Bye-bye curated perfection, say hello to the newest liberating flash photography trend we are calling Disco Bestie (DB). Images that have the feeling of being shot paparazzi-style by your bestie after she's had a cocktail or two and is now intent on shooting your fabulous self.
We are loving the newest flash photography trend that nobody is talking about. Despite hours spent scouring the internet for the new photo realism trend popping up everywhere, we kept coming up empty-handed. Always happy to do the honors, we are dubbing it Disco Bestie and here's why we love it:
1. It's Democratic
It is relatively easy for anyone to achieve the look with their smartphone and regular fluorescent (or other) lighting. You don't need studio lights or even an aesthetic backdrop because anything goes.
2. It's the Antidote to Curated Perfection
DB doesn't try to hide the background with crops and photoshop. It embraces what is there and leaves you feeling slightly off-kilter in the process. Backdrops are too small, the perspective is slightly too high and tilted. Resist all urges to straighten the lines in your photo. Remember the name is Disco Bestie, not Disco Annie Leibovitz.
3. It's FUN!
This is your chance to move past perfection and truly be in the moment. You cannot make a mistake here, and there is no wrong way to capture a DB image, so let your inner freak out and have some fun!
Here's how to spot the indoor flash photography trend, Disco Bestie, in your world:
IDGAF approach to lighting, exposure, focus, and shadow. In fact, the harsher the lighting, the better to achieve that overexposed just-tracked-down-by-the-paparazzi look. If you are looking to recreate the look on your own just make sure the light is at high noon, directly in front of you and slightly overhead. You'll know you've hit it just right when the shadow behind you is minimal or zero.
Tilt & crop. DB doesn't try to hide the background with crops and photoshop. It embraces what is there and leaves you feeling slightly off-kilter in the process. Backdrops are too small, the perspective is slightly too high and tilted. Resist all urges to straighten the lines in your photo. Remember the name is Disco Bestie, not Disco Annie Leibovitz.
A sense of humor. This is your chance to move past perfection and truly be in the moment. You cannot make a mistake here, and there is no wrong way to capture a DB image, so let your inner freak out and have some fun!
Want to see some examples? I've created a Pinterest mood board showcasing the Disco Bestie aesthetic - check it out here!
This is a prompt we always do in the 8-week challenge, a member favorite designed to stretch you and break your safety around control and perfection.
Ready to unleash your inner Disco Bestie and create photos that truly reflect your unique POV? Here's how:
Set the mood: Put on a playlist that makes you feel confident and carefree. (I'll link one for you!)
Grab your tripod: This is your key to hands-free shooting and creative angles. (Get the one I use in my free Toolkit!)
Pick a spot: Any room in your home will do! Don't stress about the background - that's the whole point!
Set up your shot: Turn on your smartphone flash and grab your remote trigger (also in the Toolkit!).
Move your body! No one can see you, so don't worry about looking silly. Open your arms wide, take up space, and have fun with it!
Edit it! I teach you how to use Lightroom Mobile (free version) in the No More Bad Photos course, but for now, here's a quick hack: [Link to filter for rainbow glow]. Bonus: Cover half your lens with colored cellophane for a cool effect (no editing needed!).
Remember, this is about being FREE, not controlled or perfect!
Join the Real Girls Photo Club and enroll in the No More Bad Photos course today! You'll get access to all the tools, resources, and community support you need to ditch the self-doubt and step into your power. The 8-week challenge starts September 23rd, so don't wait!
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