What Do I Shoot Now? - Self assignments to spark your creativity
Do you find that you're shooting the same types of pictures over and over? Do you leave your camera at home because you don't think you'll encounter anything interesting to photograph? You need to break out of your creative stagnation. Perhaps it's time to try using self assignments. It's an easy way to get a creative "kick in the pants"!
Assignments need to be SMART
To be successful, your self assignments need to be laid out using the same method touted by most goal setting gurus - S.M.A.R.T. They need to be Specific, Measurable, Action Oriented, Reachable and Time Based. As Photographers trying to grow our craft, I would add Interesting and Enjoyable to the list. You should strive to work outside your photographic "comfort zone" and build off the techniques and methods you already know.
SMART step by step
Let's examine each of the points listed above:
- Specific - Although "take one picture each day" is a good starting place, it's still a bit vague. Narrow it down to a specific color or subject matter. Limit yourself to using only one lens (if you have a DSLR) or only take pictures from your dog's eye level. Really narrow it down.
- Measurable - This is where you evaluate your results. Do your photos fit your specific criteria? Were they done on time? Is there something specific you can do for your next photo? Be brutally honest with yourself.
- Action Oriented - This may be a little tougher to pin down. I think that the most important thing to consider here is to give yourself an assignment that gets you out of the house. The whole idea is to break away from the familiar and try new things. Sometimes we need to force ourselves out of the cave and out into the big, beautiful world.
- Reachable - Don't start out with a mission to take a picture in each country in South America. Start small. Initially, having easier to attain self assignments will allow you to get that wonderful sense of accomplishment when it's done. As you do more self assignments you can increase the personal challenge. Whether you decide to take a picture of every flower in your garden or shoot the letters of the alphabet , these are easily completed. Finishing a smaller project will encourage you to tackle something larger next time.
- Time Based - Give yourself a specific time frame in which to finish your assignment. A shorter time of 10-30 days will be good for starting out. I would not suggest starting with a 6 month project. You'll be less likely to stick with it.
Interesting and Enjoyable
Isn't that what we all look for in many aspects of life? Any assignment you give yourself should be fun. It should be something that's outside your comfort zone so that you'll be challenged.
Now go do it!!
