8 Ways To Crank-Up Your Creativity

Take 100 steps
Or 200 or 300. It really doesn’t matter how far just pick a number and start walking. Once you have counted those 100 steps stop and have a look around. Then start shooting. Look for new angles or unusual objects. Try black & white or look for bright vivid colors.
Write The Alphabet
Then add a word for each letter, like America for A and Balloons for B. Now go hunting. Look for something that demonstrates each letter and get shooting.
Find your muse
What is it that makes you want to do better? Your spouse? Your kids? Your dog? A beautiful sunset? A favorite photographer from the past? If it’s a living breathing being drag them out to a fun location for an afternoon photo session. If it’s a favorite photographer check out some of his/her work and think of ways you might get similar results.
Take Notes
Have you ever woke up in the morning with a great idea in your mind and then forgotten it before you had a chance to try it out? Keep a notebook handy and write down those ideas ASAP! Then when you have a few hours free grab the camera and your notes and try out those ideas.

King Of Beasts

Observe
Find a quiet spot in a beautiful park, a busy city street, the cage of your favorite critter at the zoo. Once you find a place sit back, relax, and observe. Look for just the right moment to start shooting. Is it that butterfly that just landed on your knee? How about that lady in the funny red hat? Or the sleepy lion as he opens up for a big ol’ yawn.
Read A Poem
Read one of your favorite poems. Keep it in mind or even print it on a piece of paper and tuck it in your camera bag. Now look for a photo op that reminds you of a line from that poem.
Check Your Mood
The way you are feeling from one day to the next can effect your creativity. Instead of fighting against your mood go with it. Feeling energetic and happy? Look for those bright colors, busy streets and playful puppies. Feeling tired and melancholy? Try a little black & white, look for those old broken down trucks and cold wet puddles.
Take A Trip
Or at least a walk. Sometimes all you need is a change of scenery.

11 Responses

Just popping over from the 31 day challenge! I love your list post! I needed this boost of creativity to help write my list post!

Great ideas! Good to remember we need to feed our creativity.

Thanks Kendall, Good luck with the 31 day challenge!

Thanks Adam, Hey I tried to shoot a wedding!
I need more practice before I do that again!

I’ve been working on the course by Darren as well. Excellent ideas, he sure has me encouraged with my travel photography blog.

Great reading, we all need something like this every once in a while. Thanks for sharing.

I put together a list of my Top 10 Favourite Photography Spots in Southern California. Would love to hear your comments.

Kevin – Great list with awesome photos to match!
Keep up the good work.

I write about writing for the web. I like your first point and will borrow the idea with a link back to you. I’ve written basically the same thing before but didn’t have the idea of the 100 steps. That was a nice way to randomize it.