There is nothing more exciting than to be able to venture outside with my camera when I am inspired. However, it is whole other thing when I am just not feeling it. Similar to writers, photographers can feel uninspired and need to find ways to deal with a conceptual block. This post covers the creative voids and how to overcome them.
Subject Matter Boredom: There may be times when you may tire of your day-to-day surroundings and a change in scenery may be needed. Located in the Napa Valley, I am forever grateful for the natural light and beautiful setting. Fortunately, there is no shortage of new and exciting places to shoot. Both Sonoma and Napa Valleys are forever changing and very inspiring. In this respect, the geography truly inspires me.
However, as a professional photographer, I am frequently asked to capture the areas renowned landscapes in combination with man-made structures. So what happens when the subject matter is not quite working with the surroundings?
Uncooperative Subject Matter: There are times when the position of the structure may not be easy to shoot. Instead of wringing your hands in frustration, I allow myself to look at the surroundings and structure in a new way. I may choose to focus on the unique characteristics or geometries of the structure and let the landscape take a supportive role.
In this image of Blueline Vineyard, designed by Olle Lundberg of Lundberg Design, I intended to create an impression of a structure floating in abstract form with the hills and vineyard in the foreground. The image is about composition, free form relationships to an illuminated man-made element. It was my intent to make the relationship between these elements work and while staying true to the design. This vantage point was chosen to show this and with just enough of what it is there, but also eliminate a lot of equipment on the crush pad. Sometimes we have to create great images with what we have to work with like this one.
Good Ideas Gone Flat: Adversely to uncooperative subject matter, there are times when I thought I had a brilliant photographic perspective and it did not work out. I dont let these occasions hinder my progress. It is important to always challenge myself during these moments and continue to act on these photographic epiphanies. The only way to grow is to move away from what you already know. Take creative risks. With confidence and understanding of the creative risk taking, the higher the probability you will stumble upon a true creative gem.
Conceptual blocks can be incredibly frustrating. I like to look at these moments as an opportunity for creative growth. These moments are not indicative of a lack of creativity, rather a time to look at the world through a new lens. Like any other challenge we face as humans, what matters is how we respond to these hurdles.
What do you think about how I approached the geometry of Blueline Vineyard? I would like to hear from you.
Creating images that move you forward!
Douglas Sterling