Finding inspiration for new photos can be one of the most difficult aspects of photography, especially if you have been doing photography for some time and feel that you have exhausted all options in your usual locations. You might think that no matter how often you go out you are not finding anything new to photograph, and unfortunately this can lead to lack of interest and is often the cause of the camera being left at home too frequently. You might also find that inspiration comes in bursts, possibly when you watch a photography video or discover a photographer whose work excites you, but since you don’t want to simply copy someone else the initial enthusiasm and inspiration quickly dissipates, and you are back where you started. So how do  you find inspiration for your photography? Or maybe a more accurate question might be, how do you find and maintain inspiration that will sustain your interest in photography into the future? To answer this question, I want to look at two different types of inspiration that I think are needed in photography. The first is general inspiration, the kind that gets you out with your camera on a regular basis. For this type of inspiration, I frequently check out the work of other photographers, either through video, online galleries or in print form. When I follow landscape photographers whose approach I like I am inspired by such things as their enthusiasm for finding a composition, their skill at teaching or presenting new information and/or the interesting locations they visit, and these give me the motivation to get out and make some images. Some of the current street photographers on YouTube give great ideas for how to progress at street photography, they often introduce and work with other photographers in the genre, and their videos show photographic possibilities in different towns and cities. I enjoy reading and browsing the images in photography books and with these I can keep going back for inspiration whenever it’s lacking. All of these avenues are freely available and can provide a constant source of inspiration for my photography. The second type of inspiration I need to find is the inspiration to keep getting out when it seems that the photographic possibilities are exhausted and there is nothing left to photograph. This can be a more difficult inspiration to find as motivation may already be low. In this case I need to have a range of options that will help me to make some changes. Even small changes can make a difference to motivation.   These are some of the changes I have made to bring me some inspiration and recharge my photography batteries: ·      Having an ongoing personal project I like to have an ongoing project for times when I feel uninspired. In fact, I usually have a few projects in progress that I can dip into and that give me an outlet to get my photography moving again. I believe that projects should either be something that you have a real interest in progressing or something fun that you enjoy doing. I am currently adding to a project on boats, a subject I love to photograph, and I also have a more fun project called Cats in the City. Another long running project is Bridges , which I return to frequently, while Light and Shadow is a project that I add to when I have particularly good light. Cats at the Window (Cats in the City project) Working on a Light and Shadow project has unlimited potential. ·      Changing my focus I enjoy many genres of photography. Landscape - including rural, coastal and woodland photography - street, documentary and travel photography are those I practise most. By changing my focus from one type of photography to another, and even changing focus within photography genres, I can continually find new inspiration. Sometimes I will enjoy doing long exposures, while macro or close up photography will provide renewed interest at other times. Doing monochrome photography is often a good source of inspiration for becoming more creative, while adding some abstract or ICM photography has often given my photography renewed emphasis and interest. When I feel that I have temporarily exhausted my interest in landscape photography I will often go to a town or city and spend some time doing urban photography. ·      Taking on a challenge I am not a fan of photography competitions, but I do enjoy taking on a challenge. Often this is a challenge posed online or in a magazine which I can complete in my own time. It gives me a focus and inspiration for what to photograph. Challenges are easy to find. Some photography websites such as www.digitalphotographyschool.com  present weekly challenges while other sites present monthly challenges. A simple online search will produce lots of results. The problem will be choosing! These images are part of an 'Air' challenge ·      Photographing in an unusual place Often, our lack of inspiration can stem from a sense that we are photographing in the same locations all the time and they are not offering any new photographic opportunities. This is when photographing in an unusual place can provide some much-needed inspiration. I have found myself visiting festivals and street protests, industrial areas and backstreets, abandoned buildings and fishing harbours, all in the name of inspiration! ·      Spending time in a familiar location And I do mean spending time. The photographers that I follow most on YouTube and Instagram have a few things in common. They are all passionate about photography and about being out in the great outdoors, they all express self-doubt from time to time and they admit to occasionally lacking in motivation. One of the best pieces of encouragement that I have picked up from these photographers is the advice to just get out into nature, spend time enjoying the great outdoors, whether that is in a local park, hiking a mountain or by the coast, and allow inspiration to come to me. It is a piece of advice I regularly follow. Sometimes I focus on the bigger location as I walk in my local woodland immersing myself in my surroundings, while at other times I spend time at a ‘location within a location’. I stop in a particular area and, instead of taking one photo and moving on, I spend time there, experimenting with different shots. I often capture the subject using different focal lengths or different aperture or shutter speed. I vary my composition and perspective, try to really capture my subject in numerous different ways. Spending time like this, experimenting with camera settings and composition variables, has really helped on many occasions to get my creative juices flowing again after a period of feeling uninspired. FINAL THOUGHTS ON HOW TO GET INSPIRATION FOR YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY Most photographers will find themselves lacking in inspiration from time to time. Yet if this is the case and we allow a lack of inspiration to continue we run the risk of becoming disillusioned and abandoning our photography. There are many ways in which we can overcome a lack of inspiration. I have outlined a few of the techniques I use to keep inspiration alive for my photography, but you might like to think of other ways. Giving some thought to how we find inspiration when it is lacking can be a source of inspiration in itself.

