Creativity for Photographers

 Today’s topic is creativity.

 

The 5 R’s of Creativity !

1. Rules

 •  Learn them

•  Break them

•  Make your own

 

We take a classic “rule” - the Rule of Thirds.

Initially learn the rule inside out so you don’t have to think about it - it’s internalised. Then you can move onto the next stage where you purposefully break the rule. In this case placing objects of interest say in the centre or dividing the frame into quarters.

Then the final stage is where your own rule is incorporated into your style. Think Hiroshi Sugimoto and his work entitled Seascapes. Where the horizon line is in the centre and he has done this over and over again.

 

2. Research

 

Though I take my lead from academia, research does not need to be “dry” ie dull and tedious. Though good research is not done via the internet! Far better to go took bookshops and go to the art department. The vast majority of established artists and photographers work is not available via the internet it is found in galleries and books.

Books are a more immersive experience - the touch, the smell, the weigh etc give a deeper learning experience. We discuss the classic book Robert Frank- Les Americains (1959)

Galleries are great places because you get to see the print up close and you can see the subtleties of the tones.

When studying these greats think of not HOW yet have taken the photographs but WHY- a far more interesting question! We go on to discuss movies as they can be a great source of inspiration - Wenders, Hitchcock and Kubrick as well as good quality documentaries.

3 Reflection

Give yourself time to really look at your work -what works well what doesn’t. Be critical (in a positive) Print your work out and that will help.

 

4 Repeat

Don’t be seduced into thinking you need to go to exotic locations to improve your photography. You will make greater improvements by going back to the same place over and over again. In this way you can build on your skills in a creative way.

  

5 Rest

This is different to reflection. It is about giving yourself time just to think and let the creative juices flow. Sometimes the best ideas come when you least expect

 

Links

https://www.sugimotohiroshi.com/seascapes-1

https://www.lensculture.com/articles/robert-frank-the-americans

 

The Genius of Photography - well worth a look,if you can find it!