Want to improve your photos without buying new gear? Learn how to harness natural light—indoors and outdoors—with these practical tips that work for any skill level.

Colour is one of the most powerful tools in photography. Colour can evoke emotions, tell stories, and transform an ordinary scene into something extraordinary. In our Chase the Rainbow project we explore the beauty of a different colour each month. Whether that’s finding the colour in nature, around the house or setting up a scene with colourful props and clothing.

“Let the soft blush of pink color remind us to be gentle with ourselves and others.” - Unknown

This month our colour was soft pink. Soft pink is a light, pastel shade of pink that symbolises innocence, tenderness and sweetness.

Enjoy looking through all the different images we have created with soft pink. 

52 Clicks | Week 31 | Rule of Space

For the month of August, our Project 52 will be focusing our attention on advanced composition techniques. The first one was rule of space, which seemed to be a new term to most of us as we struggled to differentiate between that and negative space. In case this is new to you as well, the rule of space is where you leave visual space in the direction the subject is moving/looking/facing or, even, the direction they just left, depending on your intentions. The visual space does not need to be empty, though, where negative space is more about emphasizing something by isolating it with unfilled space.

As always, the p52 participants embraced this theme and impressed me with what they came up with. Here's your weekly dose of inspiration.

xo,

Angie Mahlke

Click here to join!

Skip the awkward school photo this year. Capture real smiles and real moments with this DIY School Photo + First Day of School Video Guide—just $19.

52 Clicks | Week 30 | Artificial Light

The last thing we tackled in our Fun with Light theme was artificial light. The Project 52 participants went all out in their creativity, the variety of light sources they used and the stories they told through their imagery. Using artificial light can be technically tricky and challenging, but it can also give you creative licenses to break rules and think outside of the box. I think you'll be inspired by this collection of images.

xo,

Angie Mahlke

Click here to join!

In this post we share our Winner and Featured Artists for the July FACELESS Photo Challenge at The Framed Focus!

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by massive posing guides and endless shot lists? This post will show you why fewer, well-chosen photography prompts can transform your sessions. Learn how to create variety with a handful of intentional prompts and how Pocket Prompts and the Session Workflow Guide can help you capture authentic, connected images without the stress.

52 Clicks | Week 29 | Shadow Play

Last week in our Project 52 we focused on having fun with shadows. I love how shadows can take on many roles within an image. They can be the focal point, the main subject. Or they can take on a more supporting role, adding depth and mystery. The p52 participants understood the assignment, and it was so inspiring seeing all their images.

xo,

Angie Mahlke

Click here to join!

GoPros aren’t just for thrill-seekers and action videos. In this blog, I’m sharing how I use my GoPro for fun, everyday photography—from underwater vacation shots to candid family moments. With tips on gear, settings, and creative shooting angles, this is your guide to getting more out of the tiny camera that does it all.

52 Clicks | Week 28 | Reflections

Last week in our Project 52 was all about reflections. Reflections can be such a fun way to tell a story, introduce layers and framing, and just experiment with creativity. The p52 participants used a variety of reflective surfaces in their images and it was interesting to see what everyone came up with.

xo,

Angie Mahlke

Click here to join!

Want sharper, cleaner images in Photoshop without overdoing it? The High Pass filter is a quick and easy way to boost detail and clarity. In this blog, I’ll walk you through how the High Pass filter works, when to use it, and exactly how to apply it for subtle, professional-looking sharpening.

Colour is one of the most powerful tools in photography. Colour can evoke emotions, tell stories, and transform an ordinary scene into something extraordinary. In our Chase the Rainbow project we explore the beauty of a different colour each month. Whether that’s finding the colour in nature, around the house or setting up a scene with colourful props and clothing.

"Yellow is the color which is closest to light. We associate the rays of the sun and the stars with it. It is the radiance of the spirit." - Ueli Seiler-Hugova

This month our colour was yellow. Yellow is such a bright and happy colour. It’s the colour of the sunshine, daffodils, sunflowers and bees. It makes us feel energised, positive and hopeful.

Enjoy looking through all the different images we have created with yellow! 

52 Clicks | Week 27 | Silhouette

Our Project 52 continued our fun with light month with silhouettes last week. A question came up regarding light sources for creating silhouettes with the thought that they can only be achieved with a pretty sunrise or sunset. That's completely false, of course, because all you need is light of any kind behind your subject. You can achieve silhouettes at any time of day with any light; you just have to expose for the light and your subject will naturally become underexposed to create the silhouette for you.

The p52 participants proved this point with their variety of light sources taken during all hours of the day. Scroll through their images and see for yourself!

xo,

Angie Mahlke

Click here to join!

Photography prompts are powerful - but only when used with intention. In this post, we’ll break down how to build a smooth, flexible session workflow that supports real connection, emotional storytelling, and variety - without overwhelming your clients (or yourself). Whether you're shooting newborns, families, couples, or maternity sessions, a strong workflow paired with the right prompts makes all the difference.

52 Clicks | Week 26 | Dramatic Light

A new month brings a new theme in our Project 52. July is all about having fun with light. The first type of light we focused on was dramatic light, which broadly emcompasses anything where light becomes another subject in the image. The p52 participants used a variety of lighting techniques, from pockets of light and dramatic shadows to artificial light, specifically with spectacular night photography.

We could spend weeks on this type of light alone, from side light and backlight to starbursts and light painting, but it's time to move on to the next one on the list. Until then, enjoy all the images from our dramatic light week.

xo,

Angie Mahlke

Click here to join!

As women, especially those of us in creative fields like photography, aging can feel like a slow fade into invisibility both on social media and in life. In this personal reflection, photographer Holly Awwad shares how motherhood, shifting identity, and the evolving creative journey intersect, and why midlife may be the most meaningful chapter yet.

In this post we share our Winner and Featured Artists for the June SILHOUETTE Photo Challenge at The Framed Focus!

52 Clicks | Week 25 | Fire

Our Project 52 concluded our elements month with fire. This might have been the trickiest one for the majority of us, but the general consensus was that it was a good challenge. When you look through the images you'll see that everyone rose to the occasion and produced their customary superb work. The p52 participants continue to impress me every single week.

xo,

Angie Mahlke

Click here to join!

Burning and dodging aren’t just darkroom relics. They’re powerful Photoshop tools that can bring out texture, enhance light, and add depth to your photos. In this tutorial, I’ll walk you through how I use them to guide the viewer’s eye and give my images a subtle but impactful finishing touch.

52 Clicks | Week 24 | Water

The next up in our month of elements in our Project 52 was water. I think most of us would agree this was the easiest of the elements with there being so many ways to approach the theme. It was great timing as a big chunk of us experienced a heatwave. I personally hid from the heat in my air conditioned home, finding all the water images refreshing as I scrolled through my Instagram feed during our weekly mass post.

See how the p52 participants tackled the water theme. Be prepared to be awed by their brilliance. I know I am every single week.

xo,

Angie Mahlke

Click here to join!