST PLACE WINNER: Elena Paraskeva

A note from the 500px Editors’ on the winning image:

Fine art photography isn’t only created by a camera, it’s created by an artist. Driven by a conceptual idea and framework, fine art doesn’t mirror reality but it can make you question it. Elena in “Keeping the Distance” creates a visual art piece that plays on the idea of privacy, and one’s personal space in public spaces. Using color, poses and accessories intentionally to convey this concept.

RUNNERS UP

Thomas Wohl

Elisa Miller

Michal Zahornacky

Aaron Ricketts

Roman Olinchuk

LANDSCAPE

FIRST PLACE WINNER: Karol Nienartowicz

A note from the 500px Editors’ on the winning image:

Capturing the peaks, ridges and textures with such aptitude Karol delivers an image that reminds us of the majesty and vastness of the world. The Maly Koscielec Ridge  in the High Tatras of Poland is a steep peak that the photographer utilizes strategically, with the light reflecting off the base of the peak and shadows creating contrast in the valley and the finishing touch of a delightful bit of perspective with the hiker situated right on the top of the peak surrounded by stars. The image teleports the viewer and fills them with awe.

RUNNERS UP

Musti esen

Thanayu Jongwattanasilkul

Jacek Swiercz

Leonardo Gazzea

Massimiliano Coniglio

Thanks again to all the photographers who submitted their work and congrats to this year’s winners!

The post The 500px Global Photography Awards 2022 Winners Are… appeared first on 500px.

500px is launching a new contest to recognize and celebrate the 500px Licensing community. A growing, fresh, and contemporary portfolio is often a key to success in commercial photography. With Licensing Rush we’ll be highlighting those photographers who make regular additions to their Licensing collection.

Once signed up, we’ll be looking at all photos submitted and accepted to Licensing between March 1 – 31st. The participating photographers with the most photos accepted within the timeframe will win one of three cash prizes.

Prizes:
1st Place: $300 USD 
2nd Place: $150 USD
3rd Place: $50 USD

How to enter?
To take part in the 500px Licensing Rush:

• Join the 500px Licensing Discord
• Opt-in within the #Licensing-Rush channel
• Start submitting new and exclusive photos to 500px Licensing!

The deadline to have your submissions considered is March 31st, 2023, 23:59 EST. Start submitting early for a better chance to win!

We will not be taking into account photos that have been declined or that require changes before being accepted to Licensing – so be sure to have all necessary model and property releases when submitting! The winners will be announced within the 500px Licensing Discord.

Unsure of what to submit?
We’re considering all different genres of photography but be sure to follow along in the 500px Licensing Discord for tons of specific tips and tricks as to what kind of content is currently trending and in demand within Licensing. 

Not on 500px yet? Click here to learn about Licensing with 500px.

The post Introducing the 500px Licensing Rush appeared first on 500px.

Within advertising, there is a lot of thought and psychology behind which images work best at connecting with an audience and how these images are presented. Brands are always looking for ways to ensure that viewers not only remember their advertisements, but also feel a resonance or connection with the imagery.

In 2018 Right Left Agency conducted a study in collaboration with a USC Master of Science student that measured the effectiveness of using first-person point of view (POV) in advertisements. The study observed two Facebook ads. The only difference between the two ads was that one photo was shown in first-person POV and the other was shot in the more common third-person POV. The results showed higher measures of success in the first-person POV ad totaling “9% higher clicks (185 vs. 170), and 43% higher total engagement (n=32 vs. n=14)” compared to the third-person POV. The cost-per-click campaign was even decreased by the third day on the first-person POV ad due to higher engagement and Facebook Algorithm.

When it came to conversion rate, the third-person POV outperformed by a small margin (71 vs. 69); however, the Right Left Agency reminds us that previous research has shown that higher engagement may lead to a higher conversion rate in the long term. Calder, Malthouse, and Schaedel’s (2009) study confirmed that “despite the low relevance for short-term sales, likes and comments over the long-term were shown to be the strongest cumulative-sales drivers.”

Overall this study shows that a more intentional choice of imagery in advertisements has the capacity to resonate more effectively with consumers, and successfully impact commercial campaigns and ads.

Below we share why first-person POV is so effective, and our tips for bringing this perspective to your Licensing portfolio.

What sets first-person POV apart from the rest?

Well, as the 500px team has stated in previous articles, commercial advertising is most effective when the viewer can make a connection to what they see and are able to place themselves within the scene. That is why tips like turning your model slightly or completely away from the camera allows the viewer to easily imagine themselves having the experience. Another tip we often talk about is including the figure of a human or animal in a landscape or nature shot, photos like this have shown to be more salable than content without a human or animal presence.

The anonymous aspect of both of these examples breaks down barriers and allows the viewer to participate as the subject, rather than the observer. This strengthens the personal connection between the viewer and the content they consume.

First-person POV is taking that same concept and going the extra mile by actually creating the perceived experience from the viewers POV. It is allowing the viewer to engage in an immersive experience. This is placing the viewer into an action-forward scenario rather than a passive viewing experience.

It also connects to another salable commercial tip that the 500px team has spoken about previously, which is relatability. When the viewer can relate to the subject in the scene they are more likely to use the product or service.

We have actually seen more and more consumers demand relatability from their favorite brands and products. Western advertising is seeing a turn in advertising to be reflective of everyday life and everyday people.

Want to start shooting first-person POV yourself?

Why not? In fact, the 500px team highly recommends it, as it will diversify your commercial portfolio and you can easily use yourself in your shoots.

When shooting in first-person POV consider capturing everyday actions that are relatable to the viewer. Things like making dinner, using your phone or tech devices, riding your bike, playing with pets, or partaking in a craft or hobby are all great ways to capture your unique perspective.

Some key things to think about are:

Showing your hands

A key to taking a successful first-person POV is incorporating hands, this not only adds to the illusion of being in a first-person POV, but the sense of touch and action you are capturing helps to immerse the viewer into the scene.

Alternatively, you can capture your feet

Imagine you are lying on a beach or sitting by a pool — take a shot with your feet in the frame to give the viewer the illusion that they are there themselves.

Over-the-shoulder shots work well too

When working with models, or a tripod, to capture first-person POV, it may be helpful to use the over-the-shoulder angle, which will allow you to incorporate more of the model in the foreground.

Use props strategically

You can get creative with your first-person POV and use props instead of hands or feet. In the examples below, the photographers have captured first-person POV through their use of props.

Tips for capturing first-person POV

1. Start out by getting used to smaller actions where you can incorporate one hand while shooting with the other. This type of photo has sold a number of times on 500px.

2. For some shots you may want to show both hands, like when kayaking or holding your phone. In these instances, you may want to buy a camera strap, which easily allows you to take photos hands-free by using the interval timer on your camera.

3. Use your GoPro. GoPros are a great tool for taking first-person POV with less effort.

4. Consider using your smartphone—it is more accessible, and you can set it up on a tabletop tripod in front of you without taking up too much space.

We have rounded up some photos of first-person POV for inspiration

Citations:
POV and Advertising
14 Of Our Favourite Examples of Storytelling In Marketing

Not on 500px yet? Click here to learn about Licensing with 500px.

The post Make more sales from your Licensing portfolio with immersive content! appeared first on 500px.

For William Henry Jackson in 1870, it was Yellowstone Lake. In 1904, for Edward Steichen, it was a tucked-away pond nestled in the woods at Mamaroneck, New York. For Eliot Porter in 1962, it was the woodlands of New England. For Galen Rowell, it was Half Dome in Yosemite in 1972.

For some of history’s greatest photographers, discovering the perfect landscape turned out to be a defining moment, casting their entire practice in a new light, and opening up unexpected opportunities. Landscape photography inspires us to seek out the most sublime corners of our planet. Sometimes, if we’re lucky, we find ourselves venturing into the unknown, and that moment—the light, the weather, the colors—surpasses our wildest expectations.

We curated this collection of photographs from the 500px community to reveal some of the most exquisite locations on our planet, spanning every continent. From rainforests that drip with fog to blood-red salt lakes and hidden waterfalls, we’ve included places that are famous among photographers, plus some off-the-beaten-path treasures known only to a select few.

Avenue of the Baobabs, Madagascar

“While in Madagascar, I fell in love with these ancient Baobab trees,” Valerie Laney remembers of visiting this natural monument, home to centuries-old baobabs. Early one foggy morning, she spotted these women walking down the legendary dirt road; she asked them to stop, just for an instant, before continuing on their way.

Cradle Mountain National Park, Tasmania, Australia

Hillary Younger captured this autumn sky at dawn in Tasmania’s Cradle Mountain National Park. Cradle Mountain is home to snow-dotted mountains, glacial lakes, and mossy rainforests. In autumn, the endemic nothofagus gunnii explode in color (visible in the foreground of Hillary’s photograph). “Sometimes, deciduous beech or nothofagus gunnii grows low, like a ground cover, hugging rocks, smothering holes, and forming a formidable barrier to anyone intent on walking through,” the artist explains.

Danakil Depression, Ethiopia

Being one of the hottest places on Earth, these sulfurous hot springs are harsh and inhospitable. But, despite the conditions, the area’s beauty continues to draw curious travelers. “Even at the coldest season, it reached almost 40 degrees during the day,” Erez Marom, who leads workshops in the area, says. “The sights were very much worth it, though. We started with several shoots in the Dallol sulfuric acid lakes and salt hills at sunrise and sunset.”

