Making My Own Tracks – Racetrack, Death Valley
There is one clear way of knowing that you’re approach to photography is wrong… when you realize you’re not having fun. I consider myself lucky, as soon as I look through the viewfinder of my camera everything else falls by the wayside. This ability to focus and free my mind of extraneous thoughts enables me to simultaneously focus on my subject, lighting, various conditions and most importantly gives me mental room to think creatively. Creative thought is by far the most liberating feeling I’ve experienced. Creative thought can be elusive, but if you’re lucky you’ll find a way to train yourself to constructively harness it. (continued below)
Making Tracks - Racetrack, Death Valley National Park
Years ago capturing creative ideas was random and about as easy as catching butterflies mid-flight with your bare hands. A few outings with friend and photographer Art Wolfe and I realized that having something as simple as a notebook to document your ideas as they come to mind can go a long way. These days I use my iPhone to make note of ideas as they happen if my notebook isn’t handy. Documenting ideas is a great way not to lose them and it’s a great way to think through & let your ideas mature.
Spontaneous creative thought is by far the most fun and rewarding. The moment the lightbulb goes off as a creative idea strikes me my adrenaline starts flowing.  A mixture of intense focus, an eye toward problem solving and kid like excitement  sums up my working disposition at that point. The feeling and process is the same whether I’ve created a photograph of something unique for a client or just for me.
Technorati Tags: photography, Racetrack, Death Valley, Death Valley National Park, landscape
| Stay Connected with Jim | |||
 | Join Me On Twitter |  | Become a Fan on Facebook |
 | Listen to EXIF & Beyond |  | My Latest on YouTube |
I *really* need to take Howard the Duck out there.
[Reply]
Jim, this is a very timely post, and I appreciate your candid words on the subject. I couldn't agree more that the world just stops when I'm behind the camera. Despite the fact that other things–like seeing my family at the end of a long day–can bring stress relief, nothing helps me find my own inner creative peace like photography. In that respect, it really is an extension of me.
Best,
Greg Russell
[Reply]
I know exactly what you mean!
[Reply]
This statement sums up my feelings quite eloquently: “This ability to focus and free my mind of extraneous thoughts enables me to simultaneously focus on my subject, lighting, various conditions and most importantly gives me mental room to think creatively.” I always struggle to explain the feeling I get when out photographing – this sums it up fairly well.
[Reply]
Nice post Jim. I fully agree with the note-taking (use my iPhone as well). Amazing how some powerful ideas can be so fleeting!
[Reply]
Great post Jim!
I have been asked many times over the years, just how do I come up with some of my images, and individuals saying that they would have never seen that image while walking about.
For me, it usually boils down to tuning out that world at home, and tuning in the world that I am currently in.
Then, the creativity really kicks into high gear when I look through that viewfinder.
[Reply]
I'm looking forward to seeing those pics
[Reply]
One could say it's the Zen of photography. I knew I wasn't alone in the feeling.
[Reply]
Great example Will. Love those pics too.
[Reply]
Thanks for the comment Roberta. I think many of us just feel and don't consciously think about how we're feeling behind the camera. Once you realize whats happening the experience becomes even more meaningful.
[Reply]
There are far too many distractions out there. I know for myself ideas are flying left and right at a blistering pace. If I don't document them then they're often lost and at best I resurface the idea months later. I'm surprised a more robust photo/note app isn't available yet.
[Reply]
Thanks Michael! While the process is different for everyone I think its fair to say that being behind the camera is 90% of the battle to exploring/making a creative photograph. If you're not behind the camera you can't explore, actively think about subjects and experiment to make ideas into an executed photo. Just as one can't be a runner if you're not running, you can't be a creative photographer if you're not behind the camera.
[Reply]
[...] been thinking a lot about. Â A couple of my other colleagues have also been writing on it too (here and here), but I wanted to share a couple of things that help to inspire my creativity. Â Maybe [...]