Mixed media collages offer endless possibilities for creativity, and one of the most dynamic materials you can incorporate is photography. Using your own photos can transform a simple collage into a rich image filled with meaning and memories.
Below are five simple ways to use photos in your collage art;
1. Using Photos as Collage Papers
Photos can serve as fantastic collage paper, think of them as photo fodder within your collage stash! I use a colour laser printer to print my photos at home and if I want a higher quality of print then I use my local copy shop or I get them printed online. The type of photos you choose to use in your work will be unique to you as an artist.
I usually like to use photos of florals or architectural features and I love finding images of patterns and textures for my work. Other artists may prefer using vintage photos or family snapshots. Find what works for you. Cutting photos into geometric shapes, abstract forms, or random sections can add interesting focal points to your piece, while also creating a story from the images themselves. Experiment with blending the photographs into the background or incorporating them into the foreground for contrast and interest.
If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to use your photos as collage papers perhaps have a look at my FREE class Picture Postcards - it’s a good starting point if you’re ready to get going.
2. Using Photos to Create Layers
One of the unique qualities of collage art is its ability to build depth, and photos are an excellent tool for layering. You can use photos to create dimension in your collage by layering different images on top of each other. By printing your photos onto different types of paper - I use wet strength tissue paper mainly - you can achieve varying levels of transparency. Layering photographs over other collage papers or a painted background can create lovely visual contrasts. Once you have your image you can then work back on top of it to add drawn elements or details. This is the process we go through in my course Playful Pages - if you’d like to create your own unique journal filled with photos and colourful collage papers then you can find more details below.
3. Using Photos to Draw From
Photographs can be a great source of inspiration. If we’re out and about we might not have time to make a drawing of something we notice but we can usually capture it on our phone pretty easily. Drawing directly from photos can be a great way to explore a subject further and experiment with materials once you’re back home.
I like to draw from more than one photo at a time - building up layers and constructing a composition. I usually set a timer and work from one image for maybe 5 minutes and then move onto the next. Try it - it’s a good activity to stop you overthinking and force some spontaneous marks. I’m in the process of making a video all about this - sign up to my Creative Fix newsletter and you’ll be the first to hear once it’s released.
4. Using Photos as a Source for Colour Palettes
Colours in photos can provide a fantastic starting point for selecting your palette when creating a collage. Select a photo with lots of visual interest and a wide range of tonal values (lots of light and dark areas and some in between). There are lots of free websites where you can upload a photo and it will automatically generate a colour palette for you. Try Coolors. Then you can paint a stack of papers with the colours it generates and you’re good to go with your photo inspired collage!
5. Using Photos to Capture Finished Pieces
Photography can be a great starting point for a collage but it can also come in handy at the end of the creative process. One way that I often use a photo is to check whether a finished piece of art (or sketchbook page) is in fact actually completed. I take a photo of my work and look at it on my screen - often this will help me notice any areas that still need work.
Using photos in your collage art opens up a world of creative possibilities! From creating layers and textures to drawing inspiration for your colour choices -it’s a rabbit hole that I’m having a lot of fun exploring! By incorporating photography into your collage process, you can create works that are not only visually dynamic but also have a unique personal element.
Happy collaging!
