As the temperatures change and usher in a new season, it’s the perfect time to reflect on your photographic journey. Sometimes, the best way to grow is to embrace challenges and venture outside comfort zones. In this McKenna Blog I propose a series of creative exercises for photographers that encourage innovation and rediscovery in photography. Here are 10 ideas that you can explore.
Creative Exercise #1: Limit Yourself
One of the most effective ways to boost creativity is to impose self-limitations. This could be as simple as using only one lens, shooting in black and white, using only one light source, or restricting yourself to a specific theme. By limiting your options, you force your brain to think differently and experiment in ways you may not have considered before.
Creative Exercise #2: Experiment With Wrong Settings
What happens when you intentionally set your camera to the wrong exposure or choose an unconventional white balance? Take the plunge and experiment! Sometimes, the “mistakes” can lead to unique and unexpected results that spark new ideas and perspectives.
In my black and white macro photography, I unintentionally developed my processing technique. By severely underexposing the highlights, I create various versions of the image as Photoshop layers, applying different blend modes and opacities. I would never have discovered this technique if I hadn’t experimented with the underexposed image.
Creative Exercise #3: Have A Colleague or Peer Edit Your Image
Getting a fresh pair of eyes on your work can be invaluable. Swap images with a fellow photographer and let them edit your shots. Their approach may highlight aspects you hadn’t noticed, or their style could inspire you to rethink how you present your work.
Creative Exercise #4: Create A Photo Series
Instead of focusing on single images, challenge yourself to create a cohesive photo series. Pick a subject—perhaps a local landmark, a type of flower, or even a daily object—and capture it from different angles and perspectives. This not only hones your skills but also crafts a narrative that can resonate with viewers.
Creative Exercise #5: Pick A Subject
Choosing a subject can sometimes be overwhelming. For this creative exercise, make a deliberate choice and stick to it. Whether it’s portraits, architecture, or nature, dive deep into your selected subject. Explore its nuances, characteristics, and stories through your lens.
Creative Exercise #6: Exhaust The Idea
Once you’ve chosen a subject, don’t shy away from exploring it thoroughly. Capture it under various conditions, times of day, and moods. This thorough exploration can lead to a deeper understanding of your subject and may birth strong, compelling images that tell a rich story.
Creative Exercise #7: Learning Assessment
Take some time to assess your progress. Review the work you’ve done and observe any patterns, themes, or techniques that stand out. Identify areas where you’ve grown and those where you still want to improve. This reflection is crucial for ongoing development as a photographer.
Creative Exercise #8: Use A New Post-Processing Style
Post-processing can transform good images into great ones. This month, challenge yourself to try a new editing style. Whether it’s a vintage film look or a high-contrast editorial style, experimenting with different post-processing techniques can breathe new life into your photography.
Creative Exercise #9: Shoot Some Film
Finally, one of the most popular creative exercises for photographers: step away from digital for a moment and shoot some film! This tactile medium encourages a different way of thinking about your images, from composition to exposure. Embrace the delayed gratification of waiting to see your shots and relish the surprise and satisfaction that comes with shooting film.
Get some Kodak T-Max 400 Black and White Film and try experimenting with the Holga camera. It produces dreamy images using a 60mm f/8 plastic lens. Each camera body has its own light leaks, which create inherent vignetting.
Creative Exercise #10: Attend Workshops or Classes
Learning from experienced photographers can provide insights and techniques you might not have considered. Engaging in discussions and exercises can help refine your skills and creativity. Please check out past McKenna Live Webinars on YouTube.
As your photography journey continues, I encourage you to embrace these challenges head-on. You may discover something new about your photography, gain fresh insights, and connect with your creative self in a way you haven’t before. So grab your film or digital camera and push your boundaries to see just how far your creativity can go.
Happy shooting!
This blog was written by Eric Garcia-March, our in-house Photography Education Specialist and host of our McKenna Live webinars. Prior to McKenna, Eric was a commercial photographer for over 15 years and taught classes at the Image Processing and Multimedia Technology Center in Spain and post-production classes at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City.