Creative Strategies + Techniques

It’s easy to fall into a rut creating the same image repeatedly or by making images that resemble photographs you’ve already seen. While there’s nothing wrong with borrowing or “stealing” from a favorite artist eventually you’ll want to discover your creative vision, your unique way of engaging the world and expressing your self.

Here are some concepts and techniques to use while shooting as you begin your journey. Choose one at a time, using it as a creative challenge for at least a week. Follow your curiosity when reviewing images and selecting your favorites. Over time you’ll see your self emerging from your images!

“In the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert’s there are few.” Zen Master Shunryo Suzuki

Refraction/Reflection/Diffusion

Monochrome ~ Color

Shadow ~ Light

Lines ~ Curves

Micro ~ Macro

Dull ~ Shiney

Low Res ~ Hi Res

Point ~ Plane

Smooth ~ Texture

Abstraction ~ Representation

Follow the Rules ~ Break the Rules

Singularity ~ Duality ~ Multiplicity

Specific ~ Ambiguous

Eye Candy ~ Meaningful

Dry ~ Lush

Define ~ Obscure

Still ~ Motion

Flat ~ Immersive

Intention ~ Accident

Fill the frame ~ Empty the Frame

Window ~ Mirror

Narrative ~ Non-Narrative

Copy ~ Original

Reveal ~ Obscure

Truth ~ Fiction

Mirror ~ Window

Grain/Smooth/Gradient/Solid

2D/3D/4D/5D

Place/Location

Personality

Shape

Emotion

Emotive

What’s The Essence?

Energy

Painting/Drawing

Irony

Time

Selective focus

Blur-Focus In Front/Behind

Pan-Slow Shutter While Moving Camera

Slow Shutter w/Still Camera

Angles

Perspective

Angle of View/Unusual Perspectives

Accidental Image

Decisive Moment

Flash

Light Sources

Frames

What’s the Subject?

Comments are closed.