If you're a photographer, you know that feeling all too well - the sense of boredom and stagnation that comes from taking the same types of photos over and over again. It can be easy to fall into a rut, especially if you're shooting the same subjects or using the same techniques. But fear not - there are plenty of ways to break out of your photographic rut and start creating new, exciting images.
In this blog, we'll explore some tips and tricks for shaking things up and finding new inspiration in your photography. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, these strategies can help you get out of your comfort zone and start producing fresh, dynamic photos.
So, if you're feeling stuck and want to reinvigorate your love of photography, keep reading as I share exercises I've used when I get in a photographic rut and how to break free from it!
1. Photograph abandoned buildings or industrial sites
If you're looking for a way to reignite your creative juices in photography, one great exercise is to photograph abandoned buildings or industrial sites. This can be a great way to get some unique and interesting shots, while also getting some practice in composition and lighting.
Disclaimer: Make sure you follow all laws, including permits if needed, and have permission to photograph these areas. Do not trespass, this is not only illegal, but it also gives honest photographers a bad rap. Also, these places can be dangerous, please use caution and common sense. Never go alone and always let others know where you are going and what time you will return.
To get started, simply find an abandoned building or industrial site that you're interested in photographing. Once you've found a good location, take some time to explore it and see what kind of shots you can get. Pay attention to the light and how it's hitting the different surfaces, as this can help you create some really stunning images.
If you want to add a bit of creativity to your shots, try using a long exposure or experimenting with different angles and perspectives. By pushing yourself out of your comfort zone, you'll be able to create some truly amazing photographs.
One thing I enjoy doing is using some of the images from these shoots to create composites and templates. Here are some award-winning images I created using my abandoned building images where I added a subject.
2. Create an avant-garde outfit from a thrift store and photograph it
This is a great exercise for anyone who loves fashion and photography. First, head to your local thrift store and find some interesting pieces that you can turn into an avant-garde outfit. Be creative with it – there are no rules!
Once you have your outfit put together, take some photos of yourself wearing it. This is a great way to experiment with different styles and get some unique photos that you can add to your portfolio.
If you don't want to be in front of the camera, why not photograph a friend, family member, or past client instead? Ask them to wear an avant-garde outfit that you put together, and then take some photos of them.
This is a great way to practice your photography skills and capture some unique images. This expertise also helps you hone your skills with lighting, composition, and styling. And, if you're happy with the results, you can even submit your photos to magazines or print competitions for great marketing.
Here are some images I created from random items I purchased at a thrift store and got creative with.
3. Photograph at a local park, zoo, or nature preserve
Whether you live in the heart of a bustling city or out in the country, there are bound to be plenty of parks, zoos, and nature preserves near you. And what better way to expand your creativity than by visiting one of these places and photographing it?
Parks offer a great opportunity to get up close and personal with nature, while zoos and nature preserves provide the chance to photograph a variety of different animals in their natural habitats. No matter which option you choose, getting out and exploring your local parks, zoos, and nature preserves is sure to jumpstart your creativity.
Final Thoughts
If you’re feeling uninspired or simply need a little help getting your creative juices flowing, take some of the above tips into consideration. From exploring new locations to trying out new genres, there are a variety of different things you can do to jumpstart your creativity. And who knows? Maybe one of these tips will help you discover your new favorite photography genre or location.
4. Photograph the streets/alleys or found objects in your neighborhood
In order to get started with this creative exercise, head on out to the streets or alleys in your neighborhood and start taking some photographs. Try to capture the unique character of the area you live in by photographing the different buildings, storefronts, and people that make up your community. This is a great way to not only expand your photographic skills, but also get to know your neighbors and learn more about the area you live in.
- Put together a photo montage
One fun way to get creative with your photography is by putting together a photo montage. This can be done digitally or by physically mounting prints onto a board or piece of paper. Take a wide variety of images that tell the story of your city and montage them together.
- Create a photo essay on a specific topic
If you’re looking for a more long-term project, why not create a photo essay on a specific topic? This could be anything from documenting a day in the life of your family to photographing the different seasons in your city. A simple short-term essay is to focus on one item and photograph it in several different ways all in one day.
The sky is the limit when it comes to topics, so let your imagination run wild! Once you’ve decided on a topic, start planning out your shoot and collecting the images you need to tell your story.
Below are images I created of an old car. I experimented with different wide-angle lenses and perspectives, then finished by processing the images with an HDR effect to bring out the lovely patina of the car.
5. Get creative with funky makeup and combine that with a few of the exercises above
One of the best ways to expand your creativity is by playing around with different techniques, and that includes makeup! Even if you don't have a clue how to use make-up, play around, remember these exercises are meant for you to create masterworks of art, they are to help you think outside of your norm and experiment.
Get some bright eyeshadows, colorful lipstick, and false lashes, and have fun experimenting with new looks. Not only will you come up with some pretty wild results, but you'll also learn a lot about color theory and how to create interesting visual effects.
- Experiment with glitter
Glitter is a great way to add some sparkle and shine to your look. Try using glitter eyeshadow, lipsticks, or even body glitter to create a fun and eye-catching look. You can also use clear glue to attach bigger pieces of glitter for an extra dramatic effect.
- Layer multiple colors for a dramatic, edgy look
If you're feeling extra daring, try layering multiple different colors on your eyes or lips for a truly unique look. Not only will this create an interesting visual effect, but it will also give you the opportunity to have some fun with color combinations that you wouldn't normally try.
- Try out crazy shapes
Creating interesting shapes with your makeup can be a lot of fun! You can draw circles, triangles, stars, or whatever else comes to mind onto your face for a totally unique look. Get creative and see what kind of looks you can come up with!
Here are a few shots that I created by just playing around with makeup.
Conclusion
If you are stuck in a rut and feeling uninspired by your photography, give these exercises a try. By expanding your creative juices and trying new things, you will be surprised at the different perspectives you can bring to your art form.
With a little imagination and effort, you can open up a whole new world of possibilities in photography. So go out there and start exploring creative areas of your brain you didn't know you had!
Plus, you never know where the images you create from these exercises might take you. Many of the images I created with these techniques became my favorite images. They also landed me several awards, including being selected to the Photographic World Cup Team, winning several Wisconsin Photographer Of The Year awards, my art in a museum, and being on the cover of the Professional Photographer magazine.
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