Creativity does not always flow at the same rate. As photographers, like other artists, we occasionally hit a patch where new ideas dry up. Overcoming photographer’s block is an exercise in training the brain to think differently. It is during these times when forced to think “outside the box” from our conventional workflows, that truly unique and even greater photographic possibilities exist. Overcoming Photographer’s Block in 5 Easy Steps was written based on techniques I have used over the years to stimulate idea growth and turbo-charge creativity beyond my previous levels. I hope you find these steps helpful in your photography and if you have any personal techniques you use, please share them in the comment section below!
- A new perspective – We all have our photographic traps, whether it’s the need to capture every sunset in its blazing glory, recording every new flower bloom we run across, and the list goes on and on. I will never tell someone to stop shooting a particular image (exception), but prefer to offer suggestions to change your perspective on the subject matter.
For instance, if sunsets are “your thing”, force yourself to tell a story of a sunset without including that giant orange ball. This requires great discipline. Instead on focusing on the sun itself, capture it’s effect on the surrounding landscape. To do this, you’ll need to turn your back to the sun and search for ways to incorporate the pastel colors and long shadows this diminishing light produces.
If the majority of your photography at a particular focal length, document one scene with a variety of focal lengths. If you have a zoom lens, this is even easier. This will force you to think in new ways to tell your story.
- Focus on the details – Every scene is made up of thousands of details. By moving in on your subject matter the possibilities are endless. I love wetlands photography; marshes, abandoned boats, rusty crab traps, etc. While I am shooting an overall scene, I also move in to capture the variety of textures and colors that exist. This would include closeup images such as the weathered or chipped paint on a boat, barnacles on an anchor, colorfully frayed rope and more. The point I’m trying to make is there are an unlimited number of images you can produce from any scene, if you look for them.
- Create a project and stick with it – Just like when you learned Algebra in grade school, you learned it not by choice, but by the structure of the school curriculum. Expanding your photography skills is accomplished in the same manner. Create a project for yourself and define the terms for satisfactory completion. I see many examples of this every day, with the most popular one being the 365 (photo a day) photo project.
One of the more interesting photo projects I have come across we featured not long ago, titled The One Shoe Diaries. Again, the sky’s the limit on this one..just define your goal and start shooting!
- Set your alarm clock – My favorite time of day to photograph is just before day break. Once the sun has burned off the morning haze, I am already headed home. I love shooting early in the morning for several reasons…few people are around that time of day, it’s peaceful, the worries ofrept a typical day have not crept into my brain yet, and the light is spectacular. During a typical sunny day, I rarely venture out with camera in hand because I find the lighting to be too harsh for my liking.
If you’ve never wandered out to photograph the dawning of a new day, you are missing a special treat. Here is a great shot from Dave Beckerman capturing early morning city life.
- Change is good – Sometimes we just tire from what we’re doing, which anyone working a 9-5 job can attest to. Photography is no different. If you repeatedly hit a wall with the subject matter you photograph, maybe a change is needed. Learning something new can be very invigorating. It also may be the case that you just need a change in scenery. Planning a photography trip out of town (even a neighboring town) may be just what is needed.
