Describe A Photo That You Took And Are Proud Of: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

When did you take this photo?
What type of camera did you use?
Who was in the photo?
Explain why you are proud of this photo.

88 unique answers with expert feedback

What inspired you to start photography?

My father’s encouragement and the joy I felt capturing that moment with the bird inspired me to pursue photography. It opened my eyes to the beauty around me and the ability to freeze moments in time, which I found incredibly fulfilling.

How do you choose what to photograph?

I often look for moments that evoke emotions or tell a story. Whether it's the beauty of nature, like the moon and stars, or candid moments of life, I try to capture what resonates with me and what I think will resonate with others.

What challenges do you face in photography?

One challenge is not having the best equipment to capture detailed images, especially of celestial bodies. However, I focus on composition and lighting to make the most of what I have, and I believe creativity can often outweigh technical limitations.

Band 7

00:00

A photo that I took and I was very proud of was one which I took last year during summer vacation when I went to Manali. It was a scenic picture and it was incredibly beautiful. The mountains were perfectly placed, perfectly angled, the waterfall was flowing from the center, the clouds perfectly aligned, a little bit of sunshine falling on the mountains and you could see that slight shine of the waterfall and the picture was just so calm and scenic and peaceful. When you looked at it, you could feel that we were truly in heaven. So that was something that I was very proud of at that moment.

Follow up questions

What inspired you to take that photo?

I was inspired by the breathtaking beauty of Manali. The combination of mountains, waterfalls, and the serene atmosphere made me want to capture that moment. I wanted to preserve the feeling of tranquility and the stunning visuals that I experienced.

How do you feel when you look at that photo now?

Every time I look at that photo, I feel a sense of nostalgia and peace. It reminds me of the wonderful time I had in Manali, and it brings back memories of the fresh air, the sound of the waterfall, and the beauty of nature. It always puts a smile on my face.

Have you taken other photos that you are proud of?

Yes, I have taken several other photos that I am proud of. Each one captures a different moment and experience, whether it's a family gathering, a beautiful sunset, or a travel adventure. Photography allows me to express my creativity and preserve memories.

Band 7

00:00

A photo I took that I'm very proud of is a photo I took on a trip to Jammu and Kashmir when I was 13 or 14, this was the summer of 2016-2017, I was in the 10th grade. This was the first time I realised that a certain amount of pain is okay in order to get fulfilment and satisfaction because the beauty of the snow of the Himalayas for a wondrous 16-year-old who had never seen snow before was impeccable, the joy was insurmountable. We had lost our belongings, we had gone through a lot to get to this point. I was on a horse with so much pain and there were hailstorms, it was cold, I'm from a place which does not get cold and this amount of cold and this amount of pain in order to see something so beautiful did not seem worthwhile when we started the trip but by the end of it when I took this photo on this old Nokia smartphone in a time where smartphones did not fully take off in the part of the country I'm from, taking this with my own hands with perspective changed something in me, it gave me perspective on life that sometimes things that are worthwhile take time, they take patience, they take pain and you have to go through all of this to reach a destination so beautiful. I treasure it so deeply and it is so old, it is not a good photo objectively speaking, it doesn't have light, it's not perfect, the snow is still bright but it shows a change, a point in time where everything turned, a point in time when I started appreciating the beauty of nature and beauty of things around me and the beauty of the journey and not the destination.

Follow up questions

How did this experience change your perspective on challenges?

This experience taught me that challenges are often necessary for growth. The pain I felt during the trip made the beauty of the Himalayas even more rewarding. It helped me understand that enduring hardships can lead to fulfilling experiences and a deeper appreciation for life.

What other memorable photos have you taken?

I've taken many memorable photos, but one that stands out is from a family reunion. It captures the joy and laughter of my relatives, reminding me of the importance of family bonds. Each photo tells a story, and I cherish those moments just as much as the one from Jammu and Kashmir.

Do you think photography can influence how we perceive nature?

Absolutely! Photography can capture the beauty and essence of nature, making us more aware of our surroundings. It allows us to appreciate details we might overlook in daily life. My photo from Jammu and Kashmir opened my eyes to the stunning landscapes and the importance of preserving them.

