There is no doubt that photography today is an influential tool for showcasing one’s lifestyle and professional area of expertise. Photographing everyday life for documentary purposes is accomplished by your iPhone, which is why it is important for you to understand and master the fundamentals of aesthetics on the road to becoming a professional photographer.

What is Photo Aesthetics? 🔍

Photo aesthetics, in simple terms, refer to the visual appeal and beauty of an image. It encompasses elements such as composition, lighting, color, balance, and perspective, all of which contribute to how an image looks and feels. Here's why aesthetics matter:

• Intentional composition ⭕ : Aesthetics begin with composition, or in other words, framing. (refer to E3 in my series). What I did not mention in that article is more relevant when discussing aesthetics, such as the rule of thirds, leading lines, symmetry and the golden ratio to name a few. Based on what your subject is / the message you aim to convey, balancing elements and intentional framing using the rules above makes each of your photographs visually pleasing, thus cementing you as a professional in the eyes of the viewer. 

  
  
  

• Impactful lighting 🌟: Lighting can make or break your photographs. Based on what you are shooting, ensure the lighting accentuates your subject and accurately conveys your message/emotion to the viewer. Perfect lighting isn’t always available, which is why outdoor shoots require planning, while perfect lighting can be created indoors.

  
  
  

• Capture Moods and Emotions 🎭: Aesthetics play a significant role in conveying emotions and setting the mood in a photograph. For instance, warm, golden-hour lighting can evoke a sense of warmth and nostalgia, while a high-contrast, black-and-white composition may intensify drama or tension in a scene. Understanding how aesthetics influence emotions allows photographers to tell more compelling visual stories.

  
  
  

• Colors ☯️: Colors capture attention, but can also become overwhelming. As a professional, make a conscious effort to photograph complementary or contrasting colors to create visual interest, while avoiding visual pandemonium in your shots. Use the color wheel to understand and visualize how different colors work together. A pro tip is to limit the number of colors in your frame to 3, while photos with 2 colors make the strongest impact.

  
  
  

• Open the aperture 📸: Opening your aperture to its maximum produces a shallow depth of field - in other words, a super blurred out background. This naturally adds more emphasis on your subject and gives your images a more professional look. Large apertures also create a dreamy, ethereal atmosphere in your photos, which is particularly effective in certain genres like portraiture, wedding photography, and even macro photography. The soft, out-of-focus areas can lend a sense of romance and intimacy to the image.

  
  
  

• Framing 🖼️: Framing plays a pivotal role in making your photographs impactful. Speaking in terms of aesthetics, framing encapsulates you developing a style of framing subjects and landscapes that is instantly recognizable as your work. This helps you establish your professional standing. Aesthetics in this regard also serve as a photographer’s fountain of eternal inspiration. By exploring various aesthetics and experimenting with different styles, you can keep your creativity evergreen by trying new techniques, leading to innovative and thought-provoking images.

  
  
  

• Recognition and Branding 💯: As a professional photographer, developing a distinct style is crucial for not just building your brand, but to also make your images easily recognizable amongst your viewers. A consistent aesthetic style sets you apart and makes your work instantly recognizable. Whether it's a preference for vibrant, saturated colors or a penchant for minimalist, monochromatic compositions, your aesthetic becomes your signature.

  
  
  

• Editing 💻: Your photo aesthetics come to fruition once you’ve edited them. As a professional, it is sacrilege to shoot a photo and call it done, as no photo straight from the camera is capable of showcasing exactly what you envisioned. Editing helps you accentuate elements like color and contrast, whilst adding elements like vignette and grain, which come together to form your particular photo aesthetic.

In summary 🥂

In photography, aesthetics are the bridge that connects the photographer's vision with the viewer's emotions. It's not just about capturing an image, but to rather elicit an emotional response from your viewer, making your work memorable. Whether you're a professional photographer aiming to establish a unique style or an amateur looking to capture the beauty of everyday life, realize that aesthetics in photography is like your fingerprint - it is unique to you. Sure, you can follow well-established aesthetics or even the aesthetic of other photographers, but developing your own sets you apart as a true professional.