Being creative does not always come easy, even to those whom are naturally creative. How many times have we been on a session and secretly thought to ourselves “how can I make this session unique?” We have all been there. Regardless of what we photograph whether it is babies, high school seniors, events, weddings it can all be a little repetitive sometimes. Why is that? Because in an effort to stay fresh and be unique we over think and complicate things. We get into our own heads and instead of being creative we end up going back to our comfort zones and doing what is easiest. So how do we get back to our creative side that we know is there? I have found a few tips that have helped me to find my creative side again and maybe they can help you too.
(1) STOP TRYING SO HARD : We all know that our creativity tends to happen all of a sudden. We have an idea, a dream, or a sudden glimpse that triggers something else. Trying to force creativity is like trying to force falling in love… it has to happen on its own.
(2) HAVE AN OPEN MIND : When did we stop believing that cheesy poster “The sky is the limit?” Cheesy as it may be, yet it still stands SO TRUE! When it comes to our images, why shouldn’t “The sky be the limit?” If our mind is open we no longer think of right and wrong, we think in terms of can it be physically done or not? In most cases it can. There is another saying, “The mind fails before the body does”… This is usually applied to bodybuilders, but I believe it can apply to many other aspects. Our mind tells us NO, because its not popular or hasn’t been done before. But I am here to tell you DO NOT listen and open that big beautiful mind of yours.
(3) DON’T BE AFRAID TO FAIL : Is every idea that goes through our minds a good one? NO! Not by any means, and that’s ok! We will never do or create something amazing until we fail, maybe even fail several times. Whats the worst that can happen? You have an idea execute it and realize you don’t like it, it was a bad idea. OH WELL, now you know what not to do! This has happened to me numerous times but without those bad, sometimes horrible, ideas I would not have gotten to where I am now. Accept and welcome your failures, it WILL lead to success.
(4) KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN : What does this mean you ask? It means look at the world through the eyes of an artist. There is inspiration EVERYWHERE!!! Movies, furniture, an article of clothing, a statement – STOP COPYING WHAT YOU SEE OTHER PHOTOGRAPHERS DOING!!! Lets move beyond shooting on train tracks or having our clients make hearts with their hands. Its well over done. True artists don’t do that. We have to pay attention to what’s around us. You will be amazed at what you find. So put down your phone get off your tablets and computers and really SEE the world. Suddenly you will no longer have to search for inspiration because you realize it’s all around you.
Being creative with photography
Being creative means you are not afraid to fail
Hope these tips can help you in some small way, and thanks for reading!