A good photograph does not happen just like that. Sometimes, it requires patience, an active mind, and vision to combine different elements in a visual, cohesive flow. However, with changing times and shorter attention spans, photographers often find it challenging to actively push their creativity. If you are searching for ways to make different pictures, then here are a few tricks that can certainly push you in your endeavor.
Trick #1: Branch Out
We often have a tendency to think linearly. If there is a creative challenge, we look at the most common answers and jump at this first. This is where mind mapping comes into play, which will help you to trace answers that lie far beyond. If you have an idea about a project, jot it down on paper and create a branch of similar ideas. You can get as out of the box as you can; there is no one to judge your thoughts. For instance, you want to improve your images. This is the central notion; from here on, list things that can help you to get better. An example is books and cinema to activate your imagination and help you compose better.
Trick #2: The Power of Words
One of the most common tricks is to look at words. Words have the power to tickle your imagination and further help you get the boost of creativity you need. Again, don’t think linearly; rather, give your mind the freedom to move as it wants. For instance, if your project is about cityscapes at night, you have to look at words that describe the initial series, such as “urban jungle”, “architecture,” “night, “and so on. Then, based on these words, you expand your project to include things that make up these words. For instance, architecture can include modern, historic, industrial, etc. The last is to combine words to fr creating concepts such as twilight skyscrapers, motion in the dark, history vs modern, and so on.
Trick #3: Get to Drawing
Some people become photographers because they lack the patience to draw. However, if you are into still life or commercial photography, this will be your go-to tool. You don’t have to draw like an artist, but you can make simple sketches of what an image can look like. This is a way to unleash your creativity.
Trick #4: Write, Write, Write
I am not making this up because I am a writer. I am suggesting this because Lucy Soutter gave me the same suggestion for my photographs. She suggested keeping a small notebook and continuing to write down what does not work in my images, my ideas, dreams, and so on. This way, I can be better at creating my images from scratch, especially since many of my works are experimental.
Trick #5: Be Spontaneous
When you create an image, it is often a calculated move. You pick the best time of the day, the best position for the sun, the weather, etc. Maybe, for once, you should step out spontenaoul, without thinking about the kind of images you can make. Swapan Parekh, one of India’s prominent photographers, told me this during a conversation. He would take a train from his home to some distant area, and then he would get down at a random station and walk around. This way, he managed to capture some truly authentic moments.
Trick #6: Hunt For Images
The opposite of what was mentioned above, this will allow you to look for specific things and find ways to shoot that theme or subject in a unique way. For instance, if you are going to look for kids playing on the streets, you can always move away from the usual wide-angle shots and go in closer. Or, you can add a color gel and use flash to get a unique image. Similarly, if you want to photograph people on the subway, think of ways your image can be different from the images that already exist.
In the end, these tricks are supposed to help you frame the subject in a way that makes it your own. Some of these tricks may ask you to leave your comfort zone, but the end result will be worth it. So, keep trying to think differently, and gradually, all of this will come naturally to you.
