You never need lose the ability to take great and original photographs. Even when you tire of the same routines there is still a myriad of potential images out there - right in front of you.
We all lose the ability to see new and original images from time to time. This could be due to inspirational block for which there are other solutions (see one of my other articles). However, it may be because you have not aught yourself to see images correctly.
Imagine you are walking down a woodland path. You have done the journey several times and taken photographs of all the trees that you see around you, in all weather and through every season. There are no more images, you say, that would be original, new or different.
That's what you say.
Ignore the trees, the undergrowth, the pathway and concentrate on one leaf. Pick it up.
Look at the shape of the leaf; the colors, the patterns. What sort of texture does it have? Is it moist or dry, fresh or aged?
Look even closer - can you see the veins on the undersurface? Can you even see small projections, hairs or attachments? You will be able to make out the stalk of the leaf, the periphery and the size. Study it closely.
Now, hold the leaf up to the sun or sky. See what a difference that makes? The leaf becomes translucent and its quality changes.
Have you discovered any new photo-opportunities with that one leaf? Now, how about two leaves, four leaves, six leave, a hundred leaves? Now add the twigs and branches and then think about the canopy of leaves above you. Look at the patterns of the trees, the types of trees, the undergrowth, sky, paths and ditches. Look for water, birds, debris and people.
How many more inspirational ideas will you be needing?
Eric Hartwell is an enthusiastic photographer. He owns and runs the photography resource site http://www.theshutter.co.uk and the associated discussion forums http://www.theshutter.co.uk/forums as well as the regular weblog at http://thephotographysite.blogspot.com Anyone interested in getting involved contact him at shutter@theshutter.co.uk
