We all know that the best way to learn our camera settings is to practice. Blah, blah, blah. You hear it over and over - probably from me. Because it really IS the only way to TRULY learn how aperture and shutter speed and ISO all play together in their proverbial sandbox.

So why don’t we? Why don’t I practice French every single day so that I get better at it? Because practice isn’t always super fun. And it reminds us of how much we don’t know about something.

Here’s the thing. You have to find a FUN way to practice that inspires you to get out your camera. That sounds nice, doesn’t it? OK, so how exactly does that work?

Here’s where the win-win comes in. In order to get better with your camera you have to practice. We’ve established that. When you get inspired and try creative fun new things with your camera, then the practice happens AND doesn't even feel like practice! It’s actually fun! Hence, win...win.

All right, how exactly do you get inspired and have that creativity start to gush out? Well that’s exactly what we’re here to talk about today. For a few reasons. One because we’ve established that by trying creative fun new things with your camera, you’ll develop your travel photo skills. Two, because I feel strongly that we all have a creative genius trapped inside and I’m determined to set as many free as possible. And three, because I think many of us (me included) are feeling a little stuck (physically and mentally) right now because of the current state of world affairs.

So in the spirit of having fun, letting your freak flag fly, and bonding with your camera...let’s dive into creativity and how we find it, put it to use, and grow from it. Shall we??

When you challenge yourself creatively, the photos you would normally take look a little different. Like this restaurant in Barcelona, taken from the reflections on the ceiling.

There are a few things without your camera that can help you tap into your creative energy. For reference, I recommend The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron. Julia is the godmother of helping artists harness their creative talents. She recommends techniques such as Morning Pages, which is free-form writing every morning of whatever comes to mind. For 3 pages. Every morning.

She also recommends Artist Dates where you and your inner artist do something creative every week. You schedule the day and time, and do something, anything that feels artistic like cooking, painting, drawing, writing, or going to an art museum (when they’re open again, anyway). The concept is just to get your mind flowing in a different direction than from the standard stuff we do every day. By doing a little something every day, the creativity inside you becomes a more natural part of your life.

Now that the creative energy is flowing freely, let’s get out those cameras. Saying that you’re going to make “more creative photos” sounds nice, doesn’t it? But what does it mean?

Well, I think for all of us, it’s easy to get in a rut and then all our photos start to look similar. Or your rut might be that you're not making any photos. Whatever rut you’re trying to break out of, the key is to try something different, something new, maybe even something weird.

In order to give you some direction, I’m going to provide you with 5 Creativity Exercises for you to try out. Because you don’t just pick up your camera and say “I’m going to make some creative photos” and voila, your photos are more creative. I think a few guidelines to spur the imagination are helpful. So here are a few to get you started.

What I would suggest is to schedule your “Artist Date” or “Camera Playdate''- call it whatever speaks to you. Heck maybe it’s Creative Genius Homecoming or Stand Back World, This is Going to Get Crazy Day. Choose a specific day and time frame, say for an hour, or 2 hours, or an entire morning. And then pick one of these exercises and make that your theme for your Artist Date (or Creative Goddess Day). Choose a different theme every time to give them all a whirl.

Being creative with your camera means different things. It can mean being open to seeing things differently, but it can also mean trying new techniques. For this shot, we dissected an old computer and then submerged a part in water with a light behi… — Being creative with your camera means different things. It can mean being open to seeing things differently, but it can also mean trying new techniques. For this shot, we dissected an old computer and then submerged a part in water with a light behind it. Yes really.

#1 Photograph Calm

This is anything that embodies calm, peacefulness...to you. It can mean a sunset, still water, a sleeping child, or pet.

Whatever you see that makes you think of calm, that’s the subject. As you walk around think about this topic and try to capture it in your photos.

#2 Tell a Story With A Single Photo

So this time you’re looking for something that could tell a story. Something that makes you wonder what’s going on or what’s happening next. This could be as simple as an open gate that makes you wonder what’s behind it. Or a path, wondering where it leads.

You’re keeping your imagination open and eyes peeled for something that looks like there’s a story or mystery behind it.

This photo inside the MoMA in New York City is a good example of a storytelling photo. You can look at this photo and immediately come up with a story about what is or could be happening.

#3 Create Abstracts

Now this one REALLY pushes your imagination and creativity, if you ask me. You’re forced to look around at your world in a whole different way. Now instead of leaves, you’re seeing patterns, colors, shapes. You’re looking at a tree trunk as artwork.

To create an abstract photo, you might have to get really close, fill the frame. Or use a blurred effect. Or...I don’t know, you’re the Creative, you decide! The end result is a photo of something that the viewer can’t quite identify what it is.

Do you know what this is?? It’s a water spout on a metal surface, and as the water has leaked out over the years, rust and buildup have formed. With a little enhancement in Lightroom for extra effect. How fun is THAT?!

#4 Photos of People With No Faces

Yep, you read that right. People but no faces. Which means every other body part (be polite) is fair game. Feet, hands, shadows, hair. Let your imagination really run wild.

This one can be fun if you know the person and maybe a little intimidating if you don’t. Photographing feet is always a pretty safe option and can make for some really interesting photos that give context and mystery, without identity.

And since we’re living in the time of social distancing, you won’t be able to get close, but if you have a zoom lens, cooperative family, or stretch your imagination, I think you’ll be able to come up with some cool photos.

No faces make people more mysterious, anonymous.

Hands can give a feeling of helping, nurturing, or giving. See what you can come up with to show a person’s personality or story without their face. It’s a good one!

#5 Show Motion

Interpret this however your artist’s mind would like. It can be blurred, frozen, allude to something that sometimes moves...

Just keep the word “motion” in mind as you wander around during your Whatever-you’re-calling-it Date.

I’m a fan of the blurred motion photo. Do that by slowing your shutter speed down. This one was 1/3 second.

Are you excited to get out your camera and give these a try?? I HOPE SO!! Just keep your expectations in check here. You’re trying some new and weird things. So you might end up with some cool results, and you might just end up with a bunch of well...weird photos. But that’s OK! We’re not trying to win any contests or please anybody here. We’re just getting creative, having fun, and getting out of our heads for a few hours. I don’t know about you, but I sure need to do that.

What I would LOVE for you to do, is to jump over to our private Facebook Group and share some of your results. And if you’re REALLY feeling sassy and want to share some of your results, struggles, challenges, or wins directly with me, schedule a chat. I would love to hear from you!