It is a widely held belief that spending time in nature has multiple benefits for our health and wellbeing. While I may not have concrete scientific evidence to back up this belief I do know that when I am out in nature I am at my calmest and I always return home feeling reinvigorated and less stressed that I did before I went out. What does spending time in nature give us that is so beneficial to our physical and mental wellbeing? When I am walking in my local woodland or along a river bank or strolling down a country lane I am in the midst of beauty. My senses are awakened by what is around me – the sights, sounds, smells and textures that are part of this natural landscape. I hear the sounds of birds chirping in the trees, water gurgling in rivers and streams, the sway of the trees in the wind. I notice how seasons change the landscape, the comings and goings of animals and birds, how colours come to life after the rain or when bathed in bright sunlight or lit by the muted glow of evening light. I notice the tiny things – the smallest mini beasts, the hidden flowers, the abundance of contrasting colours that only nature can produce, the ever changing sky. I often stop to touch and feel; to touch the rough and smooth textures of the human-made and the natural existing side by side or to feel the sun on my face and the wind in my hair. The scents of nature are not immediately obvious but if we stop and allow ourselves a moment we will smell the warm summer air filled with the scent of blossom or the dank musty smells of autumn and winter which bring their own beauty. By being out in nature our physical being can experience all weathers and seasons, have our senses filled and our hearts lifted, but there is nourishment for the mind also. That feeling of being immersed in nature brings with it something intangible, an invisible sense of calm and peace that can overwhelm us and bring a sense of awe at the wonder and beauty of it all and a real feeling of gratitude for being alive to witness this beauty. The benefits of being at one with nature are heightened when we go out with a camera to experience and observe it all more closely. It almost goes without saying that doing photography in nature has benefits for mind and body; but what can photography bring that we don’t already experience simply by being out in nature? In my view it’s about CONNECTION. Photography allows us to experience a deeper connection to the world around us. We are not simply observing, we are observing so that we can compose a picture and bring this place, this subject, this feeling to others through our images. If our images are to have depth and emotion, if they are to convey to the viewer what it was that we saw and felt, then we need to develop this sense of connection to nature and to bring our whole experience, our whole self to our photography. These photographs, all taken in roughly the same location, might illustrate what I am trying to say. Some months ago, while looking through some of my previous images, I noticed how often this scene features in my work. I began to realise that I am drawn to this group of trees for my photography. I have photographed near them or included them for regular photography and ICM, I have photographed here in all seasons and different weather conditions, I have photographed from a variety of angles and taken shots both with people or animals and without. I have taken photographs here from a variety of different focal lengths and shot in both monochrome and colour. I thought about these photos more closely to try to discover why I was drawn back here so often. The trees in this scene represent a link with the past. They were standing tall in this spot long before I was around, and they will be here long after I'm gone. These trees represent strength and courage to me. They are always here, welcoming the hundreds of people who pass beneath them every day. They are real characters in the woodland. You can almost see the trees communicate with one another as we humans pass by, hardly noticing them. They provide food and shelter for themselves and also for the hundreds of tiny creatures that live in and around them. They tolerate the squirrels who run and play up and down their trunks; they host all kinds of birds who use them as lookout posts or meeting places or just as stopping points on their flight elsewhere. By attempting to build a connection in this way I can better understand that I am a guest in an ancient spot, that I don’t just ‘take’ a photograph and move on, that I must realise that each photograph is a gift from nature and should be treated as such. Immersing my senses in nature has also given me opportunities to be creative and playful with my images. Photographing in nature has taken me to special places, places of peace, calm and beauty. It has also  encouraged me to see beauty in the ordinary, to see abundance and variety, and to witness many wonderful, if fleeting, moments. FINAL THOUGHTS Developing a deepening connection to nature takes time but in doing so I hope that I will make better, more authentic photographs, but more importantly I am deepening my spiritual connection to the world around me and that gives me an overwhelming sense of physical and mental wellbeing.

Intention Camera Movement (ICM), while not a new concept in photography, has grown in popularity over the last few years. Most photographers who are dedicated to standard photography have at least given ICM a try, many finding it to be a path to expressing their creativity in a more unique way. Photography doesn’t have to be about representing reality. The term photography means ‘drawing with light’, and this definition is particularly relevant to ICM photography. ICM photography throws out the rule book, sets creativity centre stage and gives us new and intriguing ways to produce unique impressionistic or abstract images. If you would like to boost your creativity and experiment with ICM photography this basic guide will get you started.   A Basic Guide to ICM Photography   INTRODUCTION  If you are tired of taking the same type of photographs again and again, if you would like to take a different approach to your photography or learn some new creative techniques, then you might be ready to try some ICM photography. With ICM there are no rules. It’s all about experimentation, getting creative with your camera and embracing the beauty of what you can create by intentionally blurring your images. But ICM is not simply about standing in front of a scene and moving your camera randomly. You can do that, but it might not result in anything worthwhile. However, with some thought about what subjects to capture, experimentation with different exposure times and a little bit of intentional movement, you can create truly unique and beautiful images that will leave your viewers in awe. If you think you might be interested in trying ICM photography, this basic guide will help to get you started. The creativity is up to you!   What is ICM photography? Put simply, intentional camera movement (ICM) photography is exactly what it says it is – intentionally moving the camera during exposure to create a unique, artistic effect. All it takes is some experimentation with different shutter speeds and a variety of camera movements and you can watch the magic unfold in front of your eyes.   Why do ICM photography? Aside from being a fun technique to use in photography, ICM is also beneficial in various scenarios when you don’t want a straight-forward, conventional image and would prefer to convey the essence of your subject through emphasising shapes, lines, colour, tones, or texture. In ICM photography the image can be totally abstract, or it can be impressionist, in which the subject is recognisable to some extent. This can often result in a painterly style image. Different approaches will work in different situations, and all approaches are valid. Without having to abide by the guidelines of conventional photography, ICM opens up a world of discovery and creative possibilities which can take your photography in a new and exciting direction. How do you get started with ICM? Getting started with ICM is simplicity itself. All you need is a camera, a lens, and a smattering of imagination! ·       Camera: Any type of camera on which you can manually adjust the shutter speed will work for ICM. It doesn’t have to be an expensive camera, a basic DSLR or mirrorless camera will work equally well. You can even do ICM using your phone if you can adjust shutter speed either on the phone’s native camera app or on a third-party app.   ·       Lens: A lens is the second essential for ICM photography. The type of lens is not important, either a prime lens or a zoom lens will work. However, it is good to experiment with different focal lengths and to try some zooming movements, so a zoom lens will be required for this.   While you can effectively use any lens for ICM photography, a wide-angle lens is often considered to be optimal as the wider your focal length the more pronounced the effect will be. A kit lens also works well, while a longer lens can be used to create a stronger blur effect. As you progress you may want to add a neutral density (ND) filter or polarising filter to cut down on light and allow for a longer exposure, especially if you want to do ICM in bright conditions, or a tripod to help you capture a straight horizon, but neither of these are essential to begin with. What are the best camera settings for ICM? Shutter speed Since intentional camera movement is all about controlling the shutter speed, shutter priority mode is a good place to start. Once in shutter priority mode it’s all about experimenting with different shutter speeds to see what effect you like. A longer shutter speed will give you a more abstract, stronger blur effect whereas you can create a lesser, but often more creative, blur effect with a shorter shutter speed. Most exponents of ICM photography suggest a shutter speed of between 1/20 second and 2 seconds but you can experiment for yourself to see which effect you prefer. Personally, I tend to use 1/2, 1/4, 1/5, or 1/6 second but I also experiment with other shutter speeds. Half a second shutter speed is a good place to start. The rate at which you pan will also affect the resulting image. For example, if you use half a second shutter speed and pan slowly you will achieve a different result than if you pan more quickly using the same shutter speed. Aperture If you are using shutter priority mode, the aperture will be taken care of but as you progress in ICM photography you might want to use full manual mode which gives you greater control over shutter speed and  aperture. A small aperture such as F16 or F22 will allow you to achieve a longer exposure time. ISO An ISO of 100 is generally a good ISO as it allows you to extend the shutter speed and reduce noise. Additional tips Setting your camera to manual focus keeps your camera from hunting for focus. If your lens has image stabilization you should deactivate it otherwise it will try to compensate for motion, which will defeat your purpose. What are the best subjects/locations for ICM? The answer to this is as personal as it is in any type of photography. When I began experimenting with ICM I chose random subjects that I wouldn’t normally be drawn towards, and the results weren’t very good. I have since realised that I need to choose my subjects in the same way that I would for any other type of photography. I need to choose subjects that I like, subjects that draw my eye. This can be due to good contrast, vibrant colour, strong shape or interesting texture. Having said that, there are also times when I see something that I wouldn't choose as a subject for standard photography yet I believe it has potential for ICM. As in all types of photography, ICM images will look better if their subjects are deliberately chosen and have a definite point of interest. Some locations that will yield good subjects for ICM are woodlands, coastal areas or cities and towns. Woodlands or forests are good places to start as trees provide strong lines and there is often good contrasting shape, tone and colour in the woodland foliage. These elements can be used to give an impression of the forest. The way in which you capture the tones and textures of the forest can help you create an impression of either a dark, moody place populated by shady figures, or a light, breezy space where fairies dance. Wherever and whatever you choose to photograph, you are in control of how you want the final image to appear.   What type of movements do you use in ICM photography? As its name suggests, movement is at the heart of ICM photography. The great thing is, you can use all types of camera movement, with each one yielding a different result. Here are some possibilities: Vertical panning: This up and down movement is good for vertically shaped subjects such as trees or buildings. Horizontal panning: This sideways movement is often used for coastal scenes or to capture sunrises or sunsets. It is used to emphasise colour or texture or for creating a sense of movement. Zooming:  Using your zoom lens to zoom in or out creates a spiral or swirl effect. You can vary the direction in which you zoom or the speed of zoom to create various results. Zooming can be a good approach for photographing flowers or the tops of trees, among other things. Rotating: Rotating the camera on its axis is another method used to produce spirals and swirls. Experimenting with the speed and direction of movements gives different results. Tilting: A tilting movement of the camera, sideways or up and down, produces interesting diagonal lines and unique shapes. Square movement:  A square or box movement is often used when doing ICM photography related to architecture, especially if you want to have a blurry outline of a structure rather than a completely abstract image. These are just a few of the infinite possibilities for camera movements in ICM but they provide a starting point.   Do ICM images need to be in colour? While colour is one of the variables that adds interest to ICM photography, monochrome ICM images have a uniqueness all their own. Black and white can add drama, emotion, and a sense of mystery to ICM images. Sometimes, when the colour is stripped away, you are left with shape, pattern and the flow of movement which makes each monochrome image unique. As well as eliminating colour to create a certain effect in ICM photography, we can also choose to use a limited colour palette. Each choice we make creates its own mood and emotion.   What should you avoid in ICM photography? A huge part of the enjoyment of ICM photography comes from experimenting with different techniques, movements, and shutter speeds, and it is through this experimentation that we learn about ICM, about the type of images we like to create and about how to create them. While there are many ‘failures’ in ICM photography, these can be chalked up to experience and used as learning opportunities. One way of shooting that I have learned to avoid is including too much sky in an image, particularly in a woodland image, where the bright areas of sky produce unattractive streaks of white. A way to avoid this is to start panning from the bottom of the tree and to stop before you reach where the sky meets the trees. By trial and error in ICM you will soon learn what works and what doesn’t work.   Is post-processing necessary in ICM photography? As with all types of photography, how much or how little post-processing you do entirely depends on what you want to achieve. For some ICM photographers, the image straight out of camera produces the effect they desire, and post-processing is not necessary. For others, who want to adjust saturation, contrast or colour, or who want to create a more artistic look, some post-processing will be required. The final decision regarding post-processing is up to each individual. Tips for more successful ICM photography Below are a few tips I have picked up which have helped me become more successful at ICM. I hope they will help you too. 1.    Take lots of shots.  Because ICM photography is essentially about trial and error you need to take a lot of images to get one or two that you like. You will be adjusting shutter speed and direction, adapting to the light, finding the right movement to suit the scene, and as you get started in ICM this will necessitate taking in the region of 20 – 40 images. Out of those you may have just one or two that you are happy with. The good news is that as you progress at ICM you get more used to the types of movements and shutter speeds that appeal to you and you will soon take fewer images to get what you like.   2.    