As a photographer, how much time did you spend in 2019 elevating your inner artist? I’m not referring to our normal time in the field, or time post processing. Specifically, what did you do to elevate your creativity and artistry?
Your Inner Artist ~ Patiently Waiting
What do you remember about the long meetings you sat through this year? You know the ones. There was death by Powerpoint. Additionally, a lot of multi-syllable corporate speak followed by scurrying to update action items and craft emails.
Truthfully, we probably don’t remember much about those meetings unless something crazy-cool or unique happened (or we took a lot of notes!).
How did you feel after investing time in you and your photography? Pretty awesome! Sure, we have to do our day job. But we also need to take care of our creative gene. When we learn new tricks and tips, they impact our work. Not to mention our psyche.
2020 – Your Year of Elevated Artistry
As we move from December 31 to January 1, we are the ones that make new resolutions come to life. So, what can we do to spice up our inner artist in 2020? Here’s 10 free and fee ideas to up your game and have some fun.
Free
- Join a free photowalk or event that takes you to a subject outside of your comfort zone. Spend time with others who feed your addiction and see what happens.
- Commit to learning a new post processing technique each week or month. It’s easy to say “I need to learn (insert your choice).” It’s more fun when you learn and put it into action. On the last day of 2019, I finally did my minimalist image. I need work, but it’s a place to start (see image below).
- Try creating an abstract image in-camera. The only cost to this one is time. Slow down your shutter and gently move your camera. Check out our Fast Tip on Creating Abstract In-Camera Images.
- Read articles, watch you tube videos, gaze at magazines. An abundance of information awaits you. From your sweet spot to pushing the creative envelop, inspiration is a Google or other browser away.
- Join a photo club or attend one of their meetings to observe a photo contest in action. This may be a fee one but if it is, it’s relatively small compared to our investment in photography. Camera clubs offer live feedback on submitted images. You’ll learn from the feedback on your images. You’ll also gain from hearing feedback on the other submissions too.
Fee
- Install and try a plug-in that converts your images into creative works of art. Topaz Studio 2 and other Topaz Labs products convert your images into many artistic styles. By using looks, that include traditional techniques and filters to apply a wide array of effects, there are endless combinations.
- Attend a local workshop, or if it’s an option a destination workshop. Workshops that foster learning from each other, in addition to the instructor, reward attendees with new techniques and new contacts.
- Invest in an art lens. Turn your existing lens into an art lens through your technique or try an art lens. I recently added the Lensbaby Sol 45 to my camera bag. It’s a fixed aperture all-manual lens. So far, it’s been a great use of time. For $199.00, it’s sharp. It also pushes the thought process in composing your image.
- Print and display your work. We takes tons of images and then leave them on drives and social media. Print and display your art on your walls, desk, even office. Your friends, family and co-workers will enjoy.
- You’ve created great work, why not show it off on a website, Etsy store or art show? I’m not suggesting that you do all three. If you have an website, it could be time for an overhaul. If you’re not getting the traction you expected, it’s probably not your website. People tend to go to photo websites to look and admire. People go to Etsy and art shows to shop. Pure and simple. More information coming on websites and Etsy shops soon.
With work, family and hectic schedules, time too easily slips away. Goals have a higher success rate when we have a doable plan. Select two or three goals and then go for it! You (and those around you) won’t regret upping your game and the artistry that evolves.
Looking for one more resolution? If you need an inexpensive, bullet-proof back up plan check out: Before Our Work Is In Ashes: Backblaze and Data Protection