Hoh Rainforest, Washington State, USA

“Hoh Rainforest within the Olympic NP in the US is the wettest place I’ve ever seen and visited,” Sabine Weiss says. She’s right: it’s one of the wettest places in the world, with moss and lichen known to sparkle with fog when precipitation is high. “Walking through this rainforest feels like being in a fairytale,” Sabine reflects.

Kawah Ijen, Indonesia

At the top of this volcano in Java, you’ll discover a crater lake, turned turquoise by the presence of hydrochloric acid. Daniel Kordan visited at sunrise following a two-hour hike. To stay safe from the sulfur gases, he wore a mask, so do the same if you visit. Many travel to Kawah Ijen to see the rare phenomenon of bright blue flames, caused by the combustion of those gasses, visible in the darkness. But even if you don’t see them, it’s worth the early trip to see the sky turn pink over the blue-green lake.

Kochelsee, Bavaria, Germany

Kochelsee or Lake Kochel, situated at the edge of the Bavarian Alps with a stunning mountain view, is a popular destination in summertime, but Viktoria Pezzei chose to photograph it in winter. “My boots would be fully soaked in cold water, fingers would freeze, my nose went red, yet I would have a big smile on my face,” she remembers.

Laguna Colorada, Bolivia

Located close to the Chilean border, this salt lake is known for its red hue and diverse population of flamingos, including the very rare James’ Flamingo. If you go, try photographing it during different seasons (wet and dry) and at various times of day.

“The water looks at its deepest red just before sunset, though seeing the mist rising from the volcanic warm water in the early morning with the Andes and volcanoes in the background is also pretty special,” the travel and nature photographer Ignacio Palacios says.

Lake Tekapo, New Zealand

“Lupins on Lake Tekapo are truly a sight to behold,” the photographer Christian Lim admits. To make this picture, he waited until the harsh sun faded and softened into a pale pink. He visited in November, the best time to see the flowers in bloom. He also has a tip for avoiding the crowds of tourists during sunset, a busy time of day for visitors: “Head to the left side of the lake far from the church, or towards Alexandrina instead.”

Lemaire Channel, Antarctica

Located between the Antarctic Peninsula and Booth Island (the latter appears in the background of this photograph by David Merron), Lemaire Channel is known for its calm, glassy waters—perfect for reflections. David, a photography guide to the polar regions, has photographed this narrow channel in all conditions, including when sunset illuminates the skies in fiery hues.

Marble Caves, Chile

Near the small town of Puerto Rio Tranquilo, Chilean Patagonia, you can discover these marble caves, carved by nature thousands of years ago. The blue tones will transform based on the weather and the light, with the reflection in the water bringing out the richest of hues. “This place is amazing; the routes to get there are beautiful, and the color of the water is tremendous,” Julieta Distasio explains [translated from the original Spanish].

Mount Huangshan, China

Huangshan, or the Yellow Mountains, in Anhui province is a UNESCO World Heritage site, recognizable for its twisted pines and granite peaks. Long frequented by landscape artists before the invention of the camera, it’s no wonder photographers have flocked to this dramatic destination. “You wouldn’t believe the epic journey of 50km on foot through icy steps and freezing temperatures,” Joel Santos remembers of his journey. “It was worth every second.”

Rio Celeste, Costa Rica

“The amazing magical blue of Rio Celeste at Tenorio National Park is actually an optical illusion,” the wildlife and conservation photographer Chris Jimenez says. “The sunlight refracts off of this suspended mineral in the water and appears blue to our eyes.” The water appears to be so blue, in fact, that according to one legend, the gods dipped their paintbrushes into the river after painting the sky. To get the most out of those radiant blues, opt for the dry season, as rainfall can dull the color.

Selvallafoss, Iceland

We learned about Selvallafoss, or Sheep’s Waterfall, in West Iceland through Signe Fogelqvist, who happened upon it accidentally. “This is actually just a fraction of the whole waterfall,” the artist says. Known as a “hidden waterfall,” this spot isn’t located on many maps, and it’s not clearly visible from the road.

Nestled between Selvallavatn lake on one side and picturesque mountains on the other, Selvallafoss has three main cascades. To get that ethereal misting effect, try photographing it using a longer exposure.

Upper Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park, USA

Doublet Pool in Yellowstone’s Upper Geyser Basin is identifiable by its delicate, scalloped edges and deep blue hue. Perri K Schelat photographed the area on a February day, as temperatures plunged to -10 degrees. “The ethereal atmosphere of steam and cold is hard to beat,” she says. Just one word of caution: beware of condensation, and protect your gear from the elements.

Victoria Falls, Zambia

Victoria Falls or Mosi-oa-Tunya is situated along the course of the Zambezi River at the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. Mario Moreno created this photograph at sunset from the Zambian side. Due to the heavy spray and mist, which can be seen from 30 kilometers away, you can often find rainbows arching over the falls, depending on where the sunlight falls.

In conclusion

With many of the world’s natural landscapes in crisis, the responsibility of today’s landscape photographer is two-fold. First, be a voice for the environment, and second, leave places better than when you found them.

Do your research before visiting a location, and consider ways to give back locally while you’re there. That could mean volunteering with a conservation project, participating in a clean-up, or donating a portion of your print sale proceeds to a local cause.

Overtourism continues to be an issue in some places, so think about overlooked landscapes you can photograph close to home. If you do visit (or discover) a remote or little-known location, consider skipping the geotag and keeping the location private for its protection.

This roundup offers a point of departure, but there are hidden treasures everywhere, waiting to be discovered.

Not on 500px yet? Sign up here to explore more impactful photography.

The post 15 places every landscape photographer should add to their bucket list appeared first on 500px.

At 500px amazing photography is at our core, but these photos would not be possible without the talented people behind the lens. The 500px Spotlight series highlights the global and diverse photographers that are part of the 500px Community. This week we are excited to introduce you to Licensing contributor Olha Dobosh.

Olha Dobosh is a Ukrainian photographer currently residing in Catalonia, Lleida.
Her 500px Licensing Portfolio features stunning lifestyle photography that the 500px team is constantly impressed by. Olha has a talent for capturing details and visually illustrating a story through her photos.

Q: Hello Olha! Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

A: I’m a 30-year-old freelance photographer from a small town in the west of Ukraine, Drohobych. Ten years ago, I moved to Catalonia, Lleida. I like taking long drives, music on vinyl, and oil painting.

Q: What inspired you to get into photography and make it your profession?

A: My passion for photography began 18 years ago. At first, I took pictures of my friends at school discos and enjoyed taking rather funny portraits with my PowerShot A20 camera. When I met my husband, I became inspired by his photos taken with his Canon 550d camera, which I later took from him.

Q: Originally you resided in Ukraine but moved to Spain a couple of years back. Can you share a bit about your experiences in Spain? What inspiration have you found in your new home?

A: In general, moving to Spain was initially difficult. I moved after graduation, so there was pressure to find a job, in addition to finding myself in a completely new community and different language. Mentally and culturally, I experienced some alienation.

We live an hour from nearby mountains and the sea, so it was a salvation for me to visit and spend time in nature. In the first year, I was saved by trips to beautiful places in Spain, where I was inspired to photograph more and could understand why I am still here.

Q: The 500px team loves your Licensing portfolio for numerous reasons, but one thing that really sticks out to us is your use of natural light that gives a cohesive, energized, and airy feel to your portfolio. Can you share any tips for working with natural light when shooting indoors?

A: Thank you so much for your kind words, it motivates me a lot.

I didn’t consider my work using natural light to be particularly special. I’ve always thought it was possible to shoot better, but I work with what I have available to me. My apartment gets a lot of natural night until mid-afternoon. I take advantage of that and shoot in front of the window in the morning. I also shoot with the light-sensitive and very sharp Zeiss distagon 35mm f/1.4 lens. I also find it helps to shoot without any reflectors and auxiliary accessories.

Q: In the past you have worked with the 500px team on Licensing briefs and have won some of our contests and Quests. We feel that you are particularly skilled at capturing a theme through visual storytelling in a genuine and relatable way. Below are examples of photos from the same shoot to illustrate our point.

A: In fact, thanks to the 500px team, the contests on the platform, and the briefs created for Licensing contributors, I learned to shoot lifestyle details. Before that, I mainly shot outdoor portraits. Thank you for the ideas for the development of my creative practice.

Q: Can you give any tips to emerging photographers on how they can pre-plan and direct their shoots to capture a narrative through their lens?

A: The most important thing is the desire to create!

When there is a task, ideas come from the visuals of viewers, interesting people, and social networks such as Pinterest and Instagram. It also depends on the mood. I think everyone understands what I mean when nothing goes right.

I think it’s much more interesting to look at the variety of plans in the photo. It’s not necessary to have many different lenses—with a 35mm or 50mm, you have an unlimited number of ideas. Small details make a series of photos more beautiful.

Currently, I am taking pictures of my family, friends, and colleagues. I am fortunate that I have many people who are happy to let me photograph them to submit to 500px Licensing.

At the beginning of the year, I tried to make a list of photo sessions that I would like to do. Last year I managed to complete almost everything on the list. I hope this year I’m as successful.

In my work I photograph details that convey the atmosphere of the picture. I also shoot portraits and reports in silent mode—this helps the model to relax and reflect movements and poses more naturally.

Q: Another stand out quality in your portfolio is how you integrate technology. Tech is often hard to capture in positive and creative ways. Your approach humanizes technology and shows how the user and the device work together. Can you give any tips to Licensing Contributors for their tech-inspired shoots?

A: It seems like a difficult task until you try.