Start your movement before pressing the shutter. When you are starting ICM photography it can be tricky to get the hang of pressing the shutter while moving so many photographers start to move before pressing the shutter, then press the shutter and continue moving.   3.    ‘Chimp’ but don’t delete! ICM is one type of photography where you are encouraged to look at your image after you have taken it, also known as chimping. This is because ICM is largely trial and error and looking at your image immediately gives you an opportunity to make changes if required. However, it’s also important not to delete images until you get a chance to view them properly on a big screen. You might be surprised when that image you nearly rejected turns out to be one of your favourites.   4.    Try ICM in many locations. Good ICM images can be achieved in all kinds of locations. Forests, fields of flowers, streets, coastal areas, even hedgerows or country lanes will yield great images so don’t confine yourself to one or two locations. Experiment with different locations as well as with settings and movements and watch your ICM photography progress. CONCLUSION Intentional Camera Movement is a photography technique that moves our photography away from reality and allows us to create more artistic looking images. There are many reasons to give ICM photography a try: ·       ICM encourages exploration, imagination, and creativity. ·       It helps us to step outside our comfort zone and learn new techniques. ·       It can be practised in all locations, all seasons and all weathers. ·       There are no rules with ICM, the results are unique to each photographer. Intentional Camera Movement is a creative way of doing photography in which we can give our imagination free rein and in which the only barriers to what we produce are the limits of that imagination.    You can download and print a copy of this guide using the link below. file:///C:/Users/maryc/OneDrive/A%20basic%20guide%20to%20ICM%20photography.pdf

From time to time we may all feel that we have lost interest in going out with our camera or become ‘stuck in a rut’ with our photography. This can happen at certain times of year – perhaps in winter when weather conditions seem to be unrelentingly dull – or it can be caused by an over familiarity with our location or choice of subject. Regardless of the reason for our temporary lack of enthusiasm for photography there are some things we can do to get our mojo back and reinvigorate our photography process. Here are 7 tips for adding more interest to your photography that might just fuel your enthusiasm and get you out of that rut. 1.    Go somewhere completely different. Most of us probably photograph in the same locations on a regular basis. These are places with which we are familiar, where we feel there is good potential to capture the type of photographs we like. We may frequent woodlands, hike on nearby mountains or travel to local coastal areas for photography. But what if these locations no longer excite us? What if they no longer offer the photography opportunities we are looking for? A trip to another country may give us some temporary inspiration, but it will not solve the underlying issue. How do we break out of a real creative rut and get back to enjoying our photography again? One solution is to go somewhere completely different, somewhere you have never been before for photography, somewhere that you might not even consider as a place for potential photographs, and see what you find there. It doesn't even need to be far from your home, just somewhere that hasn't previously been a photography location for you. Alternatively, go to a familiar location and shoot something you wouldn't normally shoot, or capture a subject from an unusual perspective. 2.    Have a monochrome shoot. This is something I always try when I am feeling less that enthusiastic about my regular photography shoots. I put my camera into monochrome mode and look at the world stripped of colour, which forces me to focus on contrast, tone and how light affects different subjects. This is always an interesting process which can result in some pleasing images. I think this image of a reflection in a puddle looks better in monochrome as the lack of colour emphasises shape texture and contrast. 3.    Try something creative. This might involve doing some abstract photography, experimenting with long exposures or shallow depth of field. It might involve doing some ICM or impressionist photography or giving your images a dreamy, painterly effect. It might be working with reflections or finding some interesting macro subjects. Each of these approaches are worth trying as they give you a new outlook on your photography and can also provide some new insights which you might even want to carry forward. I recently spent some time experimenting with long exposure in water, both with my camera and my phone. I got some interesting images and I really enjoyed the experience. 4.    Be bold with your images. Move out of your comfort zone, take some risks, try something you haven’t tried before. You might fail at first, but who cares? You will learn something and after all, your photography is for you, no-one else. Autumn leaves I used intentional camera movement and a pile of leaves to create this abstract image. The Swan In this image I played around with the background in Lightroom. As well as being creative with your camera, experimenting with post processing of your images, whether on a computer or using a mobile app such as Snapseed, can add a bit of variety and interest to your photography. 5.    Take a new perspective. Too often we take most of our photographs from the viewpoint of a standing adult. Why not look up and take some pictures? Why not get close to the ground and see the world from a different perspective? Why not shoot through a window or through a slit? Why not photograph part of a subject instead of the whole subject? It will look completely different. Taking a new perspective is like looking at the world in a totally new way and is guaranteed to give your photography a new lease of life. I enjoy discovering what I can see reflected in a window. 6.    Throw out the rule book – at least once! Sometimes we can feel bound by expectations and want to produce work that we think will be approved of by others. This is never a good idea. Firstly, we don’t always know what others will like. Secondly, if we make images that please ourselves they will be more authentic and they will probably be better images. Thirdly, why care about what others think? Throw out the rule book, discard expectations and just enjoy your own photography. Do it at least once. You’ll have such a good time you’ll want to make it a habit! Spooky woods I spent some enjoyable time making images using ICM with my camera set to monochrome. The results were varied but I like this image. I think it captures the effect I was trying to create. I added grain for effect in this image, rather than try to avoid it, and had some fun with colour. 7.    Look for fun subjects. Photography shouldn’t be just enjoyable. Let your photography be fun too. Enjoyable is when we have a good time out with our camera and come home with a feeling of satisfaction, even if we don’t have any great images to show for our time. Having fun with your photography is about looking for humorous things to photograph - funny moments on the street, quirky subjects, amusing signs, strange juxtapositions or unusual perspectives - and sometimes capturing the odd things that we humans do. When we bring humour into our photography, we renew our interest in what we do and open ourselves to life’s little surprises. This picture always makes me smile. I saw the two pigeons walking alongside the woman so I aimed my camera at her feet to include the birds in the image. It appears as though they are walking with her. Do you have any tips for adding more interest to your photography?

