Rekindle your creative spark in your nature photography with five strategies to boost your skills and elevate your photos from “nice” to “wow, did you take that??”
Simple Strategies to Spark Creativity
Creativity.
It’s one of those things that you know it when you see it, you know it when you feel it, but sometimes it’s hard to put your finger on exactly what creativity IS in an image.
Yet, when it’s there it’s what takes our photos from “nice” to “wow, did you take that?” It’s what lets us capture the heart and soul of the wilderness and share it in a way that makes people stop mid-scroll on their feeds.
But let’s be real here, sometimes finding that creative spark feels like trying to spot a snow leopard in the middle of a snowstorm.
One minute it’s there, and the next, it’s vanished into thin air.
But, not only finding creativity, but turning it into a practice so you can conjur it up any time you need it is actually possible. And today, we’re going to dig into some practical strategies that can kickstart your creativity. These tips won’t just add a little zing to your nature photography; they’ll take it to a whole new stratosphere. So, stick around, this is going to be a fun one.
Let’s explore five strategies to ignite your creative spark in photography:
1. Change Your Perspective
We often view the world from a standard, human perspective, standing or sitting. Challenge this routine by altering your viewpoint. Get down low to the ground and discover the intricate details usually unseen, or ascend high to capture an expansive bird’s eye view of your surroundings. The world offers different stories at every level.
2. Play with Light
Light is the lifeblood of photography, establishing the mood, accentuating depth, and evoking colors. Experimenting with various lighting conditions, like the magical glow of the golden hour or the diffused light of an overcast sky, can dramatically transform your images.
3. Experiment with Techniques
Photography, being an art, thrives on innovation. Try out different techniques such as long exposure for capturing motion or macro photography for revealing the minute details of smaller subjects. Intentional camera movement can also create abstract images, bursting with color and dynamism.
4. Embrace the Elements
Mother Nature is a fickle artist, constantly changing her palette. Don’t just wait for ‘perfect’ conditions, harness the power of storms, rain, snowfall, and seasonal changes to add drama, serenity, or life to your photos.
5. Tell a Story
Aim to capture not just the scene but the emotion and essence of the moment. Look for storytelling elements like wildlife interactions, changing moods of the sky, or the interplay of light and shadow.
We challenge you, on your next nature photography outing, to apply one of these tips. Whether you try a new perspective or photograph in challenging weather, push yourself beyond your comfort zone.
Remember, creativity is a muscle, one that grows stronger with practice. It’s about risk, experimentation, and above all, enjoyment. So head out with your camera, let your creativity guide you, and above all, have fun. After all, that’s what photography is truly about.
