A new hobby is an exciting challenge, but it is easy to get stuck in a rut, and it can be hard to find inspiration, especially when you are starting out. Photography is all about creativity, so here are fifteen ways to boost yours.
1. Go for a walk
Take your camera for a walk. Wherever you live there are interesting things to photograph, if you take your time and really look. Walking also clears your head, and that helps ideas come.
2. Look at other people's work
When you are stuck, look at what other photographers are doing, in online galleries, on social media, on photography blogs and in museums. You will pick up ideas, see new techniques and find some incredible pictures.
3. Find a new viewpoint
Stop taking the same photo from the same angle. Get closer, climb higher or crouch lower. You will be surprised how much difference it makes.
4. Join a challenge or a community
A photo challenge, such as a picture a day or a theme a week, pushes you to try new things. Clubs, forums and online groups are a good place to find one, and to meet other photographers and swap tips.
5. Try a different genre
If you usually shoot landscapes, photograph people, or the other way round. If you always shoot in colour, try black and white. New ideas come from leaving your comfort zone.
6. Go on a trip
Photography is a great excuse to travel. New places are inspiring, and you come home with new pictures.
7. Try different kit
If you always use the same camera and lens, a change can shake things up. Hiring equipment lets you try something different without spending a fortune.
8. Learn a new skill
Learn to edit properly in Photoshop or Lightroom, or go to a workshop or seminar. There is nothing like learning from a professional to move your photography on.
9. Make a photo essay
A photo essay tells a story in pictures. Choose a subject and shoot a series of photos that explain it.
10. Photograph movement
If you are used to subjects that stay still, try something that moves. It is a challenge, and a lot of fun.
11. Start a personal project
Choose a subject or a theme and commit to photographing it over weeks or months. A project of your own is one of the best ways to stretch yourself.
12. Take a break
If you feel stressed or burned out, put the camera down for a while. It is hard to do, but stepping away is sometimes the best thing for your creativity.
13. Experiment
Photography has no rules, so do not be afraid to try things and see what happens.
14. Go back to film
Shooting on film makes you slow down and think about every frame, because each one costs money. The results have a character of their own, and film cameras are a pleasure to use.
15. Show your work
If you have a website or an online portfolio and have not updated it for a while, do it now. Choosing and arranging your best photos shows you how far you have come, and what you want to do next. Then print a few and put them on the wall.
Conclusion
There are many ways to get your creativity going again. Try a few, have fun and see what you make. Our made-to-measure picture frames are ready for the results, and we are glad to advise on the best frame for your work.
Call EasyFrame on 01234 856 501 or email sales@easyframe.co.uk. We are happy to talk it through even if you do not want to buy.