There is one thing that most photographers really want and that is to improve at photography, because to believe that we are not improving leads to feelings of frustration and despondency. We look for something to blame. Maybe if I had a better camera my photography would improve! Maybe if I bought a new lens, I could get better images! Neither of these statements is true. A shiny new camera or a sharper lens might help us to feel better about our photography for a short while, but the feeling that our photography is not improving soon begin to surface again. However, there are some things we can do to ensure that we continue to grow, develop and improve at photography, without the need to spend money on extra gear. Specifically, I want to outline three ways which I believe have helped me to become a better photographer. 1. PRACTISE This might seem obvious yet sometimes when we believe that we’re not improving at photography we feel that there is no point in going out with our camera. However, the opposite is true because the more we go out and take photos, the more we’ll learn and the more we’ll develop our skills. This is true of most activities we undertake, and photography is no exception. I go out as often as I can with my camera and I have discovered that I miss my photography on the days I don’t go out. I try to go to different places and do lots of different types of photography, and, although this might seem obvious, I have discovered that the more photos I take, the more likely I am to capture something I like. Recently I spent some time on the west coast of Ireland. Each morning I went out with my camera to observe my surroundings and to capture aspects of this beautiful coastline. I took around one hundred photographs each day, some of which I really like. When I compare my photos from this visit to those I took on previous visits I can see a definite improvement. My compositions are better, I am exposing my images more accurately, I am more confident at experimenting and becoming creative, and I have no doubt that this is due to practise. I go out often, I fail to get good images often, I try to learn from my mistakes and try again. In my view, getting out often, either with a camera or phone, and taking lots of pictures, is the most important thing you can do to help you become a better photographer. 2. OBSERVE Seeing is vital in photography, regardless of the type of photography you do, so if you are to improve your photography, you must improve your observation skills. We can improve our observation skills even without a camera. Get used to looking around, really seeing what is around you. Begin to notice small things, things that other people don’t notice. If you start to see more, and see the world in your own unique way, you will become more creative as a photographer and capture images that are unique and interesting. 3. BECOME MORE MINDFUL This might seem to be an unusual inclusion in a discussion on how to become a better photographer, yet it captures the essence of the previous two steps and goes a little deeper, and in my view it is an essential component in helping you to become a photographer rather than someone who takes occasional photographs. When we go out regularly and concentrate on improving our observation skills, we naturally become more mindful. We are present in the moment and open to what is around us. Mindfulness encourages us to see, hear, feel, be aware, be present and to connect more deeply with our surroundings. It requires us to focus and pay attention to the process in which we are engaged. This focus and attention help us to notice the small details in a scene and to capture them in our photographs. Becoming mindful encourages us to slow down, take our time and become more deliberate in what we do. It’s not about taking a quick shot and moving on to the next one, it’s about being there for this shot; it’s about taking the time to get the best composition, the best light, the best perspective that we can get so that we give ourselves the best chance of capturing a good image. Taking a mindful approach to photography is, in my view, a sure way to help you become a better photographer. FINAL THOUGHTS A quick Google search of how to become a better photographer will bring up countless articles, videos, tips and tricks on how to do just that. There are many ways to improve at photography. I have outlined above three ways that apply to my own experience. When I go out often, become more observant and take a mindful approach to my photography, I do reap the benefits of seeing improvements and I have singled out these three approaches as I believe that they have helped me to grow in confidence and skill which in turn have helped me to become a better photographer. You will notice that these are not quick fixes. They are not shortcuts to becoming a better photographer. They take time and commitment and perseverance, but they do work. In the video below, photographer Joshua Peg compares the journey of becoming a good photographer to climbing a mountain. I think it’s a good analogy. The journey is steep, the path is often rocky and uneven, you might even slip back at times, but when you reach the top, the view is wonderful. And then you go back and start all over again. That’s photography! Check out Joshua's video here.

ICM Colour Waves   I have recently tried to become more creative with my photography because I believe that if we are involved in any kind of creative pursuit, it is important that we take steps to continually develop our creativity. This is what keeps us interested and motivated, helps us to express ourselves in new ways and challenges us to constantly learn and grow. So how do you develop creativity in photography? There are many ways in which you can become more creative, you just have be open to new opportunities and possibilities. Here are some of the ways that have helped me to become more creative with my photography. 1.   Letting go of what others think. It is very easy to hold ourselves back from experimenting and expressing ourselves in our own unique way when we think that our images might not be approved of by others. We must let go of this mindset if we want to develop creatively. We must be prepared to do what pleases us, to take risks, to challenge ourselves and to make the images that we want to make, even if we are stepping outside our comfort zone to do so. We cannot progress on our own creative path if we are constantly looking over our shoulder for approval from others. I recently began to experiment with intentional camera movement (ICM) photography. It's not a form of photography that appeals to everyone and it is also difficult to know what makes a good ICM image, so I have to trust my own instincts, do what feels right to me, and just enjoy the process. On the escalator 2.   Becoming more curious. Curiosity is one of the best qualities to nurture if we want to grow creatively. Always be on the lookout for new ideas, new techniques, new information. Become more observant; notice things you didn’t notice before, be prepared to see the world with new eyes. Experiment to see what works, try and fail and try again. Don’t give up until you have exhausted all possibilities. I have found ICM photography challenging but I have continued to experiment, to try out different techniques, to put my failures down to learning opportunities, and this has resulted in moments of great satisfaction and enjoyment when I have produced some images that I love. Climbing the steps 3.    Experimenting with new ideas. Throw out the rule book. Give yourself the freedom to experiment, to try new ways of doing things, to enjoy the process of discovery. Let the process of creating be your guide, rather than the product. Branching out 4.   Accepting ‘failure’ as part of the learning process. In the world of creativity there can be no such thing as failure. Creativity is a process of evolving, of becoming, of expressing ourselves more fully. It is a journey, not a destination. Our images will all represent creative steps along that journey. None of them will be a final product because there will always be more to discover, more to learn, more to enjoy. And that is the real joy of the creative process. Walk in the woods 5.   Enjoying the process. This might be the most important step in developing our creativity. If we are having fun and enjoying what we do, we will be inspired and motivated to learn more. Give yourself permission to play with your camera and settings. Create simply for the joy it brings you. Among the trees   FINAL THOUGHTS   Becoming more creative with your photography really is quite simple. It’s about getting out with your camera, trying new things, daring to push yourself out of your comfort zone and watching your creations take shape. There is no right or wrong way to be creative. There is only your way, the way that allows you to express who you are. Why not take the next step on your creative journey today.

