#1
REVIEW YOUR WORK
You've probably accumulated quite a collection of photos. If you're not up
to date on filing your photos and getting your collection organized, now is
a good time to do it. While you're at it, review your photos with a critical
eye. See what you like and dislike about them and what you would do differently
if you could. Don't be modest - give yourself some praise for some of your
great photos. Enlarge, mat and frame some of your favorites.
#2
SELF-ASSIGNMENT
This will take some willpower, but assign some photo projects to yourself.
There is no limit to what the assignments might be. Perhaps take one (and
only one) picture a day for a month. Or shoot a roll using just one lens,
ideally one you seldom use. How about shooting some black and white film if
you ordinarily use color? Assignments might be subject-specific, such as pictures
of water in all its forms, a particular color, close-ups, abstracts or available
light shots at night.
#3
VIEW THE WORKS OF OTHERS
Spend some time in an art museum, library or book store viewing the works
of artists and photographers whose works interest you. Study how they handle
lighting, composition, subjects, expression and other creative elements. You
may want to acquire some books on favorite artists to give you ideas and stimulate
your creativity in the future.
#4
TRAVEL
There is nothing like visiting a new location to give you a fresh selection
of photo subjects. Whether it is a city or park just an hour away from home
or a destination on the other side of the world, new sites and experiences
are a great way to break out of the doldrums.
#5
TRY OTHER CREATIVE ARTS AND CRAFTS
Exercise your creativity in other ways by writing, sketching, painting, sculpting
or working in a craft that you enjoy. Exercising your creativity in a new
or different medium will help you the next time you pick up your camera. |
