Within the diverse world of photography, creators use various shooting styles and genres to articulate their messages and ideas. From realism to abstract, each approach is a canvas for creative expression.
Among these genres, fantasy photography is one of the most intriguing and requires a good dose of imagination, exploration, and editing skills.
For example, you can enhance your fantasy photos using automated online tools like the Depositphotos Background Remover.
By removing ordinary backdrops, you can replace them with surrealistic backgrounds, boosting your visual narrative. You can also browse Depositphotos stock photos that can inspire you with new ideas for photo shoots.
Keep on reading this article for exciting fantasy picture ideas and editing tips.
5 fantasy photoshoot ideas for beginners
When looking for inspiration to craft your fantasy story, you can start by browsing the works of well-known photographers. For example, check out Susan Schroder’s website—she specializes in creating enchanting and mystical images.
Also, discover the following fantasy photoshoot ideas that can be implemented by aspiring and professional photographers alike.
#1 A forest with mythological creatures
Forests offer an enchanting backdrop for capturing fantasy photos. With its dark and mysterious atmosphere, it sets the stage for portraying captivating scenarios that spark the viewer’s imagination. You can explore various mythological topics. For example, if you’re leaning toward a Slavic vibe, depict an elusive Leshy or scary mare. If you prefer Nordic motifs, consider organizing a winter forest shoot, bringing trolls into the frame.
If it’s hard to find realistic props for your fantasy images, play with the viewer’s imagination. For example, visually convey the feeling that someone is watching them from behind the tree branches.
#2 Time travelers
This fantasy photoshoot idea may intrigue you because it allows you to tell visual stories from different angles. For example, you could showcase scenes from the past, diving into props that fit the specific era and culture. On the other hand, you can let your creativity flow and imagine what the world might look like in the future. This gives you the freedom to come up with your own set of rules.
You can also build a photo series where a single character travels between different periods, creating a comprehensive visual narrative.
#3 Wizarding worlds
Imagine a fantastical world of your creation where magic reigns supreme. What would it be like—whimsical or dark? You can convey entire visual tales using various props, like vibrant cloaks or magical foliage.
If portrait photography isn’t your preference, create unconventional landscape scenes. For example, explore an ancient castle and capture it against a striking nature backdrop. Also, photograph its interior to later post-process it in a graphic editor to add some magical touches.
#4 Steampunk universe
Steampunk is one of the most unusual genres in contemporary art. It uniquely blends the spirit of Victorian style, intricate mechanisms, and futuristic motifs. It’s an excellent visual direction to create an exciting storyline.
If you’re inclined towards portrait photography, try crafting a narrative with an ingenious inventor. Or, capture the beauty of gears and other mechanisms in old clocks if your preference is still life.
#5 An old garden
Consider this idea if you’re aiming for a melancholic, romantic vibe. Plants, especially flowers, can serve as excellent props. To convey an antique feel, try capturing them against weathered walls.
You can also add some extra elements to infuse a touch of fantasy into the scene. For example, these can be an old wizard hat or a mysterious pendant. Such details let viewers imagine their own narrative around the image.
In fantasy photography, the essence lies in expressing an idea or story through vibrant visual imagery. It’s a skill that requires continuous honing. According to Canon, it’s considered one of the significant challenges photography students face.
Fantasy photo editing tips
Good photography skills and well-crafted props are the starting point for shooting in a fantasy style. However, many elements simply don’t exist in the real world. What’s more, creating that mystical atmosphere often hinges on nailing the right color representation, which usually requires post-processing.
FAQ: How can you edit photos with effects?
To add effects to your photo, you need a raster graphics editor (e.g., Photoshop, GIMP, or Corel Painter). Then, simply let your creativity flow. You can adjust the color balance, add extra details, or explore various filters. Plenty of ready-made templates that can elevate your photo are available online. For example, you can download a realistic fog with a transparent background and blend it into your image. Or, explore fantasy visual effects like magical glowing particles or sparks. To achieve desired results, experiment with different editing software and effects until you find what suits your style.
To enhance your final images, explore these five beginner-friendly fantasy photo editing tips:
- Change the background. Sometimes, it’s not easy to find a real-world background that looks magical. But you can easily fix that using various tools. For example, Depositphotos Background Remover allows you to effortlessly process JPG, JPEG, PNG, and WebP images weighing under 30 MB. You just need to upload your file and wait for the result. You can also use “Erase” and “Restore” brushes to fine-tune the cutout. After removing the background from your original image and finding a more suitable one online, you can merge the two seamlessly using a graphic editor.
- Adjust the colors for a desired mood. For example, if you want to convey a gloomy atmosphere, tone down the colors in the image. If you need to add a sense of magic, enhance colors like red, blue, or purple.
- Add a touch of mist. Using soft, semi-transparent white brushes, you can achieve a haze effect. To do this, apply the brushes to areas in the photograph where you’d like to introduce a sense of mystery.
- Highlight key elements with a soft glow. This is one of the most commonly used fantasy photo effects because it allows creators to convey a touch of magic. To achieve this in your photos, you can use Gaussian blur, experimenting with different colors. As a result, you can create fantasy-like glows.
- Simulate lens flares. This is a great way to add more epicness to a photo, which is often a key element in the fantasy genre. You can create this effect manually. To do so, use a soft brush to make small strokes. Afterward, apply Gaussian Blur. Also, try experimenting with blending modes to achieve a more natural look.
FAQ: Which app is best for adding effects to a visual?
The best editing solution depends on your creative goals. If you want to edit photos professionally, try Adobe Photoshop Express. Despite being a mobile app, it provides almost all the functionality of the original solution. If you are a beginner in photo editing, consider Fotor. It is a mobile app powered by artificial intelligence that can help you choose the best filter for your picture from ready-made presets.
Conclusion
Creators looking for ways to express their creativity often choose the path of fantasy photography. After all, there are no strict rules here—just your unique perspective of the world. This genre allows you to explore various topics, from mystical creatures to time traveling. To make your thematic pictures appear more realistic, master the skill of artistic photo editing.