6 Photo Tips for Beautiful Photos
by professional photographer, Mike Guest
20 Photos is asking professional photographers to share their top tips for taking better photos, that anyone can benefit from.
Mike Guest, a photographer whose love of the sea often finds him ducking below the surface for the perfect shot, is second in this series. Here, he puts aside his waterproof gear and shares six ideas that we can all use to create photos that make us stop in our tracks.
1/ Find objects to create frames around your subject.
Hide things you don’t want by moving your body and get some interest in the foreground.
“Two wildly different examples of foreground framing - I spent a lot of last summer hiding in the kelp on the west coast of Scotland, looking for moments like this.”
2/ Don’t be afraid to get really close and get right in there.
Whether it’s a face or a detailed object, get close. When you think you’re too close, go even closer! I often find myself wishing I got more up close and personal with my photos.
“I get lost in Barry’s baby blues - it is like staring into the Milky Way for me. Right, Dan swims towards the camera bit of a close call as I narrowly missed him. I love how the water is about to curl over his left arm.”
3/ If your gut screams out to take a photo, don’t miss that moment!
Don't think, ‘I’ll come get it later’. 9 times out of 10 it’s never going to be the same. Now if you do decide to keep moving, try not to fall into the world of FOMO and go with the JOMO – the joy of missing out.
“Free diving with one of my favourite humans, Adam, on an overcast day, dipping under the surface. For a split second, the light comes out and illuminates Adam”
4/ Take photos of the things you love to do and the humans you love doing those things with.
Potentially obvious but I wanted to make sure you knew to do it. These are the photos that will make you smile.
“This is Nick - he taught me to free dive and he inspired me to get an underwater housing for my camera, to be able take in into the sea. Nick’s got this infectious smile and energy that just you can’t help but get pulled along by.”
5/ Gräv där du står or in English, Dig where you stand.
Some of the best stories and photos I’ve documented were right under my nose.
Do you walk to work or commute? Is there a face you see often that catches your eye and you think to yourself who you are, what do you do and what’s your story?
I’m endlessly fascinated with people’s journeys. Their life story. Get to know them, strike up a conversation, build and develop relationships then, at some point, an opportunity will present itself and you’ll be able to capture them how you see them.
“I've been friends with Dan and Tim for 10 years. I pass by their boat-building yard multiple times a year on my way to catch ferries in the hunt for surf.“
6/ Share your photos with good friends.
Ask them to choose their favourites and then find out why. At the end of the day taking photos is about what you like but I find it fascinating to hear other people’s thoughts. What resonates with them? Don’t be afraid to get feedback - it’s the best way to learn.
“I didn’t think of much of this shot from last week, here in NZ, but two Kiwi pals said it sparked memories of summer and the Toetoe plant that’s synonymous with NZ and life at the beach”
Portrait of Mike, shot by James Robertson (whose photo tips you can also find on this blog)
For over 20 years, Mike Guest has photographed athletes, adventurers, and everyday people in outdoor environments across the globe. His work explores themes of community, mental health, and our relationship with nature.
When he’s not behind the camera, you can find him in the water surfing and free diving. The ocean is his refuge, muse and spiritual home.
His work has been featured by leading outdoor brands such as Patagonia, Finisterre and Surfers Against Sewage. His projects document subcultures united by their passion for the sea, including traditional Scottish fishing towns, big wave surfers and marine conservationists.
Also in this series
Kenny Gordon’s tips - showcasing advice on wild weather, getting up early and just asking!
Or begin at the very beginning of this series- join James Robertson’s photo strategies in his ultracycling work - looking at different kinds of portraiture, the importance of patience and lateral thinking!
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