5 Tips on How to Take Photos in Public

Top//Topshop  Shorts//Maje (similar here and here)  Handbag//Prada via Net-a-Porter  Shoes//Castañer

Watch//Skagen  Bracelet//Kate Spade  Sunglasses//Fendi  Twilly//Louis Vuitton

We live in a digital age where we like to share our lives through social media and for the average person phones have replaced cameras. Taking photos in public has become a regular activity. Have you ever wanted to take an Instagram worthy photo but there are too many people around? Or you are at a cool restaurant and you want to be photographed holding up your glass of wine but you feel silly?

I know I have!

No one likes to be stared at or look ridiculous so today I am sharing my 5 tips on how to take photos in public. As a fashion blogger, I have to take pictures outside posing and wearing not your everyday outfit on the regular so I have learned a lot about how to take photos in public.

Whether you are a fellow blogger looking to expand the reach of your blog or just someone who wants to post great images on Instagram I hope you find these tips helpful.

MY 5 TIPS FOR TAKING PHOTOS IN PUBLIC

TIP #1: DON’T CARE WHAT PEOPLE THINK

I hate to start off with this tip because I know it is easier said than done and taking photos in public used to be a very self-conscious activity for me. However, this is the most important tip I can offer you.

Whatever your purpose is for taking photos whether it is just to share with family and friends on social media or for your job like me that it doesn’t matter what people think.

If this is something you really want to do then don’t let others stand in your way, and this goes for every area of your life. One day I just had to realize that I was never going to see these people again and if getting a beautiful photo helps me to continue to do what I love then I wasn’t going to care what others thought of me when taking photos in public.

TIP #2: PRACTICE POSES AT HOME

If you want to minimize the time spent on your outdoor photoshoot then it is important to figure out what poses work for you. Over time you will learn what works best for you and your body, but if you are a newbie to being in front of the camera then I highly recommend practicing at home first.

Find inspirational photos on Instagram or Pinterest and practice some poses in front of a mirror to see what you like best.

Also, it’s important to chance up your poses to ensure you have several to choose from. Nothing is worse than when you look back at photos and realize they would have been exactly what you were looking for if you had just moved your leg slightly or a tilted your head.

TIP #3: KNOW THE SHOTS YOU WANT BEFORE

Along with figuring out the poses that look best on you, decide on the type of shots you would like before heading out and make sure to let your photographer know whether they are a professional or just your boyfriend behind the camera.

Do you want a far away photo with the background as the main focal point? Do you want a close up of your face as you sip your Instagram worthy cocktail? Or would you prefer a detailed shot of your accessories? So many photos and so little time!

TIP #4: RESEARCH YOUR LOCATION

An important part of the process is figuring out exactly where you want to shoot. Is there a certain bakery you want to shoot in front of? Are you on vacation and want to a photo of a famous landmark?

I like to search Instagram for different locations in my city that I never thought of or cities I am traveling to for inspiration.

If you are self-conscious about taking photos in public or in front of crowds then I would try to find a low traffic time (if possible) for your shoot location. If you are wanting to shoot in an industrial area or somewhere with offices then try shooting on the weekend. If you are shooting somewhere that had a lot of restaurants then try off-peak times.

TIP #5: BE FLEXIBLE

Always remain flexible when it comes to shooting in public or outdoors. You might have a very clear idea of what you want your photo to look like but extraneous factors get in the way from unexpected crowds or even bad weather or lighting.

Sometimes it’s even as simple as the location isn’t what you thought it would look like in person.

When this happens just adapt to your surroundings. Find a simple wall nearby, an interesting bench or just turn the corner to find something new. Essentially, step outside of your comfort zone and experiment.

What are your tips for taking photos in public? Have you gained in confidence when taking photos in public? Let’s all share in the comments section below!

Photos by Megan Weaver