The main thing is to find the right lighting in the location where you are shooting, then bring in some extra gear. I shoot mainly in places where there is a good atmosphere and friendly people, so the models I photograph will feel comfortable and open to ideas.

I try to explain in advance how the shot should look and where I will stand at the same time (for example behind someone’s head).

Q: What are some issues you have run into when shooting technology-themed shoots? How did you work around these?

A: In most cases, artificial lighting is not the best and, of course, there are places where there are many brands/logos around that may be hard to edit out. This happens in cafes and shops. I try to choose establishments with large windows and minimalist design.

I also find It is easier to shoot tech at home.

Q: What are your thoughts on the changes we see in present day commercial advertising?

A: I think it’s wonderful, and that everyone should associate themselves with the products and brands they use, places they go, and businesses they visit. Advertising should resemble ordinary everyday life.

I’m extremely glad that we are finally seeing less retouching and photoshop in commercial advertising that represent non-existent ideals of people.

Q: We love when our Licensing Contributors use their own pets in their shoots. The 500px team has come to love Pepa after seeing him in various shoots over time. Do you have any planned shoots with Pepa in the near future?

A: Thank you. We are glad that you like her! She is a very cute and gentle animal of the Husky Dumbo breed. Pepa is already our third rat. She likes to eat and sleep in our arms. We try to take pictures of her when we can.

Q: Are there any projects you have on the go or in the near future that you can share with us?

A: I recently bought a new 50mm f/1.4 Zeiss planar lens and have already managed to post a couple of new photos with my friend Laya from a clothing store.

Keep up with more work by Olha Dobosh:
500px
Instagram
Website

Not on 500px yet? Click here to learn about Licensing with 500px.

The post How to capture visual storytelling with Licensing contributor Olha Dobosh appeared first on 500px.

Ever since Irving Penn first started experimenting with white paper backdrops in the 1940s—and later, an old, repurposed theater curtain from the 1950s—portrait photographers have been pushing the boundaries of what backgrounds can look like.

Far beyond the scope of the conventional, artists on 500px have found new ways to use traditional studio items—such as seamless paper—or tried new materials entirely, incorporating unexpected flourishes like dried roses or colorful vintage fabrics.

While easily overlooked, the right background is often the secret ingredient for elevating a photograph, whether you’re making fine art portraits or polished, professional headshots. Inspired by the 500px community, we put together this list of ideas that remind us of the surprising and transformative power of a well-chosen backdrop.

Seamless paper

For solid, clean, matte backgrounds, start with seamless paper, as fabric tends to wrinkle. Keep in mind that if you’re shooting on white, you’ll need to light that background separately, usually about a stop brighter than your model. That way, you’ll avoid muddy gray tones.

Consider some neutral color seamless backgrounds for more versatility and richness. “For this particular shoot (above), I chose a brown Savage chestnut backdrop,” Faycal Marjane tells us. “The shoot took place in my small living room. I used a Godox AD600 with a 105cm diffused umbrella placed overhead and a reflector that the model held on her hand to light the shadows under her chin.

“My recommendation for photographers looking to achieve such an effect is not to neglect the power of a catchlight on the eyes and to carefully choose an outfit that will complement the idea of the pictures they are aiming for.”

Color gels

You don’t necessarily have to start with a bunch of different color backgrounds; instead, invest in a quality white seamless and some color gels to turn it any color you want. For a more low-key vibe, you can illuminate a black background with a gelled light as well. Overall, gels just give you a lot more versatility without breaking the bank.

Saturated color

If you pair a full-color LED light kit (or a gelled light) with a solid color background, you can also make that color appear even more bright and eye-catching. Caroline Gife, aka Photographies de Caroline, used this technique when making this portrait against a seamless paper backdrop. “I placed an orange studio background behind the model,” she remembers. “I placed an orange LED light between the model and the studio backdrop (towards the studio backdrop) to accentuate the color.”

Caroline then lit the model with green LED light to create contrast. Consider pairing cool and warm tones for that pumped-up, contrasty effect.

Painted backdrops

Popularized by photographers like Annie Leibovitz and Steven Meisel, Sarah Oliphant Backdrops set the gold standard for painted backdrops. But we’ve also seen photographers make their own using high-quality canvas at home.

You can even use linen, as Amirhossein Loloei did when creating this portrait above. “I bought linen fabric, mixed the color I wanted, and applied it,” he tells us. “I used acrylic paint and wood glue. In this collection, inspired by minimalism, I tried my best not to create a contrast between the background and the clothes to create a dreamy environment.

“I chose a color that is very delicate and conveys feminine, tender, and romantic emotions. After applying the desired color on the background, I created the texture with lighter and white tones. In the lighting, I tried to use soft light that is in harmony with the space.”

DIY backdrops

From tablecloths to bedsheets, you might have great background materials already sitting around the house. To create the portrait above, Anna Turková used a stretched bedsheet with natural window light and a reflector. “My advice is to follow the light and learn the basics of photography first,” she says.

DIY backdrops can also work outdoors. Inna Mosina used a sheer, billowy organza on a snowy day to create a dreamy, ethereal mood in the winter snow (below).

Vintage fabrics

Muslin and linen are always popular choices in this department. Either give fabrics a good steam or stretch them to avoid wrinkles, or use the wrinkles intentionally to create a natural, textured vibe. Consider other fabrics and materials as well. “I don’t like my photos to be ‘too perfect,’” Lisa Vlasenko tells us. “To give this photo a sense of imperfection—in contrast to the beautiful girl and delicate flower—I used a slightly crumpled background.

“For the background, I used a red silk fabric that I bought in a second-hand store in the linen department. I was so surprised by the saturation of the color and how it shimmers in the sun that I immediately bought it. When I saw the model’s beautiful long black hair and deep, dark eyes, I knew that the combination would be wonderful. For me, this photo is about the strength and beauty of imperfection. And because I took this photo with sunlight, it turned out quite vibrant and sparkling.”

Cardstock

Another alternative to a roll of seamless paper is basic cardstock paper—the kind you get from a craft shop. To make the portrait above, Rafal Wegiel taped up 20 pieces of 12×12-inch paper on the wall. He lit it with professional studio lighting—two speedlights with octaboxes for the model, one speedlight for the background, and a reflector below the model. This solution works best for headshots, as cardstock will cover less space than a traditional seamless.

Concrete

Believe it or not, the film photographer Radostina Boseva created this portrait above using a concrete wall at China Beach in San Francisco. “The whole session was a collaboration with the local, super-talented florist Seva Design,” she says. “I wanted the florals and the plants to stand out, so it was clear that I needed to find a specific background.

“I was looking for a surface that had a bit of roughness but was also able to bounce back the light (film is light-hungry). Concrete does that. Also, I love the idea of the juxtaposition here: the rough texture of the concrete and the delicacy of the florals and the beauty of the model.”

If you’re shooting on location, do some scouting for walls and surfaces that will complement your concept and overall mood.

Further inspiration

When creating backgrounds for portraits, consider experimenting with three-dimensional objects. To create this self-portrait, Germaine Persinger hung flowers directly from the ceiling using string, allowing them to fall into the foreground and background (above). Angela Perez, meanwhile, used reflective gold fringe and gelled LED lights to create an electric vibe (below).

The best portrait backgrounds complement your sitter without pulling attention away from them, so think about your model, the story you’re telling, and the atmosphere you want to create. A romantic, painterly portrait will have a very different background than a bold and bright theme, even if they feature the same model. You can start by writing down a few keywords and putting together a mood board of inspirational photos to help you decide the perfect backdrop for your shoot.

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Ever since Hallmark coined the term “The Valentine’s Store” in a now-famous 1985 commercial, brands have connected with their customers in creative ways in the leadup to February 14th. According to estimates gathered over the years, 58 million pounds of chocolate are sold during Valentine’s week, sparkling wine sales spike, and 250 million roses are produced. In 2022, Valentine’s Day spending hit $23.9 billion, with the top five gifts being candy, cards, flowers, evenings out, and jewelry, according to the National Retail Federation.

Following years of change and uncertainty, we’re looking forward to seeing not only how brands reimagine and reinterpret Valentine’s Day for 2023 but also how photographers visualize an evergreen but constantly evolving holiday. This year presents the opportunity to try something new and put a fresh spin on familiar themes, with more room for creativity and experimentation. Consider these five ideas when shooting timely content for your Licensing portfolio.

Self-love

In 2021, a survey from Bouqs, a flower company, revealed that 25% of respondents planned to buy themselves a gift for Valentine’s. There are a number of ways to visualize self-love this Valentine’s Day, from self-gifting to different forms of self-care, such as spending time outdoors or creating at-home spa rituals. Document your own self-care routine, or follow a model for a “day-in-the-life” style photoshoot.

(Research from wellness software brand Vagaro and OnePoll revealed that 73% of people were conscious of needing self-care in 2020, during the start of the pandemic. Over the last two years, self-care has continued to be a trending topic.)

For inspiration, consider fall in love with you, a 2021 campaign from the vegan silkwear brand NiLuu, which follows a woman as she takes herself on a date, buys herself flowers, and writes a love letter to herself. Or take a look at I Come First, a 2022 campaign from the Australian lingerie brand Bras N Things, in celebration of the “self-gifting” phenomenon.

Galentine’s Day

That 2021 Bouqs survey also found that 44% of respondents feel that Galentine’s Day is just as important as Valentine’s Day. First introduced in the popular TV show Parks and Recreation more than a decade ago, Galentine’s Day is a celebration of friendship, particularly among women. It takes place on February 13th, the day before Valentine’s.