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Band 7

00:00

So I'll talk about a photo that I took couple of years back and I'm really proud of it. I'm not a photographer nor do I have interest in photography but there was one incident where me and my husband had gone to Pondicherry couple of years back and we were sitting on the beach and we envisioned the most beautiful sunset that we had ever seen in our life. The place that we were sitting at was a very clean beach with a vision of a very clear horizon. We could see the ocean and the sun meeting and the sun was getting submerged in the ocean with a bit of cloud in between. As the sunset was happening, I could capture all the shades of orange and red undertones. The hues that were captured in the picture was just perfect and I was grateful enough because I did not have people on the beach. So it was a very private affair that we had which helped us capture that perfect photo. After that incident, my husband actually thought that I'm a very good photographer and he went ahead and got me a DSLR and I have been capturing photos ever since. However, going back to that incident, I would say I could never capture a much perfect sunset ever in my life and that was primarily because we were at the right location at the right

Follow up questions

What inspired you to take that particular photo?

The beauty of the sunset and the serene environment inspired me to take that photo. It felt like a moment that needed to be captured, especially since it was such a private and special experience for my husband and me.

How has your photography style changed since you got the DSLR?

Since getting the DSLR, I've learned more about composition, lighting, and different techniques. My style has evolved to include more landscapes and candid moments, and I now pay closer attention to details that I previously overlooked.

Do you have any favorite subjects or themes in photography now?

Yes, I particularly enjoy capturing sunsets and nature. I find that they evoke strong emotions and tell a story. I also love photographing candid moments of people, as they reflect genuine emotions and connections.

Band 7

00:00

No audio text available

Follow up questions

What type of photography do you enjoy the most?

I enjoy landscape photography the most because it allows me to capture the beauty of nature and the changing seasons. I find it very rewarding to be able to convey the emotions and atmosphere of a place through my photos.

How do you think photography can impact people's lives?

Photography can have a significant impact by preserving memories, telling stories, and raising awareness about important issues. It can inspire people, evoke emotions, and even motivate them to take action on social or environmental matters.

Have you ever taken a photography class or workshop?

Yes, I took a photography workshop last year. It helped me understand the technical aspects of photography better, such as composition, lighting, and editing. I learned a lot from the instructor and enjoyed practicing with other photography enthusiasts.

Show all 88 answers

Cue 1:When did you take this photo?

Mention the specific date or occasion when you took the photo.
Provide some context about what was happening at that time.

Example

I took this photo during my trip to Manali last summer, in June 2022. It was a beautiful sunny day, and I was exploring the scenic landscapes with my friends.

Cue 2:What type of camera did you use?

Specify the type of camera you used, whether it was a smartphone or a professional camera.
Briefly explain why you chose that particular camera.

Example

I used my smartphone, a Samsung Galaxy S21, to take this photo. I chose my phone because it has an excellent camera that captures vibrant colors and details, making it easy to take stunning pictures on the go.

Cue 3:Who was in the photo?

Describe the people in the photo, including their relationship to you.
Share a little about what they were doing at that moment.

Example

In the photo, you can see my two best friends, Priya and Rahul. We were all laughing and enjoying the breathtaking view of the snow-capped mountains, which made the moment even more special.

Cue 4:Explain why you are proud of this photo.

Discuss the emotions or memories associated with the photo.
Explain what makes this photo significant to you.

Example

I am proud of this photo because it captures not just a beautiful landscape, but also a memorable moment with my friends. It reminds me of the joy and freedom we felt during that trip, and it’s a great representation of our friendship.

Conclusion

Example

In conclusion, this photo is more than just an image; it holds a special place in my heart as it represents a wonderful experience with my friends. Every time I look at it, I am reminded of the laughter and the beautiful moments we shared together in Manali.

Following this structure will ensure you cover all the essential points while providing a clear and engaging response to the cue card topic.

Tips to answer this Cue Card

1: Giving Vague Answers

Avoid providing vague or general answers that lack detail. This can make your response less engaging and informative, which may not impress the examiner.

Tip

Be specific about the photo, including details like the location, the moment captured, and the emotions involved.

2: Neglecting to Explain the Context

Failing to explain the context of the photo can lead to a lack of understanding. The examiner may not grasp why the photo is significant to you.

Tip

Include background information about when and why you took the photo, and what it represents to you.

Overlooking Personal Feelings

Not expressing your personal feelings about the photo can make your response less impactful. The examiner wants to hear your emotional connection to the image.

Tip

Share your feelings and thoughts about the photo, explaining why it makes you proud and what memories it evokes.

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