Literally, take 10 steps! That is the trick I used this week to help me get out of my photography rut. Several other photographers have mentioned that they are in a rut and need a boost. I did a little research and heard about this creativity exercise.
- Go to a different location (I picked a local shopping area)
- Take 10 steps and take a photo.
- Get creative with your angles.
- Choose different subjects.
- Look for interesting lines or repetition.
- After you captured your photo – take another 10 steps.
- Repeat all the of the above.
You will be surprised at what you see that you probably wouldn’t have noticed if you weren’t forcing yourself to stop and look around. I loaded the girls in the stroller and they had a great time going with me and helping me find something interesting at each place we stopped. You don’t need to do this for a long time. I probably only did it for about 15 minutes and felt more inspired.
Another bonus of this is you will get over your fear of shooting in public. I’m sure the Japanese thought I was some crazy American taking pictures of the ground, roofs, light fixtures and anything else I could see.
Here are the photos from my 10 step walk. Would love to see yours!!!
What do you do to help boost your creativity and get out of a photography rut?
what a great exercise –
sometimes i just sit in my yard and force myself to sit and look –
and find new things or angles to photograph
Sounds like a fun exercise!
I don’t know about everyone else, but just always having my camera with me now sort of forces me to look at things more closely or differently.
oooo, I really like this suggestion!! Great idea! I also love the shots you captured. So creative and fun!! I get very stuck in the shoot the same locations all the time rut. I get so excited when a client suggests a new spot and then I get a new challenge. Fun!
love each shot – great perspective and lines!
i do the same as you even when doing a photo session. i love seeing everything in a new way just by changing my position!
blessings – jill
PS please email in a week to write that post for you :-D just moved and had a nightmare situation through it. so i need a little more time to get settled!
I usually get stuck when I feel pressured. Once I relax, all of a sudden the world opens up with photo ops!
Oh my goodness, I’ve seriously been that crazy American for the last 2 months doing this photo scavenger hunt! When I feel the need to get out of a rut I think “How do I make this photo not boring?” Hah, creative, I know.
Very cool shots! Cool exercise too. Thanks for sharing!
I love this idea! Thanks!!
LOVE THIS! I am totally doing it this weekend! Did you just come up with this? What a fun excercise! you should make this a monthly thing. I love the 10 step program, its Photographers Anonymous or something haha.
I LOVE your site! I randomly found it yesterday and thought “where have you been all my life?” haha. Looking forward to catching up on reading all your previous posts. I’m a newbie in the blog and photography world, always looking to learn. Check out my blog if you have a chance. Would love to hear your feedback. thanks! =)
Such a great idea. I’m definitely going to have to try this out! Your photos from the creativity project look fabulous!
This is exactly what I need, I’ve been feeling a little stuck trying to find a new perspective for my photos, this exercise seems perfect, I will try to apply it next time I take my camera out, thanks for sharing x
Did you use one lens, or several? Which one/s? What camera do you use?
Hey! Here’s a list of my gear. I’m currently working a post with even more details – http://clickitupanotch.com/camera-bag/ I also added the 35mm 1.4 and Tamron 24-70mm to the list.
Love this! Thanks for the inspiration :)
Will have to try this!! Thank you for sharing!
As much as I’ve walked I usually glance and keep walking! Studying things is a great way to train your eye to look harder.
-Rose
What a fantastic exercise…..great shots by the way wow……Going to take the camera tomorrow and head to a spot and do it…..motivated to take great shots!!!! Thanks so much for all the tips your keeping me busy!
This is such a simple and fabulous way to get out and about and capture some unique and fun shots. Giving it a try. thank you