Flying by the seat of your pants!

If you are like me, we have done this more times than we can count. You have a plan to grab your camera and head out on a walkabout to grab some photos, or a planned event that you want to document, but beyond that, you have little to no concept of what or how you want to accomplish your images. It often starts with a sense of excitement, the thrill of possibility that hangs in the air, yet as you step outside, you may find yourself overwhelmed by the myriad of choices before you. The vibrant colors of nature or the hustle and bustle of a city can be both inspiring and intimidating, leading to a moment of indecision. You might think about the stories you want to tell through your lens, the emotions you want to capture, and the unique perspectives you can showcase, yet the pressure to produce something truly remarkable can feel paralyzing. Embracing the spontaneity of the moment, however, can be where the magic happens; sometimes the best shots come when you least expect them, turning an ordinary walk into an extraordinary adventure of creativity.

How then can we ensure that we get what we want or envision? While I’m not necessarily a gearhead, we must take into account what gear we need to accomplish our goal. The right tools can make a significant difference in the quality of our outcomes, whether it’s photography, writing, or any other creative endeavor. We also need to be able to employ our skills or be willing to be open-minded and work outside our so-called box. Being adaptable allows us to explore new techniques, learn from our experiences, and ultimately grow in our craft. I don’t know how many times I’ve done it myself, let alone how many times I’ve seen others do it, but so many times I’ve never changed my position when taking photos. You know, from a standing position, which can limit our perspective; often we need to get low or higher, to try different angles and viewpoints that can completely transform the narrative of our work. It’s essential to embrace these varied perspectives, as they can lead us to discover compositions we never thought possible. We need to become more creative, constantly pushing the boundaries of our imagination and allowing ourselves to experiment with the unfamiliar. By doing so, not only do we enhance our skills, but we also create more engaging and dynamic results that resonate on a deeper level with our audience.

Let us get creative.