Over on Twitter, mentions of Galentine’s Day in the UK rose by 37% just from 2020 to 2021. As Galentine’s Day has attracted mainstream attention, brands have tapped into the trend in creative ways: Hallmark makes cards for the occasion, and Party City first sold themed decorations to mark the holiday in 2019. Hallmark was inspired, in part, by research indicating that two in three women who buy products for Valentine’s Day do so to honor their non-romantic relationships.

Bring together a group of friends, small or large, for a photoshoot centered around friendship. You can take a casual approach and document a friends’ “night in,” or you could go all-out with the Galentine’s theme and related decor.

Much-loved pets

In 2020, a survey from OnePoll and Zulily found that 28% of Americans planned to spend Valentine’s Day celebrating with their pets. A separate survey of pet parents, this time from Skout’s Honor (a pet specialty brand) in 2022, found that 84.31 said “a day with their pets” would be the best gift, while 71.04% said a cozy night at home with their pets would be a perfect date.

Brands can also find ways to give back to animals this time of year. In 2021, Crook & Marker, a spiked beverage brand, made headlines by launching OnlyCans, a spoof on OnlyFans, featuring photos of shirtless models and adoptable shelter dogs. For every share on social media, Crook & Marker donated $1 to Muddy Paws Rescue.

Some ways to celebrate pets during Valentine’s Day include volunteering at a local shelter, making homemade treats for your furry friend, or heading outside for an adventure with your pet. After all, in 2019, 20% of shoppers purchased gifts for their pets for Valentine’s Day, with pet spending predicted to reach $886 million, according to the National Retail Federation.

Handmade gifts

At heart (pun intended), Valentine’s Day is a DIY holiday, but crafting has gained newfound momentum in recent years. In 2022, the arts and crafts store Michael’s released its first trend report, naming it the year of “mindful making.” Some key trends they predicted included “making together”—that is, family members and friends connecting over crafts—as well as thoughtfully personalized gifts and upcycled crafts (to reduce our environmental impact).

While they’re not Valentine’s Day-specific, these are all ideas you can incorporate into your seasonal photography sessions. “From construction to delivery, there are a lot of great images to capture during a crafting-themed photoshoot,” the 500px team says. Think about gifts, Valentine’s Day cards, baked goods, meals shared, and decorations.

Symbols of love

Sometimes, the most effective advertising visuals are also the simplest. Believe it or not, brands have been using the “heart shape” for more than a century; in 1868, Cadbury made the first known heart-shaped boxes of chocolates. In 1902, conversation candies were made into heart shapes; by 1911, “conversation hearts” had become a staple for Valentine’s parties and celebrations.

For still life/conceptual shoots, brainstorm classic symbols, such as the familiar heart shape or two clasped hands. If you’re working with models, candid gestures like hugs and embraces carry universal meaning. “Feel free to dig deeper to use symbols and gestures that convey compassion, empathy, and forgiveness,” the 500px team urges. “There are many ways to convey love, and getting creative with concepts can go a long way toward diversifying your portfolio.”

Prioritizing diversity

Last year, we briefly mentioned OkCupid’s digital greeting cards, made in collaboration with BIPOC and LGBTQ+ artists to celebrate inclusive love. Well, they returned for another year with more inspiring artwork.

From 2021 to 2022, the app observed a 10% increase in users who identify as pansexual; the number of users who identify as bisexual jumped by 250%, and there was a 29% rise in those identifying as non-binary. The idea is simple but profound, with OkCupid championing visuals that represent a diversity of experiences, beyond the narrow lens we usually see in commercial media.

When planning your photoshoots, consider what love means to you and the people in your life and community. Look at diversity from an intersectional lens, celebrating the everyday stories of couples, individuals, and families of all genders, abilities, ages, identities, and more. Think beyond the stereotypes and cliches, and get personal by highlighting what’s unique about the real people in front of (and behind) the camera.

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According to a new trend report by Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo, 2023 will be a year of exploration, with travelers interested in bustling city culture, rustic outdoorsy lodges, and unconventional “hidden gem” destinations.

For commercial photographers, who not only stay up-to-date on trends but also help set them, the new year poses an opportunity to expand your horizons and get creative with new or unexpected locations. You don’t have to travel far to find interesting spots; in fact, shooting locally, in your own neighborhood, can mean capturing unique images no one else has.

Browsing the 500px collection on Getty Images, you can find best-selling photographs from all corners of the world: the shores of Inle Lake, the waterfalls of Iceland, or the peaks of the Dolomites. You’ll also find everyday moments captured at home, in the backyard, or at a local sugar beet farm.

In this guide, the team at 500px shares seven must-have tips for making the most of a great location in 2023.

Do your research

Finding the perfect location starts with research, which can start online with social media and Google Earth. “Reading reviews can also help you make more informed choices,” the 500px team advises. “For example, maybe you find out that a waterfall you always wanted to visit is extremely busy on weekends and after work hours.”

Always be mindful of any potentially problematic locations; some landmarks, including the Hollywood sign, Pike Place Market, and the Eiffel Tower (when lit up for the night) are not acceptable for commercial Licensing.

Public art installations and places of worship are usually protected as well and will require a property release—or should be avoided altogether. If in doubt, one resource to check out is the Getty Images Intellectual Property Wiki; many locations will be listed here, along with info about whether or not they can be photographed for commercial stock image portfolios.

Of course, any privately-owned properties, including residences and businesses, will require a property release, so remember to get those signed and ready before your shoot.

Scout your location

In-person location scouting can also be a fundamental part of the research phase. Visit your location on a different day at around the same time as your scheduled shoot to get a feel for any potential problems, such as crowds, so you can plan around those challenges. Feel free to take test shots as well.

Are there any space limitations or lighting issues? Asking yourself these questions will help you determine any extra gear you should bring on location on the actual day of the shoot, from more versatile lenses to additional lighting sources.

Consider the accessibility of the location too, especially when working with models. “Pay attention to parking—or lack of parking—if it’s an area off the beaten path,” the team at 500px suggests. “From there, plan as needed: notify your model to arrive in suitable shoes or maybe ask a helper to come along to help you set up.”

Additionally, the team recommends finding at least three different spots within the same location to use for a shoot. That way, you ensure you’ll get enough variety and diversity throughout your session—and give yourself more opportunities to sell content.

Build a shot list

Your shot list is the culmination of all that research and location scouting, so write down any concepts, ideas, or settings you plan to incorporate. This list can include activities, locations within the location, props, poses, model pairings, wardrobe changes, and more. The more specific you can get, the better.

It can also be helpful to share your shot list with your models before the shoot so they know exactly what to expect. You can always improvise and include spontaneous moments on the day of the shoot, but having a solid foundation of “essential shots” will help you stay organized and focused.

Tell a story from start to finish

In today’s oversaturated visual landscape, authenticity in storytelling is an essential ingredient for successful advertising, so think about a beginning, middle, and end for your photoshoot—as well as all those candid moments in between. The team at 500px uses a basketball-themed shoot as an example:

“Instead of taking 100 shots of your model dunking a basketball in a hoop, capture the authentic ‘micro-moments’ that tell the wider story. Those could include the athlete putting on their shoes, warming up, and taking a break.

“Take a look at what you have to work with in your location; for example, see if you can utilize the bleachers or any benches for your model to get ready or take a break. Consider what angles you can capture to make the story more interesting. Maybe that means lying down to get a low angle of the ball being dunked, which heightens the drama of the action. Or perhaps it’s shooting from the bleachers to get the POV of the audience.

“Maybe it’s following all of your models to the parking lot where they will pack up their equipment in their cars (make sure you remove any intellectual property issues, such as logos or branded designs). Thinking about the story in this way can allow you to apply themes of friendship, community, travel, carpooling, or sustainability to your photos, which can, in turn, open you up to a whole new customer base.”

Incorporate the environment

Your location can be so much more than just a “background” for your shoots; in many cases, it can become a key ingredient for the story you’re telling. For inspiration, the 500px team suggests checking out Ernesto Perez’s super colorful yoga shoot, set in Miami.

Perez actually came across this location unexpectedly while practicing street photography; the colors caught his eye, so he decided to return on another day for a commercial shoot. At the time, he was stepping outside of his comfort zone incorporating such bright hues—but it paid off!

Renat Renee-Ell is another artist who consistently uses colorful locations as inspiration, selecting wardrobe and prop elements to create a cohesive palette. Her advice: “Think locally. If there is something in your area that you can’t find anywhere else, use it. People react to unique images.”

Consider a shallow depth of field

Sometimes, you want every detail of your location to be in focus—but sometimes you don’t. If, for example, you’re shooting in a cluttered spot (or even just a less-than-gorgeous location), you might not want your background to be visible. In that case, select a fast lens and open up your aperture to create some beautiful background blur. A shallow depth of field will turn unattractive or overly busy backgrounds into creamy swaths of light and color.

A shallow depth of field can be especially useful when shooting portraits; by throwing your background out of focus, you ensure all the attention is on your model. “Doing a quick lens change or aperture adjustment can help make your content more sellable and use your location in more ways,” the 500px team says.

In general, they recommend this technique for three reasons. First, it creates a clean, airy aesthetic and simplifies your overall composition. Second, adjusting your depth of field can encourage you to capture more diverse images (for example, background bokeh is often used to capture dreamy, romantic scenes where emotion plays a key role).

