The Portland Metro Photographic News

by Tom Hubbard, PMPN Publisher, August 28, 2009

It seems to happen to every photographer from time to time.  Coming up with an idea, place or theme for that next photo shoot can be an elusive and frustrating endeavor.  Here are 10 ideas that I've collected over the years to help get the creative juices flowing. 

1. Go to the library or your book shelf and study the work of other photographers.  Sometimes the best source of inspiration can come from the work of other photographers.  Just answering the question, "Why did I pick this particular book from the library shelves?" or "Why did I buy this photo book?" will jump start the creative process. Imitate a photographer's style.  It's a great learning experience and sure to spawn your own set of original ideas.
   
2. Similar to the first suggestion, but more interactive, visit local museums, galleries and exhibits.  Here you experience the final print, talk to other photographers and possibly meet the featured photo artist.  This first-hand interaction will provide a flow of ideas for your own work.
   
3. Pick a simple theme or subject, like windows, and spend an entire day exploring and photographing the subject.  Experiment with different angles, perspectives and techniques to find the hidden art in the simple subject.
4. Rotate 180 degrees.  If you consider yourself a landscape photographer, for example, spend a day getting close to subjects or doing macro photography.  You'll discover a new world of photographic possibilities and give yourself a break from your normal routine.  You will likely return to your first love with a fresh outlook and new ideas.  Do something different.
5. Try a different lens.  If your photographic view of the world is normally through a wide angle lens, substitute a telephoto lens, return to a familiar shooting location and shoot pictures from this new vantage.  Switching lenses will open your eyes to new possibilities and begin generating pictures in your mind.
6. Experiment with different photographic techniques.  Never done HDR?  Now's your chance.  Always wanted to explore black and white photography?  Go for it.  Never seemed to have time to try panorama photography?  You've got the time now.  The mere process of learning something new almost always leads to new ideas.  And, you've expanded your understanding of photography.
7. Catch up on your darkroom or post-processing work.  I have discovered more shooting ideas in the darkroom (traditional or digital) than at any other time or place.  There's something about the solitude and total focus that this work requires that makes it a breeding ground for ideas.  "Oh, if I'd only done this or shot from this angle."  And the ideas begin to flow. (You'll be busy.  So be sure to write down those shooting ideas for later.)  Best of all, you've made a dent in your post-processing backlog.
8. Use this time to take a workshop or seminar.  Or call up a photographer friend for a day of photography.  Being around fellow photographers is fulfilling on many levels.  The experience takes your mind from the "block", and the enthusiasm of others is inspiring.  And like any conversation with a friend, you'll soon be sharing ideas that seem to morph into your next shooting inspiration.  And, all the while, you're having a good time.
   
9. Don't be too hard on yourself.  We often set our own expectations too high.  Not every click of the shutter results in a masterpiece.  Getting caught up in this syndrome can be demoralizing and inhibit your creative thinking.  Have fun.
   
10. Most importantly, don't procrastinate.  Get up.  Grab your camera.  Get out there.  And shoot pictures.  "Not shooting" is certainly not the answer.  Action is the wellspring of ideas.  I was fortunate to work with Alfred Eisenstaedt during the last years of his brilliant and incredible photographic life.  Alfred carried his camera and took pictures until he died at the age of 97.  I'm convinced that his need to stay active and his unwillingness to let a day go by without taking a picture added purpose and many rewarding years to his life. 
    

Hopefully, there's a tip or two here that will help relieve your photographic slump.  So, once you get to the shooting location, where do you start?  This dilemma falls into the category of "on-location block".  We probably all experience this "block" on a regular basis.

Noted photographer, William Neill, has some thoughts on what to do once you're on location to set your imagination in motion.  See his guest commentary, "Blocked" in Monday's PMPN.

(Other PMPN Members may have their own cure for Photographer's Block.  Feel free to click on this article's comment box and add your remedy to this list.)