We concluded our storytelling theme in our Project 52 with the prompt "props." There may have been some grumbling when the word conjured up elaborate photography set-ups, but props can be as simple as an everyday item. Props assist in telling stories in your work. Don't shy away from them just because you're envisioning a photo shoot gone wrong. See how some of the p52 participants used props.  month for our Project 52 was negative space. Negative space is used to create drama or evoke emotions, and the p52 participants definitely created drama and evoked emotions with their images. Do you find yourself using negative space often or do you typically steer clear of it?

If you'd like to push yourself creatively this year, consider joining a photography project like this. Click here to join!

xo,
Angie Mahlke


Colour is one of the fundamental ingredients for creating a strong, compelling image. It plays a huge role in visual storytelling; drawing the eye to the subject as well defining the setting and mood. In this blog, I share 5 ways of enhancing your work by using colour with intention.

Next up in our storytelling month for our Project 52 was negative space. Negative space is used to create drama or evoke emotions, and the p52 participants definitely created drama and evoked emotions with their images. Do you find yourself using negative space often or do you typically steer clear of it?

If you'd like to push yourself creatively this year, consider joining a photography project like this. Click here to join!

xo,
Angie Mahlke

Hi everyone! I’m Jess Riley, a hobbyist photographer from the U.K and I love to play around with adding overlays and blur effects to my images in Photoshop. I’m on the blog this week to share my introduction to using ‘Path Blur’ in Photoshop and hopefully inspire you to have some fun exploring this tool with your own images!

We continued on with our storytelling theme in our Project 52 last week, focusing on movement. Adding movement to your image is an instant way to breathe life into it, whether the action is stopped, blurred or implied. The p52 participants blew me away with their use of technical skills like panning, ICM, light painting, multiple exposures, etc. How do you incorporate movement in your work?

If you'd like to push yourself creatively this year, consider joining a photography project like this. Click here to join!

xo,
Angie Mahlke

Capturing eye-catching portraits goes beyond just pointing and shooting—understanding and utilizing light, color, and composition can make all the difference. Whether you're photographing your family at home or taking portraits outdoors, knowing how to work with available light, incorporate meaningful elements, and choose complementary colors will elevate your images. From reading directional light to enhancing your portraits through thoughtful editing, the following tips will give you the tools to take your portrait photography to the next 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.

“Artists use purple to speak to the soul, a color that transcends words.” – Frida Kahlo

This month our colour was purple. A majestic colour associated with royalty and luxury, as well as a sense of mystery, magic and spirituality. Enjoy looking through all the different images we have created with purple! 

The month of March in our Project 52 is all about storytelling. The first weekly theme was layering. Since photography is a two-dimensional artform, we are always on a mission to create an illusion of more—how to make the photograph appear three-dimensional. The most effective way to do so is by adding depth using layers.

It was fun seeing the creative and unique ways the p52 participants used layering in their photos last week. Do you like using layers or is it something you struggle with?

Don't forget, you're always welcome to join our project. Click here to join!

xo,
Angie Mahlke

In this post we share our Winner and Featured Artists for the February LOW LIGHT Photo Challenge at The Framed Focus!

We finished up our month of black and white in our Project 52 last week, focusing on high key and low key. High key and low key photography are two contrasting styles primarily distinguished by their lighting, tonal range, and mood. Whereas low key is known for its dark, dramatic shadows, dark tones, mysterious or intense mood, high key is known for its bright, minimal shadows, light tones, and positive or airy mood.

The p52 participants were able to choose whether to do high or low key. Some even decided to tackle both. Which one do you gravitate toward?

If you're looking for a creative home and want to join our project, feel free to jump in at any point. We’re focusing on the theme of storytelling for the month of March. Click here to join!

xo,
Angie Mahlke

In the age of social media, where photographers showcase their best work to the world, it’s easy to fall into the comparison trap. Does this sound familiar? You scroll through your feed, seeing stunning images from other photographers, and suddenly your own work feels inadequate. I know I’m guilty of falling into this trap myself. This cycle of comparing your photography to others—whether it’s their style, skill level, or creative journey—can be incredibly damaging to your growth, creativity, and self-esteem. Here’s why it’s time to step away from the comparison game and embrace your unique path as a photographer.