And finally, background blur can help you avoid issues posed by problematic locations: “If there are signs or branding/copyright issues in view, or if you want to avoid obtaining a property release, use a shallow depth of field to obscure the location just enough that it’s unrecognizable.”

Another tip: consider including plenty of negative space in your background, preferably to the left. Known as “copy space,” this extra breathing room will allow image buyers to add their own messaging or crop your images to suit various formats.

Tag your location

Accurate and thorough location tagging helps your content surface in customer searches, boosting the discoverability and profitability of your portfolio. Content buyers often search for location-specific content, so including that information can mean the difference between being overlooked and making a sale. As the 500px team told us just last month, they regularly receive inquiries from buyers looking for photos of very specific locations. Just like keywording and titling, location tagging should be an essential step in your workflow.

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According to one survey from a few years back, freelancers working in creative fields lose a whopping £5,394 annually by working for clients for free (or for “exposure”). A separate study of creative workers in the UK found that 60% of those under the age of 30 had not been paid for all the hours they worked for the previous month. Further research suggests that there’s a pay gap in the creative freelance market, with women paid less than men doing the same job.

In other words: freelancers in creative industries are often overworked and underpaid. While raising your rates can be daunting, it’s a fundamental step to building a sustainable business, and it’s something you’ll have to do throughout the lifetime of your business. Let’s dig into some of the reasons why (and when) you should consider raising your prices and how to do it without losing clients.

It’s time to raise your prices if…

Your cost of doing business has increased
Buying new gear, renting equipment, and acquiring studio space are all potential reasons to reevaluate your pricing. If you’re outsourcing retouching, that’s something else to consider. You need to earn more than you spend in order to be sustainable, so if the costs associated with entrepreneurship increase, so should your prices. It’s good practice to go over your costs at least once a year and then adjust your rates accordingly.

You’ve gained skills and experience
Relatedly, if you’ve acquired experience, that’s likely a reason to charge more. Attending workshops, taking classes, and continuing your education are also part of your cost of doing business, so they should be factored into the equation as well. Adding more skills to your repertoire, such as advanced retouching or video work, can also significantly boost your rates.

You’re booking up too quickly and feeling burnt out
If you’re overbooked, you might not be charging enough. Consider taking fewer jobs that pay better, rather than filling your plate with too much work. Be selective, and only accept jobs that fit the level you’re at in your career. You photograph because you love it, but you also do it to make money, just as you would with any other job.

Another way to know if it’s time to raise your prices is through a bit of trial and error. Test the waters. If you’re giving newer clients higher rates, and they’re agreeing, that’s evidence that you’re in high demand and clients are willing to pay more for your services. And that’s reason enough to raise your prices.

Finally, while going through these tips, keep in mind that you can tailor them to suit your needs and your relationship with your clients. If you’re passionate about a project and the client simply can’t afford your rate, it’s okay to negotiate and meet them closer to where they are. It’s also okay to walk away. A compromise would be to negotiate on deliverables; you can keep the price the same, but maybe you offer slightly fewer extras, such as prints or retouching. Choose what’s best for your business.

Give plenty of notice

Transparency goes a long way in the photographer/client relationship, so keep the lines of communication open, and let your clients know in advance (ideally, months in advance) that your prices will change at a specific date. A polite, professional email will suffice in most cases. You can easily find templates online designed for this very purpose; if you go with one of those, just remember to tailor it to your client and your relationship!

If you list your prices on your website, you can add a note that prices are “valid through” a specific date; that way, clients won’t feel blindsided if you change your rates.

Note: Perhaps it goes without saying, but never apologize for raising your prices. Part of being a professional photographer is being confident in your value, and professionals raise their prices over time.

Understand why you’re raising your rates—and be able to articulate that

If a freelance photography client asks why you’re changing a certain amount, feel free to break it down for them. Show them why it’s worth making the investment; maybe you have a unique skill set that other photographers/creative entrepreneurs in your area don’t, or perhaps you offer extra services as part of your packages.

You aren’t under any obligation to “justify” your increased pricing, but people are usually more willing to pay when they understand what they’re paying for. Remind them of the value you’ve already contributed and let them know you’d love to continue to provide that high level of work for them in the future.

Consider charging for “extras”

Extra work should mean extra pay, but too often, photographers end up doing add-ons for free. Services like retouching, delivering extra photos or print-ready files, or making prints or albums all justify an increase in price. Your basic package price doesn’t have to cost a fortune, but you should always get paid for those kinds of add-ons, so make it very clear in your pricing what costs extra.

Market to the clients you want

Some clients always opt for the cheapest product, no matter the quality, but chances are, these aren’t the clients you want. As you grow your freelance photography business, it’s worth tailoring your portfolio to suit the clients you want to attract. It might be worth doing test shoots to show potential new clients what you’re capable of and then reaching out to them with a pitch.

In other words: aim high. If you want to shoot for your favorite brand, for instance, maybe you set up a shoot with their products and bring on a team of stylists to help bring your vision to life. Send out newsletters with recent shoots, and stay in touch.

Make a schedule

Finally, set yourself up for success by scheduling price increases at regular intervals, and let your clients know how and when this will happen. (If you’re unsure of when to raise your rates, the start of a new fiscal year is a good start.)

Tell new clients upfront that this is how you operate. For example: “My rate increases by ___ [percentage] every ___ [six months, year, and so on].” Even better, put it in your contract so there’s no confusion. As the cost of living grows, your income should grow to meet your needs. If you do this annually or quarterly, your clients will know exactly what to expect.

In conclusion

In creative industries, money can feel like a taboo, but that needs to change. Businesses must raise their prices in order to continue delivering great service. Go into the discussion with confidence, and think about the unique benefits you can offer your clients. The clients you want will understand that top-quality work is worth the investment.

If you’re looking for more freelance photography tips, check out our guide to starting your own business.

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In the wake of the pandemic, how we interact with brands has fundamentally changed. Consider this finding from the IBM Institute for Business Value: in the past, consumers put a premium on cost, value, and convenience. But today, more people are now choosing brands based on how well those companies align with their values. In fact, “purpose-driven” consumers now represent 44% of global consumers, accounting for the largest segment.

Plus, they have influence: 58% of these “purpose-driven” consumers introduced friends and family to a new brand. They also do their homework, with three in four saying they do extensive research before committing to a major purchase. They follow influencers they trust on social media, and they’re up-to-date on emerging trends and movements.

With these shifts in consumer priorities, we’ve also witnessed a sea of change in design, marketing, and visual media, with commercial photographers illustrating what shoppers care about in real-time—whether it’s maintaining mental health in an uncertain world or taking innovative action to reduce carbon emissions.

Heading into 2023, these are the top movements and trends to consider. While you’ll find some overlap with our trend roundup from last year, these ideas have evolved and expanded, opening up new opportunities for creative photoshoots and collaborations.

Prioritizing mental health

The recently released 2023 Instagram Trend Report, which focuses on the topics that matter most to Gen Zers, shines a light on the emergence of mental health advocates working to make social media a better and more uplifting space. What’s more, Gen Zers have turned to their communities for care and support, with more than 25% saying that being with others is an essential part of their wellness routines, as is supporting others on and offline.

“One thing we can hope to have learned from the pandemic is an awareness of the importance of mental health practices to help us deal with stress and anxiety and care for ourselves,” the 500px team shares. “Show your own mental health practices, whatever they may be. Focus on capturing authentic, relatable moments.”

And people are increasingly realizing the significance of taking these mental health “moments” for themselves: according to research from Parade Media and the Cleveland Clinic, 46% of Americans say they’ve been able to maintain or improve their mental health by taking small breaks throughout their days. These breaks are five to 10 minutes long and consist of activities that relieve stress, including exercising, spending time outdoors, and socializing with others.

Championing real (and diverse) stories

According to a global survey from Wunderman Thompson Intelligence, 82% of respondents say that inclusion and equality should be integrated throughout entire businesses to be meaningful, with 63% more likely to buy from brands that put in the effort to represent people like themselves. 81% say products should be designed to be accessible to people with disabilities, and 74% would like to see more diversity in advertising.

Photography continues to be one area where representation can make all the difference, so work with models from your community to highlight a diversity of lived experiences, identities, and stories. “Photograph real people and real moments,” the 500px team urges. Work with your models to create the kinds of visuals they wish they saw more of in advertising; by collaborating and incorporating their ideas, you’ll create a portfolio that feels more authentic and relatable.

Rethinking technology

In some ways, technology is baked into the fabric of our everyday lives. Research from the Pew Research Center reveals that while 73% of teenagers reported having access to a smartphone in 2014-15, that number has now jumped to 95%. Daily teen internet users have also increased during that time, rising from 92% to 97%.

Teens aren’t alone, either. According to a study from AARP, 75% of people over 50 agree that they rely on technology to stay connected. 2020 and the pandemic saw a major rise in smartphone and tablet usage among older adults, with these devices used for grocery shopping, online shopping, banking, and health/wellness services. 64% of 50-plus adults are interested in new tech developments.

From AI assistants to wearable devices, our understanding of technology—and what it can do—changes rapidly. When visualizing tech, be wary of trademarked or branded elements; identifiable logos and port and button designs, for example, will make photos unsuitable for commercial Licensing.

Instead, keep it generic, and focus on the story (and your models) more than the specific device; show families connecting around video games, or highlight the contactless shopping experience. You can always edit out logos in post-production or obscure them with careful framing while on set.

