Photo ideas to help you capture life’s special moments.

Photography offers endless possibilities for creativity. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro photographer, finding fresh inspiration allows you to enhance your skills and helps you take photos that stand out.

Browse this list of photo ideas to find inspiration for your next project.

Picture ideas for when you want to take standout photos.

Standout photos capture attention and leave a lasting impression on viewers. These picture ideas cover key concepts to help you think outside the box and create unforgettable images.

Find your focus.

How do you find your focus as a photographer? While there’s no one right way to go about it, making personal projects can help you explore themes and styles that align with your creative vision. Create a mood board. This helps you see what type of visuals you’re attracted to. Then, try to shoot photos while emulating said visuals or styles.

Tell a story.

Storytelling in photography helps set you and your works apart. It also enables you to create depth and add context to your works, helping you communicate your creative vision more effectively. One way to tell a story through photos is to capture raw emotion. For example, you’re on a long, arduous adventure with your family. Try to capture their emotions, their triumphant smiles, and the look of relief when you finally reach your destination. Your composition also plays a role in bringing your story to life. Think of it this way: how do you make your subject stand out amidst a sea of chaos, like when you’re in a wet market, for example?

Better food photography.

Taking flat-lay photos of food is great, but creating depth in your photos will take them to a new level. Turn on your phone’s grid feature and position the food diagonally. Lower the camera angle and use Portrait mode. Make sure to switch to 3x zoom and take a photo.

Take panorama photos.

Here’s a fun twist to taking panorama photos: turning your phone. This works really well if you want to showcase a stunning location like a library with a high ceiling or a ceiling with trompe-l’œil. With your subject at the center of the frame, switch to Pano mode and then turn your phone from vertical to horizontal, making sure that the camera is in the same direction as the subject and the backdrop you want to feature—in this case, the high ceiling.

Change your point of view.

Literally. For example, instead of taking a photo of the subject when you’re at the same level, look for higher ground. This changes the perspective slightly and makes your photos more intriguing. You can also take photos from a lower angle. This is ideal if you want to showcase a location’s details. For example, if you’re on a street with beautiful light fixtures and you want them included in your photos, lower your phone and use a wider lens (0.5x) or simply tilt your camera to include more of the background. Ask your subject to pose, then take a snap.

Unique photo ideas for any occasion.

Whether you’re capturing an everyday scene or a candid moment, a unique approach lets you elevate your photos. Look to these unique photo ideas to find inspiration and adapt them to fit any occasion.

A photo book of someone’s life.

Collect old photos and take new ones of a subject, such as a close friend or a family member. Use those photos to create a special photo book and add sweet notes or captions. Design a cover that encapsulates that person’s journey so far. For example, if you’re making a photo book for your mom, consider using a candid photo that best reflects what she’s like.

Experiment with time-lapse.

Time-lapse is great for capturing transitions. Set your camera on a tripod and take time-lapse photos like day-to-night or night-to-day transitions. If you’re using a smartphone, consider taking a time-lapse video of you walking through a tunnel or a bridge.

Rainy day photography.

Capture reflections in puddles. Take photos of raindrops on various surfaces. Snap photos of people trying to navigate different rainy-day conditions. Experiment with different lighting on rainy days to add an atmospheric quality to your photos.

Make shadow art.

Capture or experiment with shadows from seemingly mundane objects like lace curtains or moving vehicles.

Top-of-the-water shoots.

Underwater photos are magical, but have you tried top-of-the-water shoots? This idea is perfect for when you want to document water activities like canoeing or kayaking. If you’re fine getting in the water, capture the boat and the people from a distance or use that position to take photos from unique angles. Just make sure to keep your camera protected by investing in high-quality underwater housing that’s specifically designed to fit your camera model.

Picture ideas that take your photos to a whole new level.

Transform ordinary photos with these picture ideas. This list includes photo ideas that let you experiment with fresh perspectives and capture unique moments.

Hang photos on a clothesline with fairy lights.

This is a fun and cute way to display photos, especially during events like birthdays or anniversaries.

Make it cinematic.

Want to make your photos look like a still from a movie? Before you’re able to take “cinematic” photos, first define what you want to achieve and what it entails, and try to capture that in your photos. That’s because people may have varying definitions of what “cinematic” photos are supposed to look like.

While there’s no fixed formula or method for making your shots look more dramatic, you can start by framing your photos in unique ways, like exploring different angles or experimenting with composition. Then, pay attention to lighting and how you use that to enhance your subjects or evoke a mood. For example, soft and controlled lighting helps add depth to your photos. Tweaking color grading after the shoot also helps you create a specific mood or tone in your photos.