Intentional Camera Movement (ICM) as a technique in photography is not new but it does seem to have gained in popularity in recent years. No doubt digital technology is partly responsible for this popularity as it is relatively easy and inexpensive to take lots of shots, and this is a big part of doing ICM photography. ICM is about experimentation, trial and error, finding out what works through discovery and practise. When I first tried ICM photography I gave up easily as I felt that my failure rate was too high. Yet I kept going back to ICM, taking a few ICM images each time I went out on a regular shoot, learning more about it from those who are experts in the field, and now I really enjoy this aspect of photography and my success rate is increasing all the time. So, why have I grown to love ICM photography? There are a few reasons, which I’ll outline in the hope that you might find inspiration to try some ICM photography for yourself. #1. Each ICM image is unique. If you stand in the same spot as another photographer in standard photography, chances are that you will both end up with similar images. In ICM photography that is not the case. No two photographers will end up with anything that resembles the other’s image. In fact, if one photographer were to take two ICM images in quick succession, using the same settings, they would also look very different. The speed and quality of movements play a major role in ICM photography, and these are hard to repeat exactly, resulting in a unique image each time. Obviously, unique does not always mean great but it does mean that when you produce an image that pleases you it will be unique to you and not likely to be replicated by anyone else. This is one of many ICM images I have created in my local woodland. Sometimes I include people in the distance. Trees make great subjects for ICM and help us to produce endless variations of our images. #2. ICM helps you to develop your creativity. While you can develop creatively in standard photography, ICM takes creativity a little further in that each image is a result of your creative vision. Since there are no rules in ICM there are no limits either to the artistic results you can produce. There are a lot of different creative approaches in ICM photography and many photographers experiment with all of them at different times. Some opt for an impressionist, often painterly, result, where the subject or setting is recognisable to some extent. Others prefer a more abstract image, where a real setting has been transformed into an artistic blend of colours, shapes, swirls, spirals or waves. Most often in these images the original subject or scene is no longer recognisable. Regardless of the results, the process involved in obtaining those results offers endless possibilities to get creative with your camera. In this image, the camera movement over a patch of flowers created swirls that are no longer recognisable as flowers. In both of the images above the subject is still recognisable. #3. ICM gives you a great sense of satisfaction when you produce an image that you really like. ICM photography is challenging, and the results are often disappointing. This is one of the reasons why there is great satisfaction when you succeed in creating an image that works for you. When you have a vision for what you want to create, and you have to work hard to realise that vision, it is particularly satisfying when that vision comes to fruition in the form of a pleasing image. For this image I had a vision that I wanted to create an ICM image of some people walking through a spooky woods. I found a suitable location then waited for the right subjects to walk into the scene. I particularly wanted some contrast in the clothes to match the background. #4. ICM provides challenge and growth in photography. ICM photography might appear to be easy. You might ask, ‘what can be difficult about standing in front of your subject and moving the camera as you shoot?’ Yet there is much more to ICM that this simplistic way of describing it. You must have a plan for the effect you want to create otherwise you will quickly tire of just making random movements. You must control shutter speed, aperture and ISO to get the right amount of movement and light. You must be intentional about the movements you make so that your final results align with what you set out to do. In post processing you have further opportunities to realise your creative vision. This setting of young trees provided a strong ICM subject, in my opinion. I like the thin lines and the muted tones. #5. ICM encourages you to see the world in a different way. You begin to observe people, places and objects with a view as to whether they might make a good ICM subject. ICM also encourages you to see photography itself in a new way as subjects that might seem uninteresting for regular photography suddenly have potential to make good ICM images. In this image a regular railing produced an ICM image because of the strong lines. As a regular image it would have been nothing special. Every location can reveal possibilities for ICM photography. Woodlands, coastal areas, streets, places of natural beauty all offer potential for ICM. Equally, a range of different subjects can be used to create captivating images. This huge creative potential is what makes ICM photography so interesting and enjoyable. FINAL THOUGHTS As I said at the outset, I almost gave up on ICM photography without giving it a proper chance. I'm glad I kept trying because it is now firmly a part of my photography toolkit and something I go back to regularly when I want to be more creative or just to spend time experimenting and enjoying what I can create. I have given you some of the reasons why I have grown to love ICM photography. If you are interested in ICM you may be able to add to this list. Below are some resources which might be of interest if you want to start or develop ICM photography. (443) Charlotte Bellamy creative photography - YouTube (443) Andy Gray - YouTube John Pettigrew Photography 12 Months of ICM Impressionography - A gallery dedicated to ICM photo-art, founded by Robert Clark. Watch out for my Basic Guide to ICM Photography coming soon!

