Getting out of the Box

Sometimes we photographers are unduly influenced by our audience, whether that audience is our friends, family, collectors, clients, ad agencies, stock agencies, etc. After a while, sometimes, we just get on auto-pilot, shooting what's requested, following the script, whatever. When I teach my classes I always tell my students to shoot what they love first and foremost. Especially when learning photography, trying to second guess what other will like or are expecting from you will only lead to frustration. Learn the ropes, develop your personal style, get familiar with the equipment and what you can do with it. Do what you love. Then, when someone requests a particular photo of a specific thing, you will be more comfortable attempting to fulfill that request (theoretically).

What happens when you end up locked in the box? You've somehow lost your focus or have been lured away from what you love to do, which is photograph or photography particular things.

Here's some inspiration from Chip Simons who's written a pleasurable article called "Outcast of Originality" at Editorial Photographers. It's an inspiration to shoot whatever strikes your fancy. Some quotable quotes Chip has written:

"Change your perspective…don’t ever show me something from 5 foot 9….I know what it looks like already. "

"Don’t be so obsessed with taking great pictures…..that’s a horrible pressure to put on yourself."

"You can take the worst pictures on earth if you want…it’s really easy."

"Nobody really cares what you do so you better like it….or at least realize it is all part of a process that will lead to something else."

Dispensing with "proper photographic etiquette" might not be the subjects or subject matter that gets you paid, but being free with your creativity can do a couple things:

1. Keeps your mind in creative mode. Especially with digital, you're able to do and try things you probably wouldn't have with film on account of the expense and time delay of film processing.

2. Involves you in new techniques that could lead to uses for more commercially viable work.

3. Happy accidents do happen.

Read this article over and over, Print it out and hang it up where you can see it. Visit Chip's website, and go out and shoot whatever strikes your fancy.