Tired of your usual #OOTD photos? Try adding colours to your photos – experiment with pastel coloured makeup, hunt for colourful background for your shots, using contrasting colours to make yourself stand out… Use these tips to create photos that are fun to look at and increase engagement on your Instagram.
EOS R, EF50mm f/1.4 USM lens, f/2.8, 50mm, 1/2500sec, ISO100
1. Play with pastel colours
EOS R, EF50mm f/1.4 USM lens, f/2.8, 50mm, 1/1600sec, ISO200
Pastel colours are soothing and closer to the neutral colour spectrum. Think light pink, baby blue or lavender. Put on pastel coloured makeup for a softer look while making your face pop just a little. We took this photo using Canon’s brand new EOS R full-frame mirrorless camera – lightweight, powerful, and designed with usability in mind – compatible with the new RF lenses as well as the EF and EF-S lenses (with mount), just like the the EF50mm f/1.4 USM lens we used for this shoot.
2. Make use of the colourful elements around you
EOS R, EF50mm f/1.4 USM lens, f/2.8, 50mm, 1/2500sec, ISO100
Do some research before you do the shoot. Check out some interesting spots on Instagram that feature colourful structures. Colourful walls are fun to look at, giving your photos a quirky and vibrant look and feel. If it is a private premise, contact the owner or authority and request for permission before proceeding there. The EOS R’s fully articulated LCD screen is a wonderful tool to view your subject to make sure he/she is in frame, while allowing you to focus just by tapping on the screen. Use the LCD screen to shoot when looking through a viewfinder is difficult, such as from lower or higher angles. Find out more about the EOS R camera from the interview with our developers.
3. Wear multi-colour clothes
EOS R, EF50mm f/1.4 USM lens, f/2.8, 50mm, 1/2000sec, ISO100
When it comes to styling, try colour-blocking your outfit or choose a colourful one. For this shoot, we paired a colourful skirt with a plain top and shoes to balance the colours and not create an overwhelming visual.
4. Find accessories that show off different colours
EOS R, EF50mm f/1.4 USM lens, f/2.8, 50mm, 1/5000sec, ISO100
Accessories are just as important as your clothes and makeup. Having a multi-colour bag shows off your fun personality while being practical (otherwise where would we keep our essentials?). Instead of single colour, opt for dual tones or multi-colour for a vibrant look. Remember to use your accessories as a complementary object, and not a clashing one. The EOS R’s autofocus system of 0.05 second is blazing fast, which allows you to capture your subject while she moves, giving your shot a more natural look.
5. Use contrasting colours
EOS R, EF50mm f/1.4 USM lens, f/2.8, 50mm, 1/250sec, ISO400
Besides pastel colours, you can try strong contrasting colours such as orange and blue, which look great on paler skin. Match your makeup with an outfit of the same colour (or colour family), such as a dark blue dress. Dual tones are eye-catching and refreshing to look at, and especially so for photos. The EOS R’s image stabilisation capability can help produce sharp images and high quality colours when shooting at a lower shutter speed, which is required for darker conditions, such as indoors or an overcast day. Want to become a makeup influencer? Let us show you how to do it on How to Create Your Own Makeup Tutorial.
EOS R, EF50mm f/1.4 USM lens, f/2.8, 50mm, 1/400sec, ISO400
If you are looking to take on a different style, try shooting your portraits at night with tips from 3 Ways to Light Your Portraits When Shooting at Night with the EOS R. No model? No problem! Try photographing your pets instead – check out this useful article on 5 Ways to Shoot Intimate Photos of Your Pet with Canon EOS R.
Special thanks to @hugmaterialstore for the outfits and accessories.
Read more on the EOS R:
Reimagine Optical Excellence with EOS R
An Interview with the Developers: Introducing Canon's First Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera, EOS R
Expand Your Range of Shooting Possibilities with the All-New RF Lenses
An Immersive Shooting Experience Awaits with the All-New EOS R