Since I started back to photography five years ago, I have basically followed the same approach. I go out often with my camera. I walk around my location, observing what is around me. I immerse myself in my surroundings, try to connect with the environment in which I am photographing, and capture whatever it is I am drawn to. I take account of the light that’s available and set up the best composition that I can, but for the most part my photography is spontaneous, spur of the moment type photography. Recently, while watching YouTube videos from professional photographers, I have remarked on how different their approach can be to mine. I have often seen these photographers go to a location where I think I can see many potential images yet they report that they are struggling to get any good compositions. When they eventually find a composition they like they may spend a long time setting it up, often waiting for hours for light to appear or for something to move into the scene that will give it that little something extra. Obviously, I understand that my standards for my photography are not as high as standards are for professional photographers, but nonetheless I do wonder sometimes if I changed my approach, took less photographs and spent more time on each one, would it improve my photography? I challenged myself to find out. It was a dull, windy, morning in late December. On the previous day I had been photographing in the courtyard of the local demesne. I was hoping for a silhouette image of the old chimneys with a bird flying past, but I left without managing to get that. Today I was going to go there, set up my composition, and wait for a bird to get into position. I walked straight to my destination, almost without noticing the beautiful moon that was still in the sky, gently slipping away. I was determined to get my photo! I reached the courtyard, composed my image, and waited. A few birds flew past, too far away to capture. I was getting cold but I waited. Eventually, some birds obliged and flew into position. I got the images I wanted, and they were nothing special! I turned around and saw these trees silhouetted against the sky and I enjoyed trying to see what I could capture in much better light. This was my kind of photography – spontaneous, challenging, fun. I’m not saying that this is anything like the approach taken by a professional photographer but what I am saying is that if I were to take a more professional approach to photography and focus solely on the image, I may get better photographs, but that approach would also have some disadvantages for me. I asked the question, should I change my approach to photography ? I’m answering no for three main reasons. 1.    I would miss the spontaneous nature of my own approach, capturing images that appeal to me even though they may not appeal to anyone else. 2.    I would miss the ‘non-photography-related’ aspects of my photography outings – the beauty of nature that I notice around me, the feeling of peace and freedom from stress that is part of my outings with my camera, the enjoyment of finding something unique and beautiful and just capturing a moment. 3.    By changing my approach to photography I would be putting pressure on myself and raising my expectations for my photography beyond what I may be capable of achieving. In the process, I may lose the enjoyment that I currently derive from my hobby. In a recent video, photographer Ian Worth speaks about the importance of having an emotional connection to our photography. He suggests that if an image doesn’t resonate with you, if you are creating work with other motives in mind, this can lead to a disconnection that leaves your photos feeling a little soulless. I agree that having an emotional connection to our work is what’s really important. If I allow the place, the subject, and the experience to resonate with me I believe I will take a photograph that is more pleasing to me. FINAL THOUGHTS My brief consideration of a change of approach to my photography has clarified something in my mind: my emotional connection to my images comes from being spontaneous, photographing what I want to photograph, and from not putting pressure on myself to get the ‘perfect’ image. I am very happy with my approach to photography, and I intend to continue to improve as much as I can. More importantly, I intend to continue enjoying my photography, and I’ll leave the pursuit of the 'perfect' images to the professionals. On my walk home I noticed this reflection in a window and stopped to create some images. Reflections in a window Out For a Walk I had no intention of taking this photograph but as I passed these trees they looked as though they were heading off for a walk. Check out Ian Worth’s video here.

Updated 2023 This is a slight departure from my usual type of post, but something has prompted me to share this video from Scottish photographer Kim Grant. I have previously written posts about the connection between photography and wellbeing and I have an interest in promoting wellbeing through whatever works for each person. When I watched this video, I was struck by two things – the honesty shown by Kim Grant about her struggle with creativity and motivation, and the practical exercise she suggests to help anyone who is struggling in a similar way. The video was watched by 10K viewers in the first four days and has resonated with many people on YouTube and Instagram. Before I mention the video, I would like to give a short background to the photographer in question, Kim Grant. Kim is well known for her photography channel, Visualising Scotland , in which she has travelled all around Scotland taking beautiful photographs of iconic Scottish landmarks and well-known locations, as well as of hidden gems. During times of restrictions on travel Kim concentrated on photographing her own area, the stunningly beautiful Moray coast, and she diversified into close up images showcasing some of the geology of this coastline as well as becoming more creative with her photography by using the ICM (Intentional Camera Movement) approach. In 2023 Kim was the founder of Photographic Connections, an initiative which hopes to empower people to enhance their wellbeing through photography and creativity. As part of Photographic Connections Kim hosts photography wellbeing weekends, conducts interviews with other interesting photographers through a weekly podcast and collaborates with like minded creatives who are interested in mindful photography and using creative approaches. Kim’s photography appeals to me because I too love landscape photography, in particular coastal landscapes, I like to experiment with creative techniques such as ICM and I like to take a mindful approach to my photography. But most of all I like Kim‘s ethos with regard to photography. Kim uses her photography as a path to wellbeing, and she has often described how photography brings her closer to nature and more able to connect with herself and her environment. As an accomplished photographer and photography teacher, Kim inspires everyone, even beginner photographers, to go out, camera in hand, and immerse themselves in nature, enjoying the real benefits that photography can bring. She believes in encouraging others to enjoy the experience of taking photographs, even if they are not going to do anything with the final images. In this video Kim describes in an honest way how she has recently felt that her lust for life has diminished, how she has struggled with a lack of motivation, even to get out of bed at times, and how this has affected her creativity and her connection with herself and her environment. Kim shares a practical, effective technique to overcome this difficult time and to help others to re-connect with themselves, with life and with their creativity. This video has resonated with people all over the world and will appeal to anyone who needs a boost to overcome a temporary slump in motivation. The video is called, This is a Game Changer: Gaining a New Perspective as a Photographer. Watch it and judge for yourself. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hGrtDpgSRk If the content of the video resonates with you, or if you know someone who might enjoy it, please feel free to share.

