Better to be creative than sorry!
As a mentor, I meet hundreds of photographers every month and see thousands of pictures everyday. When I meet new photographers and see their portfolios, I can see the same kind of images, the same compositions and the same look as the next person. It’s rare that someone stands out.
Either everyone wants to follow the leader (monkey see monkey do) or they just doesn’t have the courage to stand out and take original pictures.
The standard reply to that problem is, “I am not creative enough”.
Creativity has been defined, as the ability to produce novel ideas that are useful and appropriate to the situation. Creativity involves flexible thinking.
Creativity is a natural and an essential impulse. Everyone has it! We are creative everyday. Without knowing it, we take creative decisions. What route to take to work, what clothes to wear, what shoes go with what dress etc. Not just human beings, plants, tress, bird and animals, everyone is creative. Trees will often bend just enough for it’s leaves to catch the sun. Have you heard the story of the thirsty crow? Animals need to be creative for survival.
So we come to the question, “Is creativity a natural talent?”
My answer, No!
It’s something that can be developed and learned. Photographers need to be creative to survive.
So, what stopping us?
I think the main reason is we don’t want to take risks. We all want to play it safe. Successful photographers are the ones who take risks and have discipline. All you need to do is, go out there and do it. Don’t let roadblocks dampen your spirit. Don’t sit at home and expect to get lucky. Be a beginner again!
Don’t be afraid of what people are going to think. Trees are not confused about their talent. Birds don’t have stage fright, they go out and sing. They don’t worry about bad reviews.
“A ship is always safe at the shore — but that is not what it is built for” ~ Albert Einstein
Enjoy this journey and keep learning. We all have to keep taking the risks and not worry about the results.