Sneaker photography tips from five of our favorite Straatgrammers featured on #straatgram in July 2017.
Like @sfllh suggests, you can elevate a generic sneaker picture by photographing in different locations
Read on for the tips and tricks to help improve your sneaker photography game.
“For this shot, I wanted to convey a ‘Rain or Shine’ theme,” said Mel
1. Talk us through the process of taking this picture.
First I applied water repellent spray all over my shoes to protect it. I then grabbed an empty plastic bottle of Coca Cola and filled it with water to produce that pouring rain effect. It took us several attempts to get the perfect shot, but I am happy with the end results.
2. What equipment did you use to capture this shot?
I used a Nikon D7100 and a 50 mm 1.8 prime lens.
3. Any tips on getting the perfect sneaker shot?
The most important factor in taking great photos is lighting. The idea of “what you see is what you get” rings especially true when it comes to photography. So if your kicks are too dark to see with your own eyes, it isn’t going to get any better through a camera lens. Sunlight is the most effective source of lighting but sometimes it can work against you. Just remember to make sure that the sunlight is hitting your shoes and not the camera lens.
@melchrue360’s shot was featured on Monday, July 3. View more #Straatgram selections from that week here.
“I thought it’d be cool to have two contrasting lights in the shot,” said shamblz
1. How did you first conceptualize this sneaker shot?
Conceptualization is a strong word – what I think about is how the sneaker interacts with the background and its surroundings.
2. What equipment did you use to capture this shot?
I used a Sony A7R2 with 55mm F1.8. As for editing, all I used was Lightroom.
3. Any tips on getting the perfect sneaker shot?
I’m still learning so I don’t really have good tips on getting the perfect shot. But I experiment a lot and I have my camera with a desktop tripod with me most of the time. I don’t rely on models or others so I can take my time to experiment.
Since I often shoot alone, I tend to get a lot of weird looks from people. So having thick skin definitely helps.
@shamblz.08’s shot was featured Monday, July 10. View more #Straatgram selections from that week here.
“Most generic ideas can be diversified further when we go to different locations,” said sfllh
1. How did you first conceptualize this sneaker shot?
Usually, when I plan for a photoshoot, there’s always a concept in my mind but with this particular shot, I hadn’t planned anything at all. I was doing a photoshoot with two other guys when I saw this photo opportunity and with the click of a shutter, I got what I wanted.
2. What equipment (camera model, editing program) did you use to capture this photo?
I used a Canon 650D with a Sigma 8-6mm for this shot. I did my post processing in Adobe Lightroom.
3. Any tips on getting the perfect footwear shot?
When it comes to footwear or sneaker shots, the money maker is definitely how unique you can set up your shot to be. In this day and age, with so many kinds of footwear shots being experimented and taken, a “look-down” shot might not be unique but you can expand on its “unique-ness” with the location and your gear set-up.
I believe that people will find something that works out for them when they stick to their game.
@sfllh’s shot was featured Monday, July 17. View more #Straatgram selections from that week here.
According to Haikal, this image was snapped right outside the Singapore Sports Hub
1. How did you first conceptualize this sneaker shot?
I just wanted a minimalist theme to my sneaker shot. For this, I purposely used a wall lacking in color for the background – to ensure that the sneakers will be the main focus of the photo.
2. What equipment (camera model, editing program) did you use to capture this photo?
I used a Canon EOS 760D with EF50 mm f/1.8 STM lens.
3. Any tips on getting the perfect sneaker shot?
There is no perfect sneaker shot. You should always strive to be better and let your shooting style evolve over time. Keep at it! After all, the biggest room in the world is the room for improvement.
@haikalhelven’s shot was featured Monday, July 24. View more #Straatgram selections from that week here.
Despite the striking picture, Voltz (kernelsalonpas) wishes that he had “spent more time on perfecting the shot and experimenting with different placements”
1. How did you first conceptualize this sneaker shot?
I was inspired by Lutz Du’s (@inmidoutsole) shots and wanted to do something slightly different. I initially went for a crouched jump shot over my Jays but it was pretty difficult so I decided to switch it up and went for a plain jump shot in low lighting instead.
2. Talk us through the process of taking this picture.
Firstly I used a Nikon D610 along with a 50mm 1.8 lens. I also had an LED light set up at the side. The first thing I did was to position my LED light and focus on an object where my jump shot would land on. To capture the shot, I bumped my ISO up to 1/400 and used a timer.
3. Any tips on getting the perfect sneaker shot?
Practice makes perfect. Apart from that, following other people on Instagram is also a good way to get more inspiration.
@kernelsalonpas’ shot was featured Monday, July 31. View more #Straatgram selections from that week here.
Read More: Sneaker Photography Tips from the Best #Straatgram Creators of June 2017