Many photographers have asked me for various methods to get into a creative mindset. For those times when you are in a creative slum, or creative block.
When you can’t figure out what to photograph, or how to photograph a specific thing in your own way.
Or when you don’t know where to start when processing a photograph.
So today I want to share a few creative methods towards a creative mindset. Some of which may not sounds so obvious, but do help in their own ways.
1. Standing Desk
A standing desk gets you off your butt and on your feet. You will find yourself having natural body movements, with you feet or swaying back and forth.
Moving your body gets your brain thinking, even if you do not realize it.
I have made my own standing desk, and used it for a while until picking up an UpDesk. The advantage of the UpDesk is the ability to process photographs with many monitors and my Wacom tablet. The UpDesk can also be raised or lowered, anytime.
2. Balance Board
Going along with the standing desk is a balance board. The one I use is Level from the company Fluidstance. Level was an IndieGoGo campaign turned official product. During product testing, a 3rd party testing lab determined that using Level increased heart rate by an average of 15%.
That means using a product like Level is better for our heart as well as your brain.
I find myself feeling great while standing on Level for an hour or so.
Sometimes I’ll find myself going an entire day standing on it, and I forget because it’s so natural.
That means working through meetings, writing articles and even processing photos.
3. Tablet
Speaking of a Wacom tablet. If you don’t already have one, please give it a try. Using one of these instead of a mouse can open up some doors in your mind.
In some ways you will being to think more like an artist. I say that because you are brushing and painting and drawing like someone with a brush or pen.
The pressure sensitivity and reactive features in Photoshop, Lightroom, On1, MacPhun and other software, allow you to go the distance in your processing.
I find myself using my Wacom tablet for non photo use as well. The pen has become my mouse.
4. The Outdoors
Change of scenery can give your creativity a boost. Whenever I work at a Starbucks, Panera or any other chain store with free wifi, power and seating, I find that I can be more protective and create new pieces (photo processing or writing).
But when I work outdoors, like in my backyard, that creative boost in increase at least double. If there was a scale to track creativity I’m sure it would show some high numbers.
So next time you’re in a slum, take your laptop, iPad or Android tablet outside and think outside the box (or home).
You may be surprised just how much and what you can get done.
Summing It Up
Today I have shared 4 creative ways that I increase my creativity for both writing and for photography.
I hope that you walk away with some new ideas for yourself, and that you are willing to give them a try.
Please leave a comment with how it goes for you. And if you have your own ideas, please share it with the community.