In an effort to get organized, and to save some time after I wasted hours trying to locate a file, I started the tedious task of keywording all of my recent images. I know, I know, I should have done it from the start. But I didn’t. I know better now. The little time it will take me to keyword upon import, will save me hours in the end. That said, it led me to go through all my archived files, falling in love with some photos I had looked upon or wanting to re-edit some to change the mood. I also found all my experimentation of the last year. There is plenty! I did play a lot this last year, and I had fun!
Whether you play with your compositions, your camera settings or your software, you’re bound to get some nice surprises in the end. You’re also going to ignite that creative spark, that elusive light that seems to dim now and then. I know I need to play in order to remain creative. Doing the same things over and over again does not work for me, I get bored way too easily. I guess that’s why I fall in a creative slump on a regular cycle.
Playing keeps me on edge, and I learn tons of stuff too. The creative possibilities are endless today, why not use them? Even if you’ve been taking or editing photos for years now, you’ll still learn new things. That knowledge will allow you to push your creativity up a notch, if not in the long run, at least enough to get that spark back. And that’s enough for me. I hate the feeling of wanting to create something, having that clear image in my head and not being able to pull it through. Isn’t it frustrating? I get so excited when I manage to make it, even though it took time and effort, it’s so worth it in the end.
So, here’s a showcase of my efforts to try and learn new things. No perfection here, just trial, error and instinct.
Ghost effect created in PS. From three different images, shot with that purpose in mind.
Blur effect created in camera. Set the speed to 1/13 and moved the camera vertically to create a blur that would make the trees look painted.
Stepping on thorns… Used the Liquify Filter and it’s Turbulence tool to create thorns.
For this one, Polar Coordinates in PS again. That was fun!
Composite made in PS with two photos of mine, taken with that concept in mind.
Dragon Boy, composite made with stock images and my own photos.
Double Exposure created in PS, with two images of mine.
Here’s my creativity slump therapy, what is yours? This post is part of the Sisterhood Stories blog circle, visit Laura‘s blog and make your way around the circle, don’t forget to leave some love along the way…
I love a little re edit & the discoveries of something old … beautiful!
ps. i don’t keyword until it’s been accepted by an agency … i loath it!
I am loving your experimentation here! I do it sometimes and when it works I am thrilled!
(I have never keyworded!) Maybe I need to!
‘Creativity Slump Therapy’! I love it ! if it was a course I’d pay to do it.
I play with colour – paint, wool, fabric….. I could spend a whole day playing with just 5 colours.
Of course I’d never have a whole day to do that…..but that would be my therapy.
Thank you for sharing your playful moments 🙂
Wow – love the creativity in these pics! I love that I found someone who loves photoshop as much as I do. And frustration when creating? For me it is more: Give me more quiet time for it. 🙂
you totally inspired me to get my key words in order now, I have so slacked on them. I love your creative images makes me want to learn a few new techniques. Just lovely!
Oh, I know the feeling, and how easy it is to lose that creative spark, Your “playing” has produced some wonderful works of art! 🙂
What fun! I envy your time to play, but not your time spent keywording!! And I LOVE your interpretation of The Little Prince. One of my fave stories of all time xxx
Chances are I need to take some new macros this week, and I don’t know where to start. I have been experimenting too, trying to leave my comfort zone, but it’s not that easy for someone like me who almost always shoots on instincts to sit down and think about a shot before actually taking it. These beautiful pictures have persuaded me about the importance of this process. They are really fabulous!!!
Well, I always have a game plan. I never shoot without intent 🙂 It helps me focus and otherwise I would end up with way too many images I don’t actually need. It’s the hardest part though, forming a clear vision of what is forming there, in the depths of your creative mind 🙂