Every day brings a chance To kick off your shoes and dance - Oprah Winfrey. I love spring. It brings new life and an abundance of colour to the natural world around us. It symbolises hope, an end to the dark days of winter and a look forward in anticipation of more warmth and light to come. In a time when negativity is coming at us from every quarter, I think it is important to try to find some seeds of positivity to give us hope, no matter how small these might be. This could be in the form of the lone blade of green growing among the rocks, a tiny bud that heralds the end of winter, words of kindness or comfort from an unexpected source or the inspiration offered by an unknown creator. First primroses of the year I love to see new buds appear. It is heartening to see the number of people who are putting time, energy and love into creating beautiful things. Maybe now, more than ever, we need creative people and we need to support creative people in their endeavours. I am fortunate to live in a country that has produced its fair share of creativity, whether in the form of world class literature, music, poetry or, more recently, in the world of film. In recent times we have seen a country-wide resurgence in the number of craftsmen and craftswomen who are creating beautiful arts and crafts, exquisite jewellery and award-winning artisan foods of all descriptions. In all of these pursuits people are investing part of themselves, their own particular vision, in creations which enrich them as human beings as well as enriching the culture in which they work. In every culture it is the creators who carry on traditions, who respect ancestry, who appreciate the raw materials of their craft. It is creators who invest time and patience into their craft so that their end product will be something of which they can be proud. Whatever the art form might be, a creation is an expression of the inner voice of the creator, and photography as an art from is no exception. While photography can be about making money or gaining approval on social media, it can also, through the images we make and share, be a way of showing how we view the world, of expressing what is important to us. While photography certainly has technical aspects, as indeed do many crafts, it is also a creative process, a process which is really about the inner journey of the photographer; about paying attention to what is special in life and finding ways to present this experience to the world. In a world largely focused on creating wealth, with a resulting emphasis on power and greed, anything that helps us become more reflective, more attentive, more meditative, has to be lauded as an alternative. To spend time working a photography scene, waiting for the best light, planning so that we compose in the most effective way, involves a process which is very different to the snapshots taken with a mobile phone at every possible opportunity so that we can ‘share’ them immediately. This process involves time and thought and an investment of part of our selves as human beings. We may not create masterpieces but we can nonetheless consider ourselves to be involved in a creative process, a process that continues to give as we continue to learn and grow. In photography, as in most creative endeavours, it is the intent which is important. I need to ask myself, am I taking photographs to gain the approval of others or am I taking photographs to enrich the lives of others by sharing something in which I have invested part of myself? If the latter is my motive then my pursuit of photography will feed my creative desire and enhance my life by providing fuel for body, mind and spirit. I believe that creativity is good for us – for both the outer and the inner body. When we are creative we stretch ourselves as human beings. We develop our own ideas and begin to understand and trust ourselves more. Being creative helps us learn to appreciate our own capabilities. It helps us move beyond our own perceived limitations as to what we can achieve and it can lead to a real sense of satisfaction. It helps us to become more innovative thinkers and better problem solvers. It teaches us patience, tolerance, and, often, humility. Being creative involves investing time in our pursuit, allotting value to what we do, paying attention to the learning and the journey rather than the destination. Being creative slows us down, helps us realise what is important, and, whether it is creating a beautiful flower patch in our garden or painting the next masterpiece, being creative takes us on a journey away from the whirlwind nature of everyday life to a calmer, gentler space in which to grow as human beings. Research shows that spending time on what we enjoy actually benefits our mental health. https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2014-04641-001 To practice any art, no matter how well or how badly, is a way to make your soul grow. So do it. - Kurt Vonnegut Updated March, 2021

If you are a beginner in photography or if you would like to refresh your photography skills, then this Photography Basics course might be for you. Presented by photographer Chris Orange, an accomplished photographer who is very much in demand in his professional capacity, this free course is delivered over 7 sessions on YouTube, each session covering an important basic skill in photography. The course begins with an explanation of Aperture, Shutter Speed and ISO and continues with other technical aspects of photography such as Focus Modes, Metering Modes, and the use of Lenses and Filters. Chris continues by looking at the creative side of photography and shares his method for taking powerful images. He discusses techniques for good composition, how to use the best available light, storytelling through photography and photography mindset. In lesson 6 Chris presents a ‘how to’ lesson on the art of black and white photography and he finishes the course with a final lesson on understanding exposure. Lesson 6 of the course is entirely devoted to a discussion of black and white photography, in particular the effect produced by using different filters. It is a topic of interest to many photographers and something which can be difficult to get right. I learned a lot from this lesson and will apply some of this learning to my future black and white photography. *** Before you begin the course Chris presents his own credentials as a photographer, giving you an insight into his experience and the quality and diversity of his work. I highly recommend this course as the lessons are delivered in an easy to understand and accessible manner and they help the beginner photographer to make sense of difficult concepts and get started on their photography journey. However, these lessons are not just for beginners and many of the comments from participants are from those who have been doing photography for a while but who found that the lessons provided a welcome boost to their learning. You can check out the first video lesson here and follow the links to access further lessons.

Whenever I tell someone that I am interested in photography, invariably the next question will be, What type of photography do you do? Within the question there often appears to be a subconscious expectation that it’s best to confine ourselves to one type of photography; to specialise and become proficient in one genre rather than dabble in many genres. But I don't believe that it's a good idea to define our photography too narrowly. Maybe I read too much into the question, or maybe I have those subconscious beliefs about my own photography, but whatever it is I was interested to come across a video from photographer Roman Fox, in which he discusses this question in relation to his own work as a photographer. The video includes some lovely images shot in Malta. I hope the video will give you some food for thought as to why it’s not good to define our photography too narrowly. I recently made a decision to give myself the freedom to experiment in photography, to take my photography in lots of different directions, to just explore the world with my camera rather than confining myself to a specific genre. My enjoyment of photography has definitely increased as I discover the freedom involved in not defining my photography, just doing my photography my way! You can check out Roman Fox's video here.