Negative space.

Make use of empty space to take dramatic photos that emphasize the subject’s presence.

Capture candid reactions.

When taking photos, such as during special occasions, try to capture people’s candid reactions. The magic of candid photos is that they are unscripted, which helps create authentic and timeless images.

Record changes.

Now, this takes a lot of dedication because this photo idea can take months or even years—it might even be an ongoing project. Document the evolution of your neighborhood or the city you live in. Through your photos, you can help people see the changes that they might have otherwise not noticed or taken for granted.

Fun photo ideas for shooting at home.

The good news is you don’t need to leave home to take amazing photos. With a little imagination, you can turn everyday objects into magical subjects and create stunning images.

Make a memory scrapbook.

This is perfect if you have an upcoming event. Provide a portable photo printer and encourage guests to print photos taken on the day of the celebration. Then, ask them to share some of these photos that you’ll be using to make a memory scrapbook. To make the scrapbook more special, let guests write their own personalized message.

Experiment with composition.

Composition allows you to tell a story and convey your vision to viewers. For example, look into combining bold composition, one where your subject is emphasized, with dramatic lighting to take a compelling shot.

Take action shots.

Of your friends, family, or pets. To take better action photos, experiment with the depth of field to keep the focus on your subject and keep your camera steady. For the latter, use a tripod or switch to a lower shutter speed. With newer smartphones, it’s relatively easier to capture action shots with Burst or other similar modes. Or, you could capture motion blur for a dramatic effect. To do this, you’ll need low light and slower shutter speeds.

Shoot in small spaces.

Small spaces can seem limiting, but they actually give you more opportunities to exercise creativity. For instance, how do you capture a subject effectively within a confined space? How do you play with natural light or shadows in a small closet? What new angles can you use in your photos?

Make art reproductions.

Consider making photo reproductions of your favorite works of art. For example, take a subject, dress her up, and ask her to pose like Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring. Have a lot of friends or family over? Ask them to help you recreate Rembrandt’s The Night Watch or The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp.

Picture ideas for beginners.

Starting with photography can feel overwhelming, but these picture ideas for beginners offer accessible and effective techniques that will help you hone your skills.

Photograph things you find interesting.

This is a great way to get into photography. When you’re starting out, finding the “right” subject can be tricky, so why not focus on the things you actually like? For example, if you find random patterns interesting, then take photos of those. The key here is how you interpret even the most mundane of subjects. Instead of taking standard photos of patterns, try taking them from a new angle or focusing on one of the pattern’s more interesting features.

Shoot through objects.

This is a fun way to introduce new perspectives and add depth to your photos. For example, instead of taking the usual photos of a landmark, try to find an opening, such as through railings or breeze blocks, and shoot your subject through that.

Everyday candid moments.

Photograph family members or pets in natural or unscripted scenarios. Taken a photo that resonates with you? Share that with your loved ones by adding it to a beautifully designed card or including it in a sweet letter.

Go abstract.

Look for abstract patterns or shapes that are emphasized by natural elements. For example, try to find interesting patterns in ice formations or shapes formed by rain-drenched newspapers or plastics.

Take better night photos.

To take dramatic black-and-white night photos, switch to Portrait mode and use a 2x lens. Turn on the flash and select the “Noir” filter. Once you have stunning photos, feel free to use them and do standout creative projects like event posters, banners, or flyers. Use Adobe Express to make a photo collage to display at home and showcase your photography skills.

Basic photography tips.

Keep these tips in mind to help you take better photos.

• Remember to practice. A cliché but practice sessions allow you to experiment with different techniques and styles, such as a photo or film soup where you use elements like fire or chemicals to alter your photos, all while letting you refine your photography skills.

• Learn to ask why. Why is this subject worth capturing? Knowing why you want to take a particular photo or shoot a specific subject will help guide you into taking photos that you’ll want your future self (and your audience) to see.

• Create a portfolio. If you’re planning to take on clients, make separate portfolios for each one. Each portfolio must align with that client’s specific language and style. Doing so helps you capture their attention and lets you communicate that you understand their brand.

Turn photos into impactful creative projects with Adobe Express.

Photography allows you to capture the magic in seemingly ordinary moments and tell a compelling story. With the help of Adobe Express, you can turn your photos into impactful creative projects that effectively convey your message or creative vision. From awe-inspiring cards to touching photo collages, Adobe Express gives you the tools you need to take photos that make a difference. See what you can make today with Adobe Express.

Design with your idea