Reimagining the workplace

If we return to the 2023 trend report from Instagram, you’ll find that almost two in three Gen Zers have plans to use social media to make money in the new year. As experts predict that “side hustles” will continue to emerge and expand, consider ways to highlight the solopreneurs and small business owners in your community. DIY projects, eco-friendly items, and thrifted goods will continue to trend as well, so look for opportunities to showcase creators building brands around sustainability.

A separate report from Zapier, released in the summer of 2022, found that 40% of Americans currently have a side hustle, and 36% planned to start one in 2022. “Another product of the pandemic was the career change that many experienced, whether that meant going back to school, transforming a hobby into a profession, or moving from a corporate environment to start a small business,” the team at 500px says.

“Business photography has evolved well past board rooms with men in suits shaking hands. Working from home, learning a new trade, and collaborating with a team online are some ideas to start—think about how you and your family and friends are growing their careers, and showcase that.”

Creating a sustainable future

According to research from the IBM Institute for Business Value, 62% of consumers are willing to change their purchasing habits to cut down on their environmental footprint—an increase from the 57% observed two years ago. What’s more, 50% are willing to pay a premium for sustainable brands. But there’s still more work to be done, with only 31% saying that their last purchase was made up of mostly or all sustainable products.

Brands can help consumers by educating them on their impact, offering transparency about their sourcing and supply chains (and disclosing their emissions), and providing solutions and incentives to inspire more sustainable choices in the age of climate change. As companies make these changes from within their own organizations, photographers can also take action by championing the ways—large and small—that consumers can make a difference, both in their daily lives and in their shopping habits.

“It’s easy to showcase the small things people are doing themselves to help, including composting, small-scale farming and gardening, recycling, and more,” the 500px team explains. “Get out there and meet some folks and organizations doing good for the planet.” Consider small businesses that follow a circular model, or look into renewable energy or rewilding projects in your area. By focusing on the people at the heart of the movement, you’ll discover untold, local stories that will resonate with buyers everywhere.

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Picture it: Yosemite Valley, 1861. There were no roads yet, but a photographer by the name of Carleton Watkins was there, alone in the vast landscape and surrounded by the sounds of the waterfalls. With him was a custom camera, equipped with a wide-angle lens. His goal was to show the rest of the world the beauty of this pristine wilderness.

Three years later, President Lincoln signed a bill banning development in the area and protecting it for future generations. In the intervening decades, many photographers would follow in Watkins’s footsteps, documenting Yosemite through angles, seasons, and eras he might have only dreamed of.

Today, landscape and nature photography are as rich and diverse as ever. Gear is more accessible, and awareness about the importance of conservation has risen. As the genre continues to soar in popularity, we put together this essential guide for landscape photographers, including those just setting out on their own, as Watkins did all those years ago. Whether you’re shooting flowing water in the mountains, misty twilight in the forest, or sunlit sand dunes in the desert—landscape photography is vast and ever-expanding—you can use these tips to your advantage.

Pack light!

While camera equipment has gotten considerably lighter than it once was, you still want to be mindful of how much you’re carrying. Bring too much, and you’ll be in pain and weighed down, which will prevent you from exploring and making the most of your trip. A purpose-built camera backpack can make the process much easier; do your research and try a few on to see what works for you. A camera strap or clip will help you keep your camera accessible when you need it.

With weight in mind, pack only the essential gear. A wide-angle lens is the go-to choice for many landscape photographers, with some opting for a 16-35mm for that larger field of view (Iurie Belegurschi, for instance, is known for his jaw-dropping wide-angle landscapes, many of which were made with a 16-35mm). Instead of packing multiple primes, go for a zoom.

If you want to mix it up with a short telephoto from time to time, a 24-70mm is a great starting point and an all-around workhorse camera for landscape photography. As for tripods, invest in the best one you can afford. Ideally, it’ll be very stable on uneven ground but also lightweight. A remote shutter release will also help you avoid camera shake. (It’s also a good idea to bring extra batteries just in case, especially in cold weather.)

Experiment with shutter speed

Landscape photography famously demands narrow apertures, which allow for a wide depth of field. In order to compensate for that loss of light (higher f-stops mean less light), consider a longer shutter speed. Slower shutter speeds can also change the mood of your shoot. With flowing water, in particular, long exposures create a dreamy effect, transforming individual waves into a rolling, ethereal mist. Daniel Rericha used a shutter speed of 90 seconds to create this milky wonderland at Reynisdrangar beach in Iceland.

For long exposures in daylight, a neutral density filter is required to prevent overexposure. You can also get a graduated neutral density filter for scenes with varying brightness (for example, a bright sky and dark foreground).

Play with the “rules” of composition

Landscape photography, by nature, is a slow pursuit. Unlike street photography, where moments come and go in the blink of an eye, landscapes inspire you to take your time. Explore the area for new vantage points and elements to include in the foreground and background; consider getting low or seeking higher ground for an unexpected view of a familiar location.

Keep the general rules of composition—such as leading lines, a frame within a frame, or the rule of thirds—in the back of your mind. In this photo from the Dolomites in summertime, Daniel Gastager has placed the bridge along one of the horizontal thirds lines; the bridge itself, and its railings, also become leading lines, guiding the eye to the peak in the distance.

Incorporate reflections

Reflections open up the possibility of mixing things up and seeing a familiar scene differently. They can also reinforce your composition: in Annie Fu’s photograph of a frost flower-covered pond (below), the reflection of the very tip of a sunlit Mount Rundle—like a downward-facing arrow—just barely touches the bottom horizontal third’s line, making for a subtle but enchanting scene.

Dramatic skies, especially around sunrise or sunset with intriguing cloud formations, also lend themselves well to reflections. Just beware of windy days; calm mornings tend to work best for smooth reflections.

Embrace all weather conditions

As long as you’re being safe and keeping your gear safe (and bringing microfiber cloths for your lens), there’s no rule that says you have to wait for perfect blue skies. By getting out there in rain, fog, mist, and snow, you’ll learn to overcome challenges and adapt to the landscape, while seeing it in a new light every time you visit. Waterfalls, in particular, can be spectacular in the rain, as the photographer Jens Ober discovered while exploring Iceland on “dull” and cloudy days.

Another benefit of storms, particularly in springtime, is the possibility of rainbows. Consider placing your horizon line slightly lower than you normally might to capture the majesty of the sky, as Patryk Bieganski did on a stormy summer’s day in Poland.

Emphasize scale

To convey a sense of scale, think about items, figures, or elements to include in your frame. The most popular of these is probably the human figure, as including the silhouette of a person immediately establishes the vastness of the surrounding landscape. Consider using color to your advantage here; in this photo from the breathtaking root bridges of Meghalaya, Daniel Kordan uses the vivid red of the child’s dress to bring out the lush greens of the landscape (a complementary color scheme).

You can also use other familiar elements, such as a car on the road, a boat at sea, or a train running along a track (the famous crashed plane in Sólheimasandur, Iceland, is one particularly surreal example). Perhaps you’ll happen upon a house or lighthouse. Animals in the distance can work similarly to people, grounding an image and placing us within the scene.

Protect the land

One problem with the rise in landscape photography in recent years has been over-tourism. In 2018, you might remember that the Jackson Hole Travel & Tourism Board actually asked visitors to stop geotagging remote forests and lakes. In one spot, Delta Lake, the number of daily visitors increased that year from one or two to more than a hundred. As a result of incidents of this sort, some leading landscape and nature photographers, including Marco Grassi, will not geotag the exact location of pristine, untouched places that aren’t widely known. It’s a simple way to keep them wild.

In conclusion

Landscape photography is constantly growing and evolving. Today, landscape photography often requires thoughtful post-processing, with advanced techniques like focus-stacking and blending exposures opening up more creative possibilities. But it still boils down to your vision and your experience with the natural world; when done well, landscape photography immerses us in the wild, evoking the feelings you experienced when you were there, and inspiring us to protect these places for future generations.

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Family photographs have always been some of our most treasured belongings, but perhaps the uncertainty of the past three years has underscored just how important they can be. At the height of the pandemic, you might remember that people lifted their spirits by recreating old family photos as part of a viral TikTok challenge.

Earlier this year, one photographer in Florida inspired people around the world by restoring her neighbors’ family photos after they were destroyed by Hurricane Ian. Recently, Photoshop even announced a new tool specifically designed to restore old family pictures.

For many of us, life’s milestones—births, graduations, weddings—are chronicled in photos. Families have trusted professional photographers and creative entrepreneurs with these moments ever since Queen Victoria helped popularize family photography in the 1860s.

Since then, the field has evolved with the times. Today, “family photography” extends to include newborn sessions, wedding photography, maternity, reunion photography, and far beyond. Whether they’re shared on social media or mounted on walls of the family home, these portraits are meant to last a lifetime. In this simple guide, we’ll share some tips for happy clients.

Get to know your clients’ style

Every client has different expectations, so touch base with the family, either in person or over video chat, to get a feel for what they want. Documentary-style portraits, where the photographer becomes a fly on the wall and captures candid moments shared between family members, have become increasingly popular in recent years. At the same time, some families might prefer more traditional, posed portrait photography.

Your client chose you for your style, but at the same time, you want to tailor your approach to suit the family. Formal portraits might be best for a group holiday card, where everyone needs to be clearly in focus, while photojournalistic, documentary-style photos might work for a “first 48 session,” made at home just after the arrival of a new baby.

Create a shot list

While talking with your freelance photography clients, start thinking about your shot list. For a formal session, this list will include poses, important combinations of people (mom and daughter, dad and grandma, and so on), and prop and wardrobe ideas. (It’s always a good idea to help your clients with clothing selection.)

