Perspective - Staying Creative
What keeps you creative? This is a question that is often asked not only by artists and creatives, but by me too. I sometimes struggle to find that "get up and go" needed to create photos or art. However, there are some things I've used over the years to help me keep going, even when I'm not in the mood.
If you live in a "boring" area like me, I've noticed that if I am not coming home with photos that inspire me, I will get uninspired fast. For instance, around this time of year, in the winter, I will start to lose the motivation to get out and shoot. It's a mix of it being cold and often the weather isn't as lovely. To counter this, I like to start by photographing something I've shot before. Maybe try it in a different light or with a different focal length. I use this familiarity as a starting point because at least I’ll come home with a few decent photos. Often that is enough to get me excited to get back out there shooting again. My local movie theater is a place that always feels good to photograph.
Starting a project is something I also like to do when I'm in a creative rut. A new project goes hand and hand with starting with something familiar. Maybe you noticed a trend in what you shooting or have an idea for a zine you've been sitting on. There's no better way to get those creative juices flowing than a project. Recently, I decided to start a new zine/project. First I sat down and wrote out a few ideas. Would it be more corners, all old cars, or something completely different? I decided to start shooting 1x1 format, with more contrasty colors since it's winter, and just see what happens.
By starting with something familiar and having a goal in mind, I started with a bit of a heads start. Now, I am feeling like my photographs and work as some purpose. However, I think the most important thing you can do to stay creative or get creative is give yourself some time. It is normal to lose motivation or start comparing yourself to others. Just be easy on yourself, and focus on what you can control. Take breaks, write down ideas as they come, and when you feel that little spark of creativity lean into it. I know for me, creativity comes in waves, and it’s best just to ride and enjoy them.
Contact Sheet - The Regal
I thought it would be fitting since I touched on this in the perspective section to look at some recent photos of an old place. This Regal has been my favorite subject over the years. The lines, shapes, and more importantly the colors of this building are gorgeous. Sadly, this week we found out that they are closing this location. I’m glad that I’ve taken so many photos of this movie theater. However, for this, lets dive into why I chose to take these photographs.
I approach every place the same way, no matter where I’m at. For these photos, I already knew that I wanted a photo of the Regal head-on at dawn. I lined myself up with the main sign, and since I was cropping to 1x1, I shot this vertically. Everything starts at the peak of the sign and then tiers down from there. The “A” in Regal is the center of the subject, but if you're shooting off-center, the rest of the frame would be off. So I made sure to pay attention to that.
Up next, but what else but a corner of a building? I take one of these everywhere I go. It is basically a tradition at this point. Now, I get a lot of questions about how I shoot these the same every time. If you are looking at nine frame line boxes on a vertical photo, the sides at the tip of the corner line up with the bottom of the top middle box. Depending on the height of the building, it might look fatter or more pointy. However, they will all line up if you put them on top of one another.
This photo below is my favorite of the four. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve tried to photograph this little nook, but never seemed to look right. If you shoot it horizontally you get the movie sign in the frame. If you shoot it vertically, there is too much open space on the right-hand side due to the tall Regal part. I don’t know why I never thought to crop it 1x1, but I think it makes the difference. The crop brings it in tighter and highlights the colors and shadows.
I saw this one walking back to the car. I thought it looked almost like little houses if I cropped out the trees that were at the bottom of the frame. Honestly, I wished the tree weren’t there so I could bring everything up a little. I tried to crop in a little more, but I hated losing any of the colors and shapes at the bottom.
I hope this was helpful or fun. I know some people don’t like to tell others why they shoot certain things, because it leads to view to certain thought process. I’m interested in that type of stuff though.
Artist in Focus - Lucy Lumen
This episode’s Artist in Focus is none other than Lucy Lumen. It is hard to say all that Lucy does, but I'm going to try. She's a photographer, podcaster, writer, creative, videographer, and all-around positive influence on the film and photography community. Please enjoy some of Lucy's work and check out some of her other projects, like her YouTube channel.
Lucy Lumen's Analog Adventures on YouTube
Two Hour Radio - Say Sue Me
Now playing on Two Hour Radio is one of my favorite Surf Rock inspired indie bands, Say Sue Me. "Old Town" is the first single taken from Say Sue Me's forthcoming second album "Where We Were Together."
Say Sue Me performing live in the KEXP studio. Recorded December 13, 2019.
What bands or songs are on your editing playlist? Let me know in the comments.
Developing News
I don’t have a lot of news this week other than I’ve started this newsletter and blog, which you already know about. Thank you all so much for being here. There are over 200 people subscribed to this now, and I appreciate you taking the time to check it out.
Also, I’m still working on my zine/project. I’m about three weeks in and I’ve already taken around 120 photos. It is coming along really nicely. I’m excited to share more soon as it comes along.
Most importantly, if you have a zine, project, or something you’d like to add to the news just let me know. That’s what this section is for.
Ok, love y’all
The color pallet and shapes of the Regal series are terrific. On the Point, the little details of the vapor trail (upper left edge) balanced by the snippet of neon (lower left center) almost act as stamps of proof that its a photo and not a digital drawing. Really well done.
Woop issue 2! loving it :)