I’ve spent some time thinking. Thinking about ways to improve art, to improve my photography. Sometimes people get into this mode of the “I can’ts.” “I can’t do this,” or “that would be impossible,” or “I’m just not good enough.” When we have these thoughts regularly, we regularly convince ourselves that we’re not good enough or not capable enough—and when we believe this about ourselves, sure enough, we end up being right.
When we move past this obstacle. Then, the possibilities are almost endless.
This is a valuable mindset to take into the field when we’re creating photographs. It’s not about the ego, not about telling yourself that you are better than others or that you are so all-powerful that you can do absolutely anything. Rather, it’s about not allowing self-discouragement to sabotage your creative efforts. That’s what happens when you let these obstacles control your photography.
Here's the important thing—approaching art with the idea that there is likely an approach to success, even if you’ve not yet thought of it. When you can’t get the right angle on a subject, maybe it’s time to look at alternate ways to get the angle you want. Lay on the ground, climb a nearby tall building, get a ladder, save up for a zoom lens.
What happens when you’re trying to create a photograph of a sweeping vista, but pesky branches keep intruding around the edges of the frame no matter where you stand or how you set up the frame? That’s what Photoshop is for! Think of ways to create the image to make deleting those intrusive branches as easy as possible.
What do you do when you want to take one of those beautiful, satiny waterfall pictures, but the sky is too bright and you forgot your neutral density filters? Make several exposures, one with soft water, another for the sky, and however many you will need to piece the whole thing together with good exposure across the whole frame.
When you have that can-do attitude in your photography, you will find that there are almost always workarounds. It is revitalizing because it lets you approach your art with belief in your creativity.
Now go and enjoy the beauty of God’s creation through your lens.
