One of my new year’s resolutions is to be more creative with my photoshoot ideas. I don’t want to just do static headshots every time I shoot with someone, I want to have some creative shoots that add interest and diversity to my portfolio. Something I think is great to start jumpstarting that creativity for you is TikTok.

If you’ve been living under a rock for the past year, TikTok is a social media-type app that allows creators to share short videos up to 60 seconds. It has grown a lot since it was launched in 2016, partly due to the COVID-19 pandemic and quarantine.

TikTok’s content varies wildly, from dance videos to cooking how-tos to comedy to– you guessed it– photography. Between color-inspired photoshoot behind the scenes and “meet the photographer” introduction videos, TikTok actually has a really wide range in the photography community.

Every now and then, a new photography challenge will go viral. It starts as one creator’s idea, and everyone becomes inspired and tries their own take on it, and it goes viral. Take the ghost photoshoot trend of September 2020– people all around the world participated in this trend where you used a bedsheet as a ghost costume and took photos, just in time for Halloween. I participated in it as well:

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Taking inspiration from these trends can be really interesting, and add a lot of fun to your photography. If you’re looking to grow your TikTok presence, you can even make a video of your process following the trend! Two birds, one stone.

Here are some other trends you can try out or take as inspiration for your own! These are of particular interest to me, but just take a quick scroll through TikTok and you’ll be sure to find a couple other ones as well.

1. Vogue

This challenge involved taking a magazine cover-inspired shot like it would be seen on the cover of Vogue. Think high-end, editorial style photos. Many creators used this to showcase pictures of themselves, but I did this with my sister, Kate, and one of her friends, Maggie, as my models.

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Many people put their own spin on it by adding article titles to the cover, changing the name of the magazine to fit their aesthetic more, or even creating their own magazine to fit their personal style. Anything can go, just make sure you plan your shoot’s creative mood around the style of whatever magazine you choose to create a cover for.

2. Sky Mirror

This was a trend that I first noticed in the Spring/Summer of 2020. It started by taking a mirror outside and taking a selfie– simple enough. The trend evolved into playing with different lighting and reflections in the mirror. This can be a great trend to do by yourself, but can also be done with models.

This trend is much more ethereal and whimsical feeling, but again, take it as inspiration and then make it your own. All you need is a mirror and a camera, so it’s not too involved with props or locations. These photos can also make a great Instagram post.

3. Car Tunnel

I’m not completely sure if this is actually a trend or not, but I thought it looked pretty cool and had all the potential to become a trend, so I wanted to include it. This one is based off a TikTok my sister sent me, by @virginiabender (see video here). The shoot involves taking pictures from the backseat of a car while the model leans out the passenger seat window. Think wind-blown hair, Perks of Being a Wallflower tunnel scene vibes. (Fun fact: the aforementioned TikTok is set to the classic POBAW music and quotes.)

Actually, Kate and Maggie (the ones who modelled for my Vogue-inspired shoot) have promised to help me with this one as well, so maybe you’ll see a more in-depth post about this trend soon 😉

4. Color Series

This one isn’t really a trend either, to be quite honest. However, the cool thing about looking at TikTok for inspiration is seeing what other photographers are doing in some of their creative shoots, and making them your own. Many TikTok photographers share behind-the-scenes of shoots, editing techniques, and photography hacks you can employ in your own work.

One of the first photographers I found on TikTok that really inspired me was a girl who had color themed shoots– background, outfits, and props all centered on the same color. She and her sister did this for a bunch of different colors, and I loved all their videos. I can’t seem to find the creator at the moment, but if I do I’ll make sure to link her.

Another account that has done a similar thing is @cjhall_625, so check out some of his work and maybe you’ll be inspired, too.

You can find inspiration almost anywhere, all it takes is a little digging. TikTok is a great place to start, but don’t be afraid to search around or to make things your own. Before you know it, you’ll be the one coming up with ideas and starting trends yourself.

Until next time! See you guys around 🙂