One of the biggest things that gets in the way of creating photos you love and can’t wait to share is something I call - but I don’t have (fill in the blank).
But I don’t have that window.
But I don’t have that table.
But I don’t have that lens.
But I don’t have that kitchen.
You get the idea.
But what DO you have?
We must switch our thinking when we aim to create photos in a minimalist way. We all have things that are unique to us - our personalities, our values, our way of living, our location, our experiences.
This way of thinking has gotten me past so many of those woe-is-me moments that had the potential to make me feel like I’d never create photos I loved.
And it prompts me to challenge myself to use what I have to create a photo - using what you’ve got.
Making this a regular practice will:
Help you focus on what you can create instead of what you can’t
Improve your editing skills
Help you develop your individual style
This is how it works for me. I find a surface that I’d likely never think of for a photo. It’s not pretty stone - real or faux, or a midcentury modern table.
For example, a super shiny surface like our grill outside.
Then I grab a prop I have around or maybe it’s a bowl I use every day.
Next, I find a subject. In this case, some strawberries. The only three that developed off of the small potted strawberry plant I keep in memory of our pug Macy Mae.
Take a few photos. Then have some fun with the editing. See what you can create.
You may love them. You may think - nope, this isn’t me. But you’ve challenged yourself and figured a few things out in the process.
I do this practice a lot. And I’ll be sharing more of those experiences and the photos that result here on the blog.
Interested in exploring more surfaces for your photography, but don't have a lot of space? Be sure to grab this free training: