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| Habana, Cuba |
Good ideas, set in motion, keep us engaged
with our photography. It’s now known that of all the skills that keep highly
creative people going, the ability to find inspiration, and then act on it, ranks
very high. Here are some tips that may help.
"Put the intention out there"
1.) Open yourself
to the possibility of creating something a bit different than you have done
in the past; or to go deeper. Acknowledge your desire to do so. Put the
intention out there.
2.) Next identify what you’re are attracted to. It doesn't have to be forever....what interests you right now? Is it people, bugs, mountains, or cats? What are you drawn to photograph? Some people say 'everything' and while that's possible it's not helpful to the cause. Many aren't sure. That’s ok - just look at earlier photographs you've made or images by others that you like. Is there something that keeps showing up? Ask someone who knows you. Look for the hidden themes in your work – some people find writing about them helps. You are in the exploratory phase – there is no such thing as a mistake.
“Start planning,
organizing, researching, and inspiring yourself”
Try looking at images you see in
magazines. You may say 'I'm drawn to Bali' - then put off working on your idea
right now because you have neither time nor money to get to Bali. Remember, you
are trying to find something you can work on now, not when you have the
right equipment, the planets are in alignment etc. etc. To do that ask what it
is about Bali that draws you. Is it the ocean, the lifestyle, or is it the
creative spirit that flourishes there. Is it the fact it is far you’re your
daily grind? Whatever it is try to find those qualities in subjects near to you
now so you can start working right away. Start planning, organizing,
researching, and inspiring yourself with examples of photos you love. Find and
study the masters. Some people find
movies to be a wellspring of ideas for their still photography – allow yourself
to be moved….cont.
“Immerse yourself
in your subject”
If you are truly called to go to half way
around the world, make a plan, then get going on it. In the meantime find
something close to home that you can work on. Keep using your camera all the
time so that, in this instance, you aren’t rusty when you get to Bali. Keep the
juices flowing; research books, online resources etc and immerse yourself in your subject. Research possible locations,
events, people or landmarks that are a must for you to work on. If traveling,
why not try to be more than a tourist? Volunteering to help in your host
country deepens the experience and your pictures….all of a sudden, doors open.
“At first you
carry the idea, then the idea carries you…”
3.) Give yourself
permission to start and to make whatever it is you’d like to create. Give
yourself the green light. Commit to action and keeping moving ahead so you gain
momentum. At first you carry the idea, then the idea carries you. If you have
to start by making straight imitations of images that inspire you, just do it
with passion – don’t worry no one does anything completely original. Just keep
making pictures without being too critical of them – do your best. At first,
only share the resulting images with people who encourage you to make more
photos. No ‘helpful critics’.
“..at this point you may be flooded with many fresh ideas”
4.) Finally, enjoy the images you've made, print the
images, hang them on your walls, make a Blurb or iBook, then share them online
with whomever you wish. Now that you are finished go ahead and evaluate
the work. Interestingly enough, at this point you may be flooded with many
fresh ideas and inspirations – write then down and act on the one’s that feel
right to you.
