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Are you being creative?

My last article on creativity went down so well that it's given me inspiration to write another. I thought it might be handy to take a look at some of the attitudes and psychology that underlie creativity.

Some people are naturally creative while others have to work at it but we can all be more creative.

To be creative you've got to let your imagination work. Don't judge things and apply reason and rationale to everything. Just think, what if we did...? The driver here is curiosity and the wish to challenge the norm, challenge assumptions and opinions. You shouldn't make it hard work either. Enjoy the freedom. Be optimistic in your outlook. Any problem becomes a challenge rather than something negative.

Creativity can be stimulated by actively seeking out problems and then getting your creative juices to flow so you can solve them and remember there is often more than one solution. The true creative doesn't just stop at the first answer. Try a different angle and see where that leads. Above all don't give up. Persevere and work hard.

So next time when you're taking a landscape or a portrait, don't do the same type of shot you've become comfortable with, the safe option. Use the mindset I've described above. Challenge the conventions and challenge that safe niche you've created for yourself. You only grow by stretching your creative abilities.

And finally don't let the people with a negative attitude and the dogmatic rule book followers, who have no imagination, drag you down to their level. However you do need to have an open mind because ironically the boundary between genius and total crap is a lot thinner than you may think. But I think it is better to fail spectacularly than to not try at all. The edge is the place to be. Fear of change and the new is the enemy.

I sincerely hope you found this article inspirational. Please feel free to comment or drop me an email.

Cheers,
Paul
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Comments

Unknown said…
Great read again, Paul. I thoroughly enjoy your blog - your thoughts, ideas and tips on photography.

thank you,
Marleen
13:15
Anonymous said…
Paul,
What you say about creativity,
and try to follow rule book directions.
Well,
There are so many who have the scills of being creative.
In paint, music or art in whatever kind.
But starting from the point that you know what balance is,
in a picture or 'just' graphics.
The feeling, not the fact of lines or balance who tell you something
fits.
Mmmmmmmmmmmmm
I think more photographers should
first explore and learn the way so many good photographers have walked.
And at the same time, seek for the little difference.

Hope you understand.
I am the first who says explore.
But...

Kurt
20:21
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