Its the time of year again where I start to feel a little antsy. Maybe because there is less and less time spent outside, maybe it is because my birthday is rolling around or maybe it is because of the holidays and the fact that another new year is about to roll over and a new one begin. Or maybe, just maybe it is something else.
When I feel a bit stir crazy like this it is a creativity bug that I notice most. I want to make things and to let my hands and eyes do the magic that I know they can do if I give them a chance. If I just get my head out of the way and let things happen.
I think this year, the antsy-ness might be a little worse than usual, because I have that other major creative endeavor happening- you know the little boy that has entered my life? He takes time and isn't always thrilled if I am paying more attention to the sewing machine or the camera settings then him. Mind you I am SO not complaining about this little distraction of a person. He is the best thing going if you ask me, it is just trying to find that balance that I always heard other woman talking about- being a mom and being me. (And, by the way, who is this "me" now anyway? so much has shifted in the 8 weeks that Mr.O has been on this planet I can't even tell you.)
But anyway, back to the creativity business. I have been thinking a lot about my photography. How can I make it better, what do I want to work on, to approve upon? I have been going out onto flickr and have been thinking that I should start to really study those photos that I favorite. Why are they something that I put a little star by? Is it the composition of the photograph that I like? Perhaps the lighting or the tone of the photo. Is the picture in black and white or color- if its in color what about the color draws me in? If I can study what it is I like and recognize it, then shouldn't I be able to use it as inspiration and to improve my own photos using those as an example, I think so. This is why I love the Internet. It gives me this fantastic opportunity to take a tour through an art gallery without leaving the couch.
When I go out for my daily or almost daily walk, I need to pack the camera with me. start snapping photos as I go. Today I saw several beautiful photographs as I walked up to the park and around the loop. I took mental photographs but didn't have the Canon on me to do the real thing. The trees in town are amazing right now, the skies dramatic with clouds and shots of sun streaming through hitting the mountains in the most theatrical way.
Where do you all find inspiration? When do you fit in your creative time? And how do you keep your creative selves fueled?
Despite being distracted most of the time with my 4 and 6 year old boys, I find much more inspiration in my daily life than I did pre-parenthood. I get to spend more time outdoors and I try to pay attention to my surrounding details. Bringing a camera along is a great way to do this, as you suggest. Trying to see the world through their eyes inspires me too. Most of my creative time is in the evening. It never seems like enough. :)
ReplyDeleteHow inspiring! I like your quest. I love your flickr favorites (may borrow a few). and you have the best subject to practice with...that beautiful baby of yours.
ReplyDeleteI'm stuck on making a small part the focal point in my photos. I like detail, rather than big picture. however, I want to grow and your questions are a good starting place.
I can't wait to see what you create...
oh, it's so hard. in those early days of mom-hood, i thought 'i've done all the creating i can...she's right here in front of me!' i don't remember doing much at all. but then i felt my identity slipping away and i knew i had to get back to doing something and calling it my own.
ReplyDeletei go through stages. sometimes, i don't take a photo for weeks or think a single creative thought. then the light hits some grass a certain way and i take 30 photos. i used to worry about those 'droughts' but now i just accept them and know something will come around. i like your idea of revisiting flickr faves. i'm feeling a little cramped by photography lately and want to try something new. i guess i'll wait and it'll come to me. :)
My friend has said my pictures has improved since Ian was born. I guess the little break that I had did me good, and of course, the joy and happiness I experience everyday with Ian. That fueled me.
ReplyDeleteI often to go to a shoot with no specific ideas in my mind, like a blank canvas and let the couple inspire me. That's the best part of my job -- I get to meet new people everyday and be inspired by them.