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.

69 unique answers with expert feedback

What inspired you to pursue photography more seriously?

My father's encouragement and the joy I felt when people admired my photos inspired me to pursue photography seriously. I realized that capturing moments could evoke emotions and memories, which motivated me to learn more about the art and techniques of photography.

How do you choose the subjects for your photographs?

I choose subjects based on what catches my eye or evokes a feeling in me. It could be nature, people, or celestial bodies. I often look for unique angles or moments that tell a story, and I try to capture the beauty in everyday life.

What challenges do you face while taking photographs?

One challenge I face is the limitations of my camera, which doesn't capture details as well as I'd like. Additionally, lighting conditions can be tricky, especially when photographing the moon or stars. I also sometimes struggle with composition, but I keep practicing to improve.

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 inspiration came from the breathtaking beauty of the sunset and the serene atmosphere of the beach. It was a moment of tranquility that I wanted to capture forever, especially since it was a special time shared with my husband.

How has photography changed your perspective on capturing moments?

Photography has made me more observant and appreciative of my surroundings. I now pay attention to details and emotions in everyday moments, which has enriched my experiences and allowed me to cherish memories more deeply.

Do you have any other favorite photos? What makes them special?

Yes, I have a few other favorite photos, each capturing unique moments like family gatherings or travel adventures. What makes them special is the memories attached to them and the emotions they evoke whenever I look back at those images.

Band 7

00:00

No audio text available

Follow up questions

What types of photos do you enjoy taking and why?

I enjoy taking landscape photos because they capture the beauty of nature. I find it rewarding to showcase different environments and the changing seasons through my lens.

How do you feel when you look at photos you have taken?

Looking at my photos brings back memories and emotions associated with those moments. It makes me feel proud and nostalgic, reminding me of the experiences I had while capturing them.

Do you think photography is an important skill? Why or why not?

Yes, I believe photography is an important skill as it allows us to document our lives and share our perspectives. It can also be a powerful form of expression and communication.

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Band 7

00:00

This photo is taken during Diwali evening. I made a proper set up in my home itself to take this photo. I created complete darkness and I set up a golden light. And I kept the phone in my window frame to take the photo. So this photo was shot on my phone camera itself. I stood there in front of the phone camera in a beautiful white sari and the golden light was reflecting very beautifully on my sari. So it made the look come out as golden. I was looking very alluring and like a piece of art in that. And that's the reason I'm very proud of it. And another reason to be proud of it is because it was shot on a phone camera, not on a particular proper film camera. This photo looks amazing because the pose in the sari, the lighting, the set looks completely coordinated. And at the same time, I know at the back of my mind that it is a very spontaneous process, but it looks very planned and very intentional. And in that photo, I must also say that it looks very professional. But as a fact, I know that I am immature at photography. I'm still learning things, but this experiment came out to be very, very beautiful.

Follow up questions

What inspired you to take that particular photo during Diwali?

I wanted to capture the essence of Diwali, which is all about light and celebration. The golden light I set up symbolized the joy of the festival, and I felt that dressing in a beautiful sari would enhance the festive spirit. It was a way to express my creativity and celebrate the occasion.

How do you feel about using a phone camera for photography?

I believe that phone cameras have come a long way and can produce stunning images. They are convenient and allow for spontaneous creativity. While I appreciate professional cameras, I think the accessibility of phone cameras encourages more people to explore photography without the intimidation of complex equipment.

What have you learned about photography since taking that photo?

I've learned the importance of lighting and composition in photography. This experience taught me that even spontaneous shots can turn out beautifully if you pay attention to details. I'm also learning to be more confident in my skills and to experiment more with different styles and techniques.

Band 7

00:00

So, actually, two years back, we took a trip to Dalhousie with our family and when we reached Dalhousie, we were mesmerized by the picturesque landscape and beautiful scenery all around. It was the first time in my life I was seeing mountains and it was my first snowfall, so I was extremely excited to witness it. Furthermore, we went to Khajjar, that is 20 km away from Dalhousie, and one of my cousins was carrying a DSLR, a professional DSLR. Although I am not a professional photographer, but he guided me how to use the camera to click pictures around. Khajjar is also known as mini Switzerland of India and I took a picture of the landscape over there and I was immensely shocked to see that photograph. All my family was shocked that it was not looking as if we are in India. It looked as if we are actually in Switzerland, so I decided to post that picture on my Instagram as well as put it on my WhatsApp status. Instantly, I got so many replies from my friends that, where have you been? Everyone was in opinion that I have been to Switzerland for my family trip, but in reality, I visited only to Himachal Pradesh. On Instagram as well, I received millions of likes on it and honestly, I was shocked to witness so many likes on Instagram because my maximum reach has been till date of 1000 followers. Therefore, I can say it is the best photograph I took till date and I am extremely proud of the fact that I am not a professional photographer, still I took such a mesmerizing photograph. In future, I would like to visit Dalhousie again as it is a very beautiful place and I am planning to enroll myself in a professional photography course because I have been developing a passion for photography since I have clicked that photograph.

Follow up questions

What inspired you to take up photography after that trip?

After that trip, I realized how much I enjoyed capturing moments and the beauty around me. The thrill of taking that stunning photograph ignited a passion for photography within me. I want to learn more about techniques and improve my skills, which is why I plan to enroll in a professional photography course.

How do you feel about sharing your photos on social media?

Sharing my photos on social media has been a rewarding experience. The positive feedback and engagement from friends and followers motivate me to keep improving. It feels great to connect with others who appreciate photography and to inspire them to explore beautiful places.

What other places would you like to photograph in the future?

I would love to explore more scenic locations, such as the mountains in Ladakh, the beaches of Goa, and the historical sites in Rajasthan. Each place has its unique beauty, and I want to capture those moments and share them with others through my photography.

Show all 69 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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