It can help to collaborate with the family and introduce some classic family poses: embracing, sitting/lying in the grass, whispering in each other’s ears, and more. Some poses can even incorporate movement, such as walking hand-in-hand or playing Ring around the Rosie, for a more natural, candid feel.

For documentary shoots, your shot list will be (much) more informal, but you can still include moments or activities that are meaningful for the family; for example, preparing meals, getting ready for school, playing outside, and so on. Of course, a shot list is just a point of departure, so stay open to those magical, unplanned scenes that unfold throughout the session.

Brainstorm locations

Of course, the style of the shoot will also dictate the location: for documentary-style sessions, the client’s home is likely your best bet. For holiday mini-sessions, on the other hand, you might choose a Christmas tree farm. Ask your family if they have a specific location in mind (if you’re shooting an event, for example, they likely will).

It’s also a good idea to keep a running list of locations you use for your freelance photography business (plan ahead and make sure you have permission to shoot there!). Choose places that are unlikely to have crowds. Ideally, you can offer some variety, with natural, wide-open spaces (parks, beaches, and fields are good for larger groups) and seasonal spots (pumpkin patches, apple orchards). We suggest developing a relationship with some of your favorite locations; some might require reservations or bookings.

Watch the light

Light is everything in portraits and lifestyle photography, so plan around the conditions that will work the best. If your client hasn’t already chosen a time and location, you can suggest the golden hour just before sunset for those beautiful colors and soft lighting. You can use an app like Sun Seeker to track the sun and its direction at your location.

If the space has already been chosen by the client, it’s worth doing a location scouting trip to see what it’s like. If it’s an outdoor spot and your shoot is scheduled for mid-day, look for areas of open shade to avoid harsh, unflattering shadows—and don’t forget to bring your reflector. If you can get a reflector with a diffusion panel, even better.

If you’re working indoors, look for opportunities to use natural window light. A space with plenty of windows will create that bright and airy atmosphere, while a single smaller window can create a moodier, more intimate vibe. Sheer curtains can help diffuse window light for a softer look. You can direct your clients to the best spots to take advantage of the light as it falls across the space.

Nail that focus

When working with large groups, getting everyone in focus can be a challenge, but there are a few ways to navigate it. The first is to place everyone within the same row and focus on the person in the middle. If you have to put people in different rows, stop down your aperture (at least f8, and perhaps narrower) for a wider depth of field; from there, focus on one person in the middle row. Keep any posing super simple so everyone’s comfortable rather than wiggling around!

Tell a story

Locations and props offer the perfect opportunity to get creative and capture what’s unique about a family. If you’re shooting in a meaningful place, consider shooting wide and including plenty of foreground and background elements. If the family shares a passion (for example, sports or music), invite them to bring along some of their favorite objects to use as props. Consider using an unusual perspective, such as getting down to a kid’s or pet’s eye level. These personal touches and details are what they’ll remember, so use your creativity to honor them.

Stay positive

Our most important tip has nothing to do with how you use the camera and everything to do with how you make people feel. With so many moving parts, coordinating a family session can be stressful, but planning ahead and staying flexible will ensure everything goes smoothly. Stay positive and upbeat, and remember to go with the flow.

If something isn’t working, feel free to move on to something else. If the kids are having trouble standing still and staying focused, for example, you can have the parents pose and let the kids run around them for some sweet shots that incorporate movement. If someone needs a little extra time or encouragement, offer it. Jokes and compliments go a long way. You can’t control everything, but you can make adjustments to ensure everyone enjoys their time together.

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The world of commercial photography evolves at lightning speed, but you can anticipate the trends if you tap into what buyers want in real-time. Over on Getty Images, for instance, the start of this year saw a rise in searches for “family vacation” and “family reunion,” indicating increased demand for photos of people spending time together and reconnecting after the pandemic.

Meanwhile, searches relating to sustainable living, such as “energy efficiency” and “energy transition” rose, as did interest in new ways of working, with the term “hybrid work” spiking in popularity. Heading into 2023, we’re likely to see these themes continue to trend, with brand-new ones emerging along the way.

Understanding your clients and their (ever-changing!) needs is the first step toward building a successful portfolio. The team at 500px regularly fields questions and requests from buyers, and they agreed to share the lessons they’ve learned behind the scenes. In this guide, we’ll cover five key concerns for today’s content buyers—and provide tips for creating work that sells. Put yourself in the client’s shoes, and consult this list when conceptualizing and uploading your work.

Five questions image buyers ask themselves before making a purchase

Can I incorporate this photo into my creative assets?

For designers and marketing teams, practical considerations include whether or not a photograph will work across multiple channels, including print, social media, web, and more. For that reason, best-selling images tend to be versatile with plenty of space for cropping, overlaying text, or otherwise adjusting to suit a specific format.

“Much of the visual content we see daily is integrated into design work,” the team at 500px says. “Always consider taking a few images on every shoot that incorporate copy space, preferably to the left. Having some negative space to the left allows designs to add logos, text, or any other visual needs without cutting off important elements of the photo. Plus, having a balance of negative space in your images typically creates a cleaner look, making the finished designs look more polished.”

Your choice of background is essential here, so look for clean interiors, or open up your aperture to create an intentional bokeh effect behind your subject. You can always do some decluttering and strategic styling of a home before your shoot for more documentary-style shoots. Open up the windows for beautiful natural light and a bright and airy vibe.

For studio backdrops, lean toward something that complements your subject and feels timeless (e.g., steer clear of outdated patterned or brightly colored studio backdrops).

Does this photo illustrate my creative concept?

Whether promoting an eco-friendly skincare product or an adventure tourism package, advertising almost always speaks to larger themes. The first, for instance, might tap into ideas relating to self-care and wellness, while the second could spark feelings of wanderlust and personal growth. When shooting, consider the emotion and concept driving your work—and think about how and when brands might want to highlight those themes.

If a single photo can capture multiple themes, even better. “This is where Licensing Contributors can be creative and strategically plan their shoots to make the most of their time,” the 500px team says. “Images that can relate to and illustrate various concepts, in particular, can be used by many different content buyers.

“The landscape above, for example, depicts concepts such as ‘adventure,’ ‘travel,’ and ‘risk-taking,’ but we can also relate this photo to ‘personal growth,’ ‘balance,’ ‘meditation,’ or ‘inner reflection.’ Similarly, the portrait below speaks to overarching concepts relating to the mind, decision-making, or personal growth.”

Does this photo illustrate our brand values?

Earlier this year, research from Harris Poll and Google Cloud revealed that in the wake of the pandemic, today’s consumers are more interested in brands’ values than ever before, with 82% preferring consumer goods companies’ values to align with their own. In 2022, consumers value sustainability, with 52% saying they are especially interested in supporting sustainable brands.

Recent research further underscores the importance of championing diversity and inclusion, from the boardroom to a brand’s marketing materials. A different survey, this time from YouGov, reveals that 52% of consumers in the US (again, the majority) agree it is very or somewhat important for brands to commit to diversity in their advertising. For many of those, it’s important to support brands with a commitment to the LGBTQ+ community (75%) and for companies to support Black-owned businesses (78%).

In 2022, consumers value brands that display a commitment to transparency—and they can easily spot if and when a brand is “faking it.” For photographers, too, diversity and inclusion should form the foundation of your practice, rather than an afterthought.

Commit to championing and celebrating people of all backgrounds, gender identities, cultures, abilities, body shapes, communities, and more throughout your work. But, even more than that, commit to telling their stories collaboratively and authentically. “Highlight natural and unposed subjects; celebrate real skin, real bodies, and everyday ‘micro-moments’ that feel relatable and real,” the 500px team urges.

Will this photo help my brand stand out?

According to research from Google and Ipsos, almost three in four people who go online say they’re always on the lookout for relevant brands and products. Almost 60% discovered their favorite brands while browsing their newsfeeds, watching videos, or reading emails—when compared to 43% who discovered their brands while browsing in a store.

Today’s brands understand that in an increasingly saturated digital world, engaging visuals aren’t a bonus—they’re the foundation of a successful campaign. Whether it’s the Instagram flatlay phenomenon or the resurgence of old-school flash photography, they’re highly attuned to trends and movements in the industry, so you should be too.

“Research campaigns from your favorite brands and identify the styles, aesthetics, and other elements they use to communicate to their audiences,” the 500px team urges. “Also, keep in mind that the same content on different social channels might have different success rates.

“An image for Instagram may need to be different from an image used in a global campaign. Understand and educate yourself on the content that performs well on the major socials—content buyers and marketers already know and have this in mind when purchasing.” No single photo will appeal to all brands, but honing your style and understanding your ideal client—and the social channels they’re likely to use—will go a long way.

Is this photo authentic and accurate?

In the 2010s, several brands landed in hot water for using inaccurate stock photos: there was one time when a vegan magazine used photos of non-vegan food, and there was another instance where a tourism brand used a photo taken in one place to advertise a totally different destination. Fortunately, image buyers are more aware these days of the importance of using only accurate visuals in their marketing.

The 500px team regularly fields questions from image buyers relating to specific photographs. “Typically, we get questions pertaining to the authenticity and accuracy of the content in the photo, such as ‘Is this a photo of the French Alps?’ or ‘Are the plant species pictured a Rudder Ficus?’ To add more clarity to your content and give content buyers confidence in making a purchase from your portfolio, we strongly encourage you to make use of various keywords and include the location on all Licensing images.”

