Many people get into the business of photography, because they enjoy the creativity. They love the opportunity to express themselves through photos, their prints, their "artistic vision". Other people in the photo from the technical side. In the days of the film's appeal chemistry, or the mystery and dark room work that drew them. In the world of digital photography it is often a technology person who likes to play with pictures on your computer.
Regardless of why a person enters the picture, there comes a time when they need help finding some inspiration. How to keep from letting the second task would be "just another job"? How do you find the beauty and uniqueness of what you need to photograph?
I like to share a lesson that my high school photography teacher taught. A good way to develop a creative eye to limit the tools available, and focus on one topic for awhile. example given was to go into the desert (this is Palm Springs High School). Once outside, take only a fixed lens and find a plant or flower that can be an interesting subject. This is the hard part: spend a full hour photographing the subject. Try all kinds of angles. Cropping images in one direction, and then try another.
This is not really working. Before long you realize that your lens can determine the pictures look and how your camera's distance from the object will change the story in a photograph. I find this useful when I have what I consider boring subject of the photo.
Often times I'm hired to photograph a corporate event setting, decor before the fun begins. But when I show all I see is a few flowers on the tables, and some lights on the wall. It does not inspire me at all. This is especially try when the previous job is something very extravagant. So what do I do? I hear my teacher's voice tells me to think about basics.
basics of photography are light, color, contrast and composition. So I pull out my favorite lens (the lens really makes a difference) and start looking through it. Since I like flowers, I get closer and find some nice form. I try different compositions and angles. Sometimes the light is different from the one side than another. As I back off I might find a way to get the flowers on the table refer to the scene in the rest rooms. Perhaps the stage is lit in a way that compliments flowers. Or maybe I can angle the photo so that the stage and a table to tell the story of what felt like the lounge. Soon my time and I feel like I've barely started. There is so much more to the picture!
It all comes from going back to basics. Just thinking. Breaking down into small pieces and then before long, the inspiration will come!
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