Let’s face it—photographers don’t always get to work in picture-perfect settings. But the truth is, you don’t need a breathtaking location to create stunning photography. That’s the idea behind this new series, Ugly Spot Killer Shot—where I show you exactly how to turn ugly locations into jaw-dropping portraits using a few simple photography hacks.
Why Ugly Spots Deserve a Second Look
One of the best skills a photographer can develop is learning how to see through the lens—not just with your eyes. With the right use of focal length, depth of field, composition, and lighting, even the most unassuming backdrop can become a frame-worthy image.
Think about it: parks, trails, empty alleys—these so-called “bad” locations are everywhere. But with the right approach, they can become your next favorite shooting spot.
Equipment Used:
Camera: Canon EOS R5
Lens: Canon RF 85mm f1.2
Light: Natural Light, Westcott FJ80 II
Team:
Photographer: Sal Cincotta
Model: Violet
Hair & Makeup: Brandi Patton, ReFine Beauty
The Scene: A Forgettable Trail
For this shoot, I picked a trail that had nothing going for it—some scattered shrubbery, a trash can in the background, and flat, boring light. But that’s the whole point. If you want to grow as a creative, you’ve got to learn how to make the scene work.
What stood out to me was a cluster of overgrown greenery. Not much on its own—but I saw a chance to use it for foreground framing, adding texture and contrast to the shot.
Gear Choices That Elevate the Scene
I shot with the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2, a lens perfect for blurring distractions with its shallow depth of field. That creamy bokeh lets me isolate the subject—in this case, Violet—in the middle of what would otherwise be a chaotic mess.
She wore a bright orange dress, which popped beautifully against the green surroundings. I used branches and leaves to frame her face and built the shot with subtle leading lines that guide the viewer’s eye right where I wanted it.
Natural Light vs. Flash: What Worked Best?
I started with natural light, but the sun was hitting her face in a way I didn’t love. So I brought in the Westcott FJ80 II flash at a low setting—just enough to clean up the shadows and highlight her features without overpowering the natural vibe.
In the end, the flash version won. It added polish and dimension while still feeling soft and organic.
A Simple Composition Trick for Stunning Photography
Here’s one of my favorite photography hacks: use background elements to create natural frames and layers. I placed Violet’s head in the “V” of the trees behind her. That bright space in the background acted like a spotlight, subtly pulling your focus toward her face.
Shooting at f/1.2 gave me multiple layers—blurred leaves up front, Violet in focus, and a dreamy backdrop behind. That kind of visual depth instantly makes a photo feel intentional and artistic.
Final Thoughts: Ugly Locations, Killer Shots
Stunning photography doesn’t come from perfect places—it comes from knowing how to work with what you’ve got. The Ugly Spot Killer Shot mindset is all about staying creative, thinking critically, and using smart photography hacks to make magic in even the most overlooked spaces.
So next time you’re scouting locations and feel uninspired, don’t walk away. Look closer. Reframe. Rethink. With the right lens, good light, and strong composition, any ugly location can become your next killer shot.
