A picture is worth a thousand words, or at least that’s how the saying goes.
But when it comes to adding more creativity to your life, photography encourages you to look at things in different ways.
Photography offers an easy way to add creative spark to your life. And unless you choose to invest in professional cameras and lenses, this hobby can be a relatively inexpensive.
A decent camera will run you three to four hundred dollars. But if taken care of, this camera will last a long time. However, if you don’t want to invest that much in a regular camera, just pull out your phonw.
With the advent of smart phone cameras, casual photographers have a camera on hand at a moment’s notice. While a cell phone camera can’t provide the close-ups or all the special features a regular camera can, the advances made to cell phone cameras allow amateur shutterbugs to take decent photos.
The best part about photography is that you can take creative pictures pretty much anywhere. You don’t need classes (although those are certainly recommended if you want to take you skills further). You don’t need fancy lenses or backgrounds.
CREATE WITH A CAMERA
Photography only requires a keen eye and patience. And you don’t have to go far to catch a great shot. While taking pictures on vacation or at special events preserves memories, these images also provide opportunity to demonstrate creative insight. Whether you’re on a cruise to a tropical port, at a sporting event, or just taking a quick walk around your neighborhood, creative images are around every corner.
For a novice photographer, here are some simple methods to instantly add creative elements to your photos.
- COLORS – When looking for creative images, start by looking at colors. Finding a scene that includes contrasting colors, or one that has a monochromatic look, instantly adds a unique view.
- ANGLES – When you come across a building or natural element that has an interesting look, try taking pictures from different angles. Walk around the scene. Look for small elements at different angles that add to the image. For a building, look for architectural details or reflections. For landscapes, look for small rocks or trees that add another layer to the scene.
- FRAMING – Finding natural ways to frame the central image adds to the creative depth. Look for trees, clouds, flower beds, etc., anything that can frame the outside edge of the picture. Having something at the edge of the photo helps draw the eye into the image and creates a different look than only the specific object/image. For example, if you’re taking a picture of a mountain peak, try to use trees or rocks in the foreground to frame the peak in the background.
- OFF CENTER – While many photos look best when the main scene is centered, there are times when moving the image to the side of the frame creates a different look. This can be especially fun with close-ups of natural elements like flowers.
- EVERYDAY LIFE – While taking pictures of vacations and historical places provides a lot of material, don’t feel you have to go on a adventure to find the best pictures. Sometimes, the most creative pictures come in photos of your every day environment. By looking at your neighborhood and regular events in a new light, you’ll find creative scenes all around. Take your camera on walks. Take it to your kids’ sporting events and take pictures of things around the field and gym. Take pictures of the old buildings in town. By looking at your everyday life in creative new ways, you have countless opportunities for great photographs.
MY PHOTOGRAPHIC LIFE
I am certainly no professional when it comes to photography. I have a good camera, but not a professional one with all the interchangeable lenses. While I have had some basic training in photography, I rely mostly on my creative instincts rather than any formal guidelines.
When I’m on vacation or even at a normal event I’d attend anyway, I take a lot of pictures. The great thing about digital photography is that you can delete what doesn’t look good. But when you’re lucky enough to incorporate creative elements into a basic photo, those images become more than just a picture.
Among my favorite things to photograph are pretty much anything in nature (mountains, water, trees, animals…), unique architecture, and images that capture the unique culture of a particular place or people.
I’ve put together a few of my favorite photographs from over the years. Some are from big trips to Alaska on a cruise, and to Israel and Jordan. But I’ve included some things closer to home. I grew up in Colorado. Every time I go back, I find new ways to express my creative skills through photographing the natural elements in the mountains.
I’ve also included a collection from my everyday life. I am fortunate enough to attend a lot of games for my favorite college sports team – the Nebraska Cornhuskers. Capturing action during a football or baseball game adds creative challenges and requires some patience. But when I’m able to capture a ball being thrown or the intensity on a player’s face, that patience is worth it.
The next time you’re out and about, even if it’s just running errands, pay attention to scenes around you. Maybe it’s a sunrise or sunset. Or maybe you come across some Autumn leaves changing colors. Pull out your phone and snap a picture. You never know what creative spark you’ll find in a simple picture.
And when you do go on those big trips or attend special events, don’t always focus on the obvious. While capturing memories with family and friends is important, look for different angles and or unique elements that might not be the center of everyone else’s attention. Sometimes those will become your favorite pictures.
Reignite your creativity!
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