If you photograph long enough eventually the technical aspects of the art form become comfortable and easy. For many folks who reach this plateau, they can become complacent and maybe even uninterested in even taking the camera out for a stroll. This may be even more highlighted during this time of “sheltering” when our photo world is limited to locations near us. The truth of the matter is when you reach this point of technical proficiency is where real photography begins.

I’ve presented lectures on how to keep your photography fresh and I often ask the participants why did they attend the class. The overwhelming response was either, “I’m bored with my photos” or “I don’t know what to shoot”. Many of the folks were accomplished photographers who had reached that point of proficiency I just discussed. If you’re feeling this now while “stuck at home or limited to closer locations, you’re not alone. During the lecture, a whole range of ideas are explored on ways to spice things up and the consensus could be wrapped by saying “just think outside the box”. It really is just that easy.

So, if your camera hasn’t seen the light of day for a while and considering the current state of things, let’s go on a little mindful adventure from our own home town!

1. Word concepts

Concepts are one of the easiest ways to get things rolling. Come up with a word or phrase like blue, mysterious, or how about “childish expression” to photograph. How the word or phrase is interpreted, visually is up to you… think outside the box, literally! You can download this list I came up with to get you started.

Word Concepts

2. Projects

Are always great to keep your photography fresh for a long time, maybe a lifetime. I’m still fascinated by great street art. The project began twenty some odd years ago while I was shooting the concept word “evidence” in my hometown of Denver, CO.

3. Try a new perspective.

Get a hold of a new piece of equipment. A macro lens or maybe a tilt-shift lens opens up a whole new world of creative possibilities

4. Go beyond one.

Explore a series of images that communicate a single concept like in a triptych. It gets you thinking and shooting more and helps to create a richer story for the viewer as well. This sequence highlights the classic shape of a dune and beautiful morning light in Death Valley National Park. These apples were shot at home exploring three perspectives; environmental, intimate, and abstraction.

5. If you Ying, then Yang.

Trying a different exposure or processing approach you might not be used to. This allows creativity from a fictional interpretation of your subjects, like this high and low key approach. Remember when you were a kid. There were no boundaries. Go ahead color outside the lines… experimenting is the inspiration for all creativity!

6. Go grayscale.

Black and white interpretations of previous work allow creativity without even picking up your camera or having to go anywhere. These two images were captured on a trip to Cuba, just before sheltering at home was in place. I love the framing options in Silver Efex Pro 2

7. Shake it up.

I love my tripod and crisp images, but it’s also really exciting to leave that all behind. Moving the camera with longer exposures blurs subjects and creates a unique expression you probably never imagined. On the left are tracks from a moving train. On the right, the inside of a flower.

8. Share your work with the world

Sharing photographs allows us to think about the ways we express ourselves and brighten someone’s day, including ours! Its nearly limitless the number of ways to do it: Instagram, Facebook Google+, galleries, email… the list goes on and on and on and since I’ve had a lot of “shelter” time on my hands I’m already done with a series of upcoming Instagram posts and a couple of options for next year’s holiday cards.