That brings us to one question you should always ask yourself, as the photographer: Am I ensuring to the best of my ability that my content is findable to content buyers? Take the time to add accurate, detailed metadata, descriptions, location information, and keywords to improve the visibility of your portfolio. Include a mix of conceptual keywords and literal keywords to surface in as many searches as possible.

Bonus question: Is this photo timely and relevant?

One final question on the minds of image buyers—and one you can ask yourself—relates to the timeliness of your work.

To familiarize yourself with the evolving wants, needs, and concerns of consumers, consider the news (what’s happening on a local and global level), browse campaigns by brands you follow, and take a look at how those brands are fostering relationships with their customers. Watching how trends emerge and how ad campaigns make a meaningful impression will help you tailor your portfolio to today’s clients.

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The post Think like an image buyer and sell your content! appeared first on 500px.

More than one in four (26%) adults in the United States have some type of disability. That’s an estimated 61 million people. But research from Nielsen, released in 2021, reveals that only 1% of primetime ads include representations of disability-related visuals, themes, or topics. What’s more, just 3% of advertising spend in primetime went to disability-inclusive themes.

Ads for pharmaceuticals, healthcare products and treatments, and similar subjects accounted for 50% of disability-inclusive ads, underscoring the absence of representation across a variety of categories, industries, services, and products.

A separate study, conducted by Getty Images, found that fewer than 2% of widely-used images included people with disabilities. In those, people with disabilities were frequently depicted in caregiving or medical situations, rather than being portrayed in their day-to-day lives.

In recent years, there have been a few notable exceptions in the advertising landscape. One of them was Microsoft’s 2019 Super Bowl campaign, We All Win, featuring young video gamers using the Xbox adaptive controller.

Another prominent campaign came from the fashion world: ads for the Tommy Adaptive collections by Tommy Hilfiger feature disability influencers and athletes with disabilities. One of their campaigns featured a film that was directed by James Rath, a creator and advocate who was born legally blind.

Elsewhere, Jillian Mercado, an actor and model who happens to have spastic muscular dystrophy, lit up Times Square in a beauty ad for Olay. More recently, a 2022 Super Bowl ad from Google Pixel featured disability representation advocate Angel Giuffria.

Just this fall, the lingerie brand Liberare teamed up with the period care brand August to highlight the experiences of a model, brand ambassador, and community member with disabilities; behind-the-scenes footage from their joint campaign racked up millions of views on TikTok.

Social media, in general, has also helped foster a grassroots movement toward better representation, with influencers and filmmakers with disabilities leading the charge and changing the game. Inclusive talent agencies like Zebedee Talent have helped change the way disability is portrayed in fashion and advertising (they represent models and creatives alike).

Commercial stock photographers can join the movement by telling firsthand stories from their own communities, taking a person-first approach, and inviting collaboration.

Inclusive storytelling

Disabilities can be visible or invisible, and they affect everyone, across all ages, backgrounds, genders, and identities. All models—of all abilities—can and should have ownership and control over how they’re represented, so have some brainstorming sessions beforehand to get to know them. Consider their interests, passions, and hobbies and how you could incorporate them on set.

A simple question like, “How do you want to be photographed?” can go a long way. Maybe you also include family members, romantic partners, friends, and colleagues, documenting a day in the life of your model. Depending on your team, perhaps you can invite them to collaborate by sharing images they love for your mood board, or ask them to develop some ideas through storyboarding.

It’s also important to avoid common stereotypes, such as showing people with disabilities as “victims” or “heroes.” People with disabilities aren’t here to “inspire” people without disabilities. Your photos should tell the story of the whole person; disability might be a part of that story, but it shouldn’t be the only focus. It doesn’t even have to be a primary focus.

The activity, emotions, and environment are all significant aspects to include, whether your models happen to have a disability or not. Good storytelling begins with collaboration and listening, so the better you get to know your team, the stronger your images will be.

Finally, having different perspectives behind the camera is also crucial, so collaborate with a team of creatives with various abilities and skill sets, from the very beginning stages of a photoshoot. The term “nothing about us without us” remains key, so listening to disability advocates and activists is crucial.

Accessibility on set

Authentic images start with accessibility, so take the time and do your research to ensure your set, whether it’s a studio, home, or outdoor location, is accessible to everyone. That can include ensuring that parking spaces are close to entrances or that lifts or ramps are available. Make sure locations are clearly marked and directions are provided in advance.

Accessibility could also mean being mindful of any sensory processing concerns among your team; flash photography, for example, could cause problems for some people on set. Natural lighting is a great solution. Smaller groups and photoshoots can also be helpful when avoiding sensory overload, as can quieter locations without too much background noise.

Another thing to consider is timing; ask your team about how and when they’d like breaks and how long they’d prefer the shoot to last. Be flexible; some shoots might require extra time, while others might work best if they’re on the shorter side. If you’re bringing snacks, be mindful of everyone’s needs. It can also help to send a detailed schedule and plan so that your team can know what to expect; they can also weigh in on any adjustments you’ll need to make on the day of the shoot.

Once you’re on set, adjust your approach to your models. Providing visual references and written information or demonstrating your ideas can also be part of your communication toolkit. Keep the lines of communication open, and check in with each other throughout to creative process.

Remember to educate yourself to learn basic etiquette; this guide from the College of Applied Health Sciences at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign offers a starting point. Respect and mutual give-and-take should always form the foundation of your shoot.

Inclusive keywording

Part of ensuring your Licensing portfolio is accessible to everyone is thorough keywording and captioning, so take the time to be as clear, concise, and descriptive as possible. In general, it’s good practice to use fewer words while still conveying all the essential information contained within your photographs. Where applicable, include alt text to help make your visuals more accessible.

When keywording, language matters. As a general rule, stick to person-first language: for example, use “person with paraplegia,” not “paraplegic.” Additionally, steer clear of patronizing language like “differently-abled” or negative language like “handicapped.” A person who uses a wheelchair is a “wheelchair user,” not “wheelchair-bound.”

While there are some general guidelines, everyone is different, and we all use different language to describe ourselves. For that reason, it can be helpful to have your models and collaborators contribute and suggest keywords themselves. Give them the opportunity to have ownership and authorship over their images.

Last year, research from Getty Images revealed that “72% of global consumers expect brands they buy from to support diversity and inclusion, with 80% loyal to brands whose business practices support their own values.” Those numbers are even higher among younger consumers.

For inspiration on future shoots, you can check out their Disability Collection, created in partnership with Verizon Media and the National Disability Leadership Alliance. Then look to your community, locally and on social media, to find stories worth sharing with the world.

Not on 500px yet? Click here to learn about Licensing with 500px.

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12 Days, 12 Quests, 12 Prizes, and over 126,000 submissions!

With 12 Quest Themes that covered all the bases from Minimalism to Portraiture, Wildlife to Editorial…. There was something for everyone and amazing prizes to be claimed. It was a difficult decision as our community delivered their Questms spirit (yet again!) but our editors and judges were able to decide on the winning images after much deliberation and we’re excited to reveal them.

Congratulations to all the winners, and thank you to everyone that submitted to the 4th edition of Questmas. Stay tuned for more Quests in 2023!

‘Minimalism’ Winner

Photo by: Michal Zahornacky
Prize Details: 28mm f5.6 Lens by TTArtisan

Check out all the ‘Minimalism’ shortlisted photos

‘Petography’ Winner

Photo by: Tyler McAuley
Prize Details: $300 US in Long Weekend Gear

Check out all the ‘Petography’ shortlisted photos

‘Nature’ Winner

Photo by: Karol Nienartowicz
Prize Details: Hadley pro 2020 Camera Bag by Billingham

Check out all the ‘Nature’ shortlisted photos

‘Editorial’ Winner

Photo by: Lisa-Marie McGinn
Prize Details: Classic Filter Kits by Fractals

Check out all the ‘Editorial’ shortlisted photos

‘Aerial’ Winner

Photo by: Alberto Agnoletto
Prize Details: ProTactic BP 350 AW II Camera Bag by Lowepro

Check out all the ‘Aerial’ shortlisted photos

‘Travel’ Winner

Photo by: Mike Tesselaar
Prize Details: Brian 2.0 Carbon Fibre Travel Tripod by 3 Legged Thing

Check out all the ‘Travel’ shortlisted photos

‘Monochrome’ Winner

Photo by: Veronika Christos
Prize Details: Moza Slypod Pro by Gudsen Moza

Check out all the ‘Monochrome’ shortlisted photos

‘Wildlife’ Winner

Photo by: Dario Maschietti
Prize Details: Tripod Kit by Gitzo

Check out all the ‘Wildlife’ shortlisted photos

‘Portraiture‘ Winner

Photo by: Grzegorz Bukalski
Prize Details: AD100Pro Creating Kit by Godox

Check out all the ‘Portraiture’ shortlisted photos

‘Conceptual’ Winner

Photo by: Natalie Seitner
Prize Details: Rotation 22L Backpack by ThinkTank Photo

Check out all the ‘Conceptual’ shortlisted photos

‘Architecture’ Winner

Photo by: Tamer Radwan
Prize Details: Alpha Globetrotter XC Camera Backpack by Langly

Check out all the ‘Architecture’ shortlisted photos

‘Urban’ Winner

Photo by: Jonas / Bildmedia
Prize Details: 055 Aluminum 3-Section Tripod Kit by Manfrotto

Check out all the ‘Urban’ shortlisted photos

Once again, congratulations to all the winners, and thank you to everyone who submitted their photos to Questmas 2022!

The post Questmas 2022 Winners Revealed appeared first on 500px.