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08/09/2013 06:19:36 PM · #1 |
Hi everyone, I recently joined the DP challenge. I got into photography in high school and left if for a long time. I have since taken it up again and found myself shooting a lot of insect macros. I enjoy this because these critters are cool by themselves so usually all I have to do is get the focus correct and out comes a fairly good picture. Since joining DP challenge I have submitted 4 pictures. One for the "We have a story to tell" which I just happened to be visiting a place with lots of stories to tell so that one was fairly easy. The next 3 I just happened to have shot a picture that fit perfectly into the challenge on the day they were announced.
Yesterday I decided to try to shoot something for Warm Colors and for Closed. I have been having a horrid time trying to come up with an idea. I am a pretty factual kind of guy, ( I have 2 kids with Asperger's syndrome which they probably got from me and my side of the family), I have always had a very difficult time in Art Class in high school, so this creative process is turning out to be as enjoyable as a root canal but I have decided that I will be stubborn and try until either my head explodes or I get better at it.
Does anyone have any suggestions as how to "create" a picture. Do you guys see it in your heads before shooting, do you wander aimlessly around until you "see" the picture. PLEASE HELP!!!
Thanks every one in advance.
Joaquin Barbara |
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08/09/2013 06:43:15 PM · #2 |
Hello,
I wrote this a while ago: it describes the process I personally use to find ideas for DPC challenges, it could be useful to you in some way. If not, forgive the noise :) |
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08/09/2013 06:44:04 PM · #3 |
Hard question man!
I think I do one of two things - I either craft an image, which usually means me looking around for some inspiration of some sort (I thought about doing a shop interior, with the old owners enjoying a late night meal/drink/whatever, with the sign on the window reading "Open" (hence implying closed)...
Or, I simply look around, and find something to shoot for it. Google is a great friend to have in this situation as well, simply do a Google image search for terms related to closed, or Warm Colors (thesaurus is helpful).
I do have sympathy though, since I too have issues with this - I can say that my 'eye' has certainly become better at this, as has my imagination - perhaps with a few years of torture practice, you'll improve as well. ;) |
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08/09/2013 07:01:52 PM · #4 |
Originally posted by drgoose:
do you wander aimlessly around until you "see" the picture. PLEASE HELP!!!
Thanks every one in advance.
Joaquin Barbara |
This, literally, is what I do almost on a daily basis. |
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08/09/2013 07:25:20 PM · #5 |
It's always interesting to analyze just how an image is born.
I look at the topics and sometimes just rummage around in my brain to find an association that I like and go find an example. This can sometimes take a day's travel. Sometimes it's in front of my nose.
Other times, like with "warm colors" (one of your examples) I go to our friend, Google, and ask for warm color images. That will likely steer me towards an object or scene that fits.
Then, sure, there is the serendipity of finding an image, while going about your daily life, that fits the Challenge perfectly. (or imperfectly - the voters will tell you)
After finding your inspiration, well it's your imagination and creativity + post-processing skills that will make your image competitive.
Good luck in your quest.
Message edited by author 2013-08-09 19:25:31. |
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08/09/2013 08:32:01 PM · #6 |
Hey Joaquin! What a fabulous question, and welcome. So glad you've jumped into the thick of things.
The short answer is: there is no short answer. I think that each of us has a predominant way of getting to an image (planned vs. found), but none of us is all one way or another. And just to reassure you, EVERYONE struggles with creativity from time to time. One of the greatest things about this site is that no matter what area you feel is your weakness (technicals, artistry, imagination, etc.), there is help. Challenges help a lot. Other DPCers help a lot. Learning is what everything is all about, and developing your artistic/creative eye is part of the fun, and practically this site's stated mission.
Many people do image searches to get inspiration. Sometimes an idea just pops into your head - a gift from heaven. Sometimes it's a struggle to the very end. And most of the time it's in between. Some types of photography (i.e. street, candids) are really about going out to find something.
There is no "right" or "wrong" way to do this. Just have fun :-) |
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08/09/2013 10:20:58 PM · #7 |
Hey welcome...
I am mainly into landscapes, birds, etc. I really have not settled on a style.
I have a semi photographic mind when I am driving down the road. I can see a scene and think that would be awesome in the fall but we are just starting winter. I save the spot on my GPS so I can return.
There are also times that I wander around as well. Take a hike, go for a walk....have your camera ready for that pic.
I suffer from the technicals and the editing. I would be happy to help you out any time just PM me
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08/09/2013 10:31:44 PM · #8 |
I think Johanna pretty much summed me up...
yes its a constant struggle, lots of times i'll start with an idea and it evolves into something far worse. |
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