Beyond The Basics

So, You’ve Got the Basics Down—Now What?

You’ve figured out how to shoot in manual mode (high five!) and you’re starting to feel like you kind of know what you’re doing behind the lens. But… there’s a problem.

Your photos are nice.
But not stand-out-in-a-sea-of-scrolls nice.

If you’re wondering why your images aren’t quite getting the love they deserve—or how to take your work from “technically correct” to creatively unforgettable—you’re in the right place.

Let’s talk creative photography techniques: what they are, why they matter, and how you can start using them today (without needing a fancy studio or expensive gear).

What Is Creative Photography, Anyway?

Creative photography is less about perfection and more about expression. It's about telling a story, evoking a feeling, and making people stop mid-scroll to say, “Whoa. That’s different.”

You don’t need to reinvent the wheel or start dressing up squirrels (although… respect if you do). You just need to explore the tools already in your hands a little differently.

Technique #1: Change Your Perspective

Bend, crouch, climb (safely)—get weird with your angles.
Most people shoot everything from eye level, which is… fine. But try getting low to the ground, shooting through objects (hello, plant leaves), or using reflections in puddles, windows, or mirrors to create something unexpected.

Pro tip: If you’re photographing your iced latte for the 30th time—get underneath it next time. Dramatic lighting + whipped foam = instant drama.

Technique #2: Play with Light and Shadow

Light is your real camera. It sets the mood and can instantly turn a boring image into a scroll-stopper.
Try backlighting, harsh midday sun (with intention!), silhouettes, or even DIY light leaks (hold a colored gel or plastic wrap in front of your lens for fun effects).

Bonus: moody window shadows or blinds = instant film noir vibes.

Technique #3: Slow That Shutter

Ever tried a long exposure? You don’t need a waterfall or a tripod in Iceland to experiment.
Try slowing your shutter to capture movement—like cars at night, people walking, or even someone you know twirling in a dress. (They’ll feel like an artsy ghost. It’s fun, promise.)

It adds motion, energy, and that little bit of extra your photos might be missing.

Technique #4: Try Double Exposure (a.k.a. Controlled Chaos)

Layering two images to create one dreamy, surreal shot? YES, PLEASE.
Most editing apps and even some cameras let you do this in-camera. It’s a creative playground for storytelling—overlay your subject with nature, textures, or abstract light for emotional depth.

Start simple and experiment. Worst-case scenario? You get weird. Best-case? You get brilliant.

Technique #5: Let Editing Enhance, Not Hide

Editing isn’t cheating—it’s part of the creative process. But instead of slapping on a filter and calling it a day, think about how your edits support your vision.
Color grading, contrast, grain, even selective color—these little tweaks can transform the tone of your photo entirely.

Just remember: if your photo starts to look like it was taken on Mars (unless that’s the goal), maybe dial it back.

The Bottom Line: Creativity Is Your Superpower

If you’re feeling like your photos aren’t standing out, chances are—it’s not about your gear or your technical skills anymore.
It’s about how you see the world. Your eye. Your voice. Your weirdness (which, by the way, is your secret sauce).

So give yourself permission to experiment, mess up, try again, and find what makes your work uniquely YOU. The more you lean into that, the more your ideal clients will notice. Trust me.

What’s Next?

If you’re into this kind of thing, my upcoming course, “Make Your Photos Stand Out,” is going to dive way deeper into creative photography techniques for beginners like you—minus the overwhelm and techie jargon.

Want in?
Join the waitlist here.

Let’s make some magic. One creative click at a time.