Stylish Advertising Photos with Men

Stylish advertising photos not only showcase a brand’s identity but also capture the attention of potential customers. Adding unique effects like vintage styles and color accents can elevate your photos, creating an appealing aesthetic that resonates with today’s fashion-forward audience. PhotoWorks is an ideal tool for achieving these effects, providing all the creative flexibility needed to craft eye-catching, timeless images. This guide will walk you through using vintage effects and color accents in PhotoWorks to make your men’s fashion photos stand out.

For those interested in refining these skills, explore in-depth guides on how to make photos look vintage and how to make a photo black and white except for one color. Both vintage and color accent effects provide a distinct style that resonates well with audiences looking for a combination of sophistication and creativity. Vintage effects lend a timeless quality, making photos feel warm, nostalgic, and rich with character—qualities that align perfectly with brands promoting heritage or high-end men’s fashion. Meanwhile, color accents give you a chance to direct the viewer’s focus to specific details, such as a watch, tie, or footwear, which enhances the emphasis on product features in a minimalistic, modern way.

How to Make a Photo with a Color Accent

Adding a color accent to a black-and-white image is a powerful technique that draws immediate attention to certain elements within the shot, helping specific products or details shine. Here’s how to achieve this effect in PhotoWorks:

1. Open Your Image: Launch the software, and then proceed to open the full color picture that you want to enhance and modify.

2. Go to the Color Controls: Look for the Enhancement option located in the top toolbar of the application, and click on it. After that, in the right sidebar, find the Color option and click on it. Then, look for the Saturation tab within this section and open it to proceed.

3. Create a Color Accent: To do this effectively, you will want to reduce the saturation of all colors in the picture to zero, except for the specific colors that you wish to keep vibrant and prominent.

4. Preview and Save: Examine the result and determine if any further adjustments are necessary to achieve the desired effect. If everything looks good and you are satisfied with your work, you can then proceed to export your finalized image.

How to Make a Vintage Photo

Vintage aesthetics have become synonymous with fashion photography, evoking a sense of richness, warmth, and nostalgia that appeals to audiences seeking depth in visual storytelling. Here is an advanced guide to sculpting a genuine vintage effect in PhotoWorks, tailored for those who value a refined and timeless approach:

1. Select a Nostalgic Filter: Begin by choosing a filter that encapsulates the nostalgic essence you wish to convey. PhotoWorks offers a range of evocative options like “Retro” and “Sepia”, designed to instill an immediate warmth and aged tonality.

2. Refine Contrast and Brightness: With your filter applied, proceed by subtly reducing the contrast while gently amplifying the brightness. This adjustment crafts a softened, atmospheric quality emblematic of vintage photographs.

3. Infuse Texture with Grain: A key element in mimicking the authentic feel of aged film lies in the addition of grain. Within PhotoWorks, navigate to the Effects panel and employ the “Grain” slider to infuse your image with a fine texture.

4. Adjust the Color Balance: Desaturate certain hues while enhancing warm tones to impart a weathered glow. For example, reducing blues and greens can yield a gentle yellow tint reminiscent of aged paper or faded memories.

5. Final Touches. Apply a Vignette: As a finishing touch, consider applying a vignette effect around the edges of the image. This technique, particularly effective in portrait photography, creates a framing effect that both accentuates the subject and completes the vintage aesthetic.

Tips for Creating Stylish Photos

No matter what you are trying to achieve, be it implementing the techniques above or exercising other ways to make stylish photos, keep this tips in mind to make your work easier:

1. Emphasize Wardrobe and Accessories

Men's fashion is often defined by subtlety and sophistication, so focus on clean lines, well-fitted clothing, and complementary accessories. Select clothing that aligns with the brand’s message, such as tailored suits for a luxury look or casual wear for a laid-back vibe. Use accessories—like watches, sunglasses, or bracelets—to add a hint of personality without overwhelming the outfit.

2. Play with Lighting for Depth and Drama

Lighting can greatly influence the tone of your photo. Use strong, directional lighting for a more intense, masculine vibe, casting dynamic shadows and accentuating facial features. Experiment with natural light for a softer, more approachable look, or backlighting to outline the subject and create a powerful silhouette. Consider dramatic low-key lighting for an edgy or mysterious mood.

3. Choose Authentic, Engaging Poses

Avoid stiff or unnatural poses. Instead, encourage relaxed stances that communicate confidence and ease. Ask the model to interact with props, like adjusting a collar, holding a bag, or looking away from the camera. Small gestures make the shot appear candid and approachable. Posing variations, like sitting or leaning, can add diversity while keeping the mood fresh.

4. Use Monochrome or Neutral Color Schemes

Men’s advertising often benefits from neutral, muted color palettes. Grayscale and earthy tones (navy, gray, olive) keep the focus on the model and the product rather than on vibrant hues. Monochromatic schemes work well for upscale brands, adding a sleek, minimalistic feel that emphasizes sophistication and elegance.

5. Incorporate an Urban or Natural Background

For a contemporary feel, shoot in an urban environment with architectural elements like brick walls, metal staircases, or textured concrete. These settings create a contrast that highlights the model. For a more rugged or adventurous look, natural backgrounds like forests or mountains can add an earthy element, connecting the subject to the outdoors and amplifying the brand's character.

Elevate Your Visual Identity

Using vintage and color accent effects in men’s fashion advertising goes beyond visuals; these styles add depth and sophistication, creating timeless allure. A vintage look resonates with those who appreciate classic designs, fostering an emotional connection through tradition and craftsmanship. Color accents draw attention to specific details, like accessories, enhancing refinement. Picture a monochrome image highlighted by a vibrant wristwatch, making it the focal point. Vintage effects tell a story of quality, perfect for brands emphasizing heritage. Each technique leaves a lasting impression in men's fashion, where style matters.