Overlays are added elements; light, texture, colour, even another image, layered on top of your original photograph during post-processing. Adding one or more overlays to your image can elevate it to the next level, bringing it into alignment with your creative vision. Overlays can add depth, vibrancy and atmosphere, bringing a finishing magical touch to your work.


Continuing on with our black and white theme in our Project 52, last week we focused our attention on photographing a scene. Capturing a scene in black and white photography requires a different approach than color photography. Things you want to pay extra attention to are tonal range, contrast, texture, and composition.

The p52 participants showcased a wide variety of subjects, and it was such a hit of dopamine seeing all their images. Like I mentioned last week, I'm nursing a bad case of my recurring winter rut, so the inspiration dump was a much needed salve to my creative soul. I hope it has the same effect for you! And if you're looking for a creative home and want to join our project, there's still time.

One of our many discussions this past week centered around ruts and how some of us can count on them like clockwork to show up at the same times every year. For me, I always find myself lacking inspiration in the winter months. I credit these kinds of projects to help me move through them instead of simply putting the camera away until it passes. Looking through the p52 participants' images you'll never be able to pinpoint who among us is also struggling with inspiration. They're all so incredible. See for yourself! And if you find yourself in a similar position lacking inspiration, feel free to jump into our project to get you picking up your camera regularly.

xo

Angie Mahlke

Presets are a great way to add consistency to your photographs and streamline your workflow, saving you time! We all love to save time, especially when it comes to editing. More often than not, I find myself using the same adjustments on most of my images; +15 contrast, +10 clarity, +5 vibrance, and so on. You can buy presets in different styles from artists you admire, or you can easily make your own. After making similar, if not the same exact adjustments to hundreds of images over the years, I have found creating my own Presets in Lightroom can really help speed up the editing process, even if it’s a few minutes per image. Plus! You can apply presets when you import images, saving even more time!!! Here’s how you do it:

We continued with our month of black and white themes in our Project 52 last week, focusing this time on textures. Textures become so important when removing color in your images because it adds visual interest, whether it's providing a tactile element with the sense of touch, depth by differentiating various items within the frame or simply adding intrigue. I encourage you to go on a hunt for textures the next time you're exploring black and white photography.

One of our many discussions this past week centered around ruts and how some of us can count on them like clockwork to show up at the same times every year. For me, I always find myself lacking inspiration in the winter months. I credit these kinds of projects to help me move through them instead of simply putting the camera away until it passes. Looking through the p52 participants' images you'll never be able to pinpoint who among us is also struggling with inspiration. They're all so incredible. See for yourself! And if you find yourself in a similar position lacking inspiration, feel free to jump into our project to get you picking up your camera regularly.

xo

Angie Mahlke

Together, we’ll explore techniques that I love to use during the day. From the soft, gentle light of early morning to the dramatic contrasts at midday, and the warm, golden glow of evening light, each moment offers something special. In my course "Creative Light & Shadows", I share tips on how to make the most of these times, and help you push past the limits of your usual routine to experiment with different angles, moods, and compositions. Let's embrace the light—and its shadows—like never before!

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.

“I’m having a magenta day. Not just red, but magenta!” - Stephen King

This month our colour was magenta; a vibrant shade of pink. Magenta is a fun, inspiring and uplifting colour.  Many of us found this colour a real challenge to find, so enjoy looking through all the different images we have created with magenta! 

All February in our Project 52 we are focusing on black and white photography, with each week having a specific sub-theme. Last week we tackled shadows. Experimenting with shadows is a great way to add depth and creativity with black and white photography, instantly creating visual interest with contrasting light within the frame.

See how the p52 participants used shadows. It's always such an overflowing source of inspiration looking through all their images.

There's still time to jump in the project if you're looking for a creative outlet this year.

xo

Angie Mahlke

Do you ever feel straight-up bored with your camera? Do you miss the thrill of exploration and discovery when you first picked it up? I remember learning to shoot in manual, and then systemically picking off topics to master like shooting in golden hour, posing families, editing workshops, etc. Everything was new and exciting, and I could see the literal results of my learning in front of me.

In this post we share our Winner and Featured Artists for the January LEADING LINES Photo Challenge at The Framed Focus!