And whether you'll be uploading to Tumblr later or not, these places are all great local gems with wonderfully artistic vibes and more often than not, a bomb-ass cup of coffee not too many a block away. Without further ado, here's a list of some of the most straightforwardly aesthetic spots in Atlanta, along with some of my most straightforwardly aesthetic tips. Happy Gramming!
But as a photographer (and an artist just in general), I think that there's beauty in everything, it's simply a matter of 1) having an eye for it and 2) then knowing how to frame it- both of which are skills that may come a little more naturally to others, but can be learned. One of the greatest skills I've learned in my years of photography metamorphism (going through a bazillion digital cameras of various graininess and mega-pixel quality to finally having a legitimate DSLR and getting paid to shoot) has been training my eye to pay attention, and find art where any other eye would pass over. I know that sounds like I'm stretching for a latte art picture, but I'm serious- that same concept applies there as it does when I'm searching out a background for senior portraits. I cannot stress that enough.
And well, any place is as 'aesthetic' as you make it.
I can also not stress good lighting enough. Lighting makes or breaks a photo. A lot of people ask me about the extent of my post-editing process, and in all honestly- it's mostly some sort of lighting adjustment, whether in filter or exposure. If you're in a restaurant, be certain to sit by a window, or outside.
West Egg Cafe + West Side Provisions: West Egg Cafe (besides having incredible coffee and being referenced after one of my all-time favorite novels) has a gorgeous interior affixed with large windows perfect for snapping a picture of your Samoa latte. Take a walk around this shopping center, whose exterior design also does not disappoint, for additional photo ops.
Revelator Coffee: Directly across the street from West Egg, is Revelator Coffee Company. The lighting is great, the multitude of surfaces for shooting is great, the drinks are great- you can't lose. (Also above, catch a peek of the skyline from this bridge in the West Side Provisions shopping area)
Queen of Cream: Good coffee, better ice-cream- best interior design. Seriously. Plus, the lighting, table surfaces, and tiny potted succulents atop each table are a Tumblr blogger's dream.
Mae's Bakery - (first two photos): tucked away in a strip of stores down the street from Lenox, this favorite coffee place always brightens my day with fresh flowers playing centerpiece at every table.
Mac Lab - (second two photos): everything here is divine, but the real gram-worthy shot are the chemical compound-printed tables.
Keep your eyes peeled for walls. Odd piping, painted bricks, bright colors, murals, graffiti, sprawling ivy- all become backdrop that liven up your photos and make them more interesting.
The Goat Farm Art Center: It's as weird as it sounds. Check in here for quirky backgrounds like this establishment of rusted file drawers filled with plants, plus old windows, murals, cobblestone, and yes—goats.
Flower Bar: This cutesy-quaint florist shop is adorable inside and out. Hop over to the side of store and you're on one of the artsiest sectors of The Beltline.
Architecture shots are lovely for something more pristine to break up that array of selfies you've got. Look for eccentric lines, different textures, and skyline silhouettes. What I love about Atlanta is the mix of both new and old- you can look up to see a sleek, modern, climbing 50-story tower, and then down to see a neighboring quaint brownstone church or intricate cathedral. One of the best places to get this mix is near Underground/Georgia State.
Ponce City Market + citizen supply + Beltline
Little Five Points + AA, Crystal Blue, Aurora
P.S- you can follow me at @retroartiste and @cateyesandcoffee.
