[Photo by Ashley Thalman] |
How to PREPARE and COLLABORATE
The
rituals primitive people practiced to prepare for hunts and war were
believed to complete the "hard part" of the upcoming event. The fire,
the chanting, the hallucinations, the focus, the unity and vision all
took place before the actual act. What does this mean for our modern
creative pursuits? It means that Pinterest time does not equal work,
that comparing ourselves to others in our industry does not enlighten or
deliver originality. It means that you should not simply "show up" for a
shoot because you know how to use a camera any more than an architect
can draw plans for a home of which he does not know the location. To
create real original products for ourselves and our clients requires collaboration and preparation. I am new to this idea but every time I have applied it I have been rewarded handsomely.
Below are three tips I have found valuable.
1. Work for creation As
creative professionals we are constantly concerned with appointments
and projects, deadlines and checks that we often forget that our work is
creative. So create. Create for the joy of creation. Hire a sitter, buy
the gas, get the subject and supplies and do it. Spend twice the time
brainstorming that you do shooting. It is amazing how nourishing one
project idea leads to more ideas- it's magic! Personal project ideas are
divine gifts for those of us who want them. Don't squander them.
2. Look & Listen Listen to yourself
and listen to your client. Look at them. Look at the light. We create
visual works and everyone has different eyes. Slow down and look at the
location. Turn around. Listen to your own hesitancy and don't be loyal
to a concept now that would be better used later. Don't worry about what
other people think "looks" or "sounds" good. Worry about your client,
worry about your muse. Want the best for them. Be willing to inform them
on your trade, on you, on the value of your work. Do not be offended by
misunderstandings or misinformations about your trade. Just listen.
Your client might have some fantastic ideas, music, the weather, and a
good book might be a well-spring of project ideas, your grandmother
might be on to something. Listen.
3. Write The night before a portrait session I
sit and write. I write ideas and concepts, to-do lists and locations.
These ideas have been swimming for a few days at this point and now its
time to enter a ritual and make them real. This is where the inventory
of ideas is explored. This is where you get to be completely focused on
what you like, what you want to see and what you want to be. It's where
you edit and see what's important. You prioritize and organize your
creative stores. Look at your old work and look at what truly moves and
inspires you. Resolve to shoot what you see and not what is simply
popular or attractive.
Many thanks to Michelle here at Twig for being so generous and including me here!
>>>[Welcome to the second installment of a new series here on the twig blog, how-to tips from artists who are authentic, real, and inventive. Each month a few of our favorites will spill their secrets and skills to help you in your creative path. We're excited to learn a few things ourselves. Come soak it up and share the love.]
1 comments:
I am sharing this right now! So wonderful! Thank you both for sharing.
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