by Leigh
I know we talk quite often about being stuck in a rut. For me, I always seem to be burned out and running on empty when it comes to creativity at the end of the summer. I miss the good old days of opening my email to find a photo prompt from Tracey Clark and her Picture classes in my inbox. I remember the feeling of excitement after reading it. My camera would be my companion for the week as I went about my business…always keeping the prompt in the back of my mind just waiting to find that perfect shot. It was that weekly focus that kept my creative juices flowing. And just as fulfilling as finding my perfect shot...was seeing the gallery full of photos from everyone else. It was a warm and environment and that is where my true love of photography began to grow.
It's been difficult for me to find something similar to those classes that spur the same sort of excitement, so I decided to start giving myself assignments. My friend Angie Dornier did a personal project called Jar of Inspiration where each week she drew a different theme out of a jar. I always thought that was such a genius idea and it's always been in the back of my mind thinking that someday that might be just the thing when I need a creative push. But now for the hard part….coming up with assignments. For my first one I decided on patterns. And boy did I hit the jackpot when I visited the Oklahoma City Myriad Botanical Gardens. Floating on top of the ponds were beautiful water plants like this clover. Outside in the gardens were Zinnia buds like the one above just waiting to burst open but first they must show off their intricate pattern.
Not only were these ponds perfect for the assignment, but they also happened to be my favorite color! For the first time in a few months I'm finding myself excited about getting out there with my camera. My Nikon and I are going to get reacquainted with this project. (truth be told…only the first photo was taken with my Nikon. The others are iPhone.)
Are you feeling a little ho-hum these days? I would love to hear your ideas for other themes. Maybe some of you would like to go on assignment with me!
8 comments:
This is "for real" inspiration! Such a great idea to prompt yourself! I too miss picture classes -it was a very special time for many of us here. I wonder if you have seen Xanthe's Paris -London site -//www.facebook.com/pages/London-vs-Paris/196490193743553. I love how their prompts are so specific ( ie: lamp post" etc) They really give you a sense of place. The US might be too homogenous, but we could try a few ....
Sounds like a great idea to keep your creativity at a peak! Lovely shots!
oh yes leigh...running out of steam at the end of summer...totally get it. love how you're getting back into your groove with nature like only you can do! :)
Oh, yes, I think we are all still suffering a bit of withdrawal from Tracey's classes! Since those classes ended, I have been enjoying the prompts on Flickr at Prompt Addicts. Love Angie's prompt jar idea too! Your photos are wonderful and really show your creativity coming back to life. Now that our hot weather is starting to cool, I'm looking forward to getting out and making friends with my Canon again!
Ah, the Picture days. Brings back so many good memories. My son is in a course now with some photography assignments and I want to do them all! Maybe I need to go back to school? I am a fan of homework. If it involves cameras. But online courses, I generally run out of steam. Okay. Quit job, take course in person. That's sorted. Thanks, Leigh! hahhaha
I've read this twice and failed to comment. This is really too fantastical but I've thought a lot lately about our Picture days and have been missing them as well, as much for the close friendships as the prompts. I remember Angie's jar idea and I think it's a winner. Our iPhones are terrific but we each owe it to ourselves and our artistry to keep our love affairs with our Big Girl Cameras alive. Or to put it another way, dance with them that brung us.
Thanks for the mention here Leigh. I'm glad that something I touched sparked the creative fire inside you again. I, too, am hungry for another assignment, but more importantly, the community of amazing people that collaborated to make it so special. Keep up the good work on the self-assigned work. I'm looking forward to seeing more patterns from you! -A
I have been stuck in a rut all year... It doesn't help that I have had to deal with 2 surgeries which have kept me house bound for the last 4 months. I'm so eager to get outwith my camera but I have absolutely no inspiration! The jar idea sounds great. I love your images, Leigh!
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