We all find ourselves daydreaming in our own fantasy world from time to time. And every photographer has likely wondered how to bring those worlds to life. What are the possibilities? What’s involved in a photo or video shoot? What should you watch out for, and how should you handle post-production? Here’s some inspiration for photographers who may not have experience with this genre but want to give it a try.   

Fantasy photography opens the door to limitless creativity. Whether you want to capture an epic battle, a portrait of a mysterious wizard, or a fairytale scene in the woods, it’s essential to plan every detail, from costumes to location to final editing in Zoner Photo Studio X.

Finding subjects and costumes

The easiest way to find subjects for your fantasy photo shoot is to connect with people who live out their fantasy worlds. It’s not as difficult as it might seem. Attend a festival or visit places where these creatives meet. Many of them design their own costumes and would love to have them professionally photographed. Other options include renting costumes or asking a friend to model for your shoot. I took advantage of one such opportunity when I was the secondary cameraman for a video shoot. There was enough time for me to shoot a few portraits documenting the process. 

Finding themes and locations

The theme of your shoot is often dictated by the character or story you want to capture. As the photographer, it’s your job to find the right setting to enhance the mood. Learn more in the article Finding the right location for your photoshoot. It’s helpful to map out the story beforehand using a storyboard or a rough script. This not only helps you visualize the shoot, but also draws you and your subjects into the narrative. And let’s face it, storytelling is a huge part of fantasy photography.  

You can sketch your storyboard on paper or use modern tools like the free Storyboarder program. I highly recommend Storyboarder when working with multiple subjects because it helps keep things organized on set. While you can always adjust your vision on location, keep in mind that you may not have the flexibility for major changes. Plan what you’re bringing to the shoot beforehand. Some props can be heavy. Plus, you need to take into account that you may be moving around challenging terrain.   

You can rely on natural light or enhance your setup with additional lighting. Smoke bombs or fog machines are impressive tools and a real fire can add a dramatic touch. However, safety should always come first. If you’re shooting in the forest, especially in a protected area, come prepared. Have a bucket of water on hand for smoke bombs and keep a fire extinguisher nearby. 

Pay attention to the colors in your chosen location. A simple, cohesive color palette makes final adjustments and color grading much easier.  

Fantasy Photo Shoot: A Lords of the Rings-Style Encounter

When the secret message has been delivered and the nations go their separate ways. Humans, wizards, dwarves, orcs, and elves all gather at the meeting point for the final battle. The setting: a snow-covered beech forest, surrounded by rocky terrain. The soft, diffused light allows for great flexibility in post-production color grading. The images are deliberately cropped in a cinematic widescreen format. Each race has its own look and environment. Let’s break down the process for each group and the choices behind their final appearance.  

Humans

Goal: Natural color rendition with a shift toward warmer tones to emphasize their hunting and human nature.  

Editing: 

• Local brightening of shadows
• Reduced overall contrast to soften midtones
• Increased White point and decreased Black point for added depth
• Warm tones globally applied using the Tone Curve
• Brightened black areas for better detail

Elves

Goal: Fair-skinned mythical beings with green accessories that contrast beautifully with the forest. Lots of additional light to enhance their ethereal presence. 

Editing:

• LUT F-8700 for primary color correction
• Strongly emphasized Lights and Shadows under Exposure
• Blacks decreased to negative values to maintain contrast
• Clarity increased for a sharper look
• Color Shift used to darken green tones for richer greens 

Wizards

Goal: A mysterious atmosphere where the blue hour contrasts with the fiery elements for added drama.  

Editing: 

• Decreased Lights, Black point, Shadows, and Blacks under Exposure to enhance the nighttime effect
• Color Shift applied to add a mysterious green cast to the shadows 
• Orange tones emphasized for stronger contrast

Orcs

Goal: Gritty, confident warriors who inhabit dark caves.  

Editing: 

• NightFromDay LUT applied to shift daytime color spectrum to a nighttime atmosphere
• Exposure adjustments to reduce bright highlights and increase shadow detail in the midtones
• Split Toning used to refine blue hues in the shadows and unify the color palette  

Dwarves

Goal: Fearless and merry warriors, clad in heavy armor, with a love for food, gemstones, and hidden treasures deep in the forest.   

Editing: 

• Exposure adjustments to soften the highlights and lower contrast, creating a dreamlike atmosphere 
• Shadows tinted blue for a cooler, metallic feel

Final thoughts

Fantasy photography offers endless possibilities for creative expression. Whatever theme or story you choose, preparation is key. Plan your script, scout locations, and organize your equipment in advance. Now go and bring your imagination to life through photography!