As photographers we often find ourselves with a static creativity. Think of it as a photographic stasis. Whatever it is we shoot, nature, commercial, weddings, portraits, sports etc. We find a way of doing something that feels comfortable and works, so we stick with it. The key is not to get caught in the center of that stasis and stay there. Keep the old tricks, then make even better one’s ALL THE TIME!

I don’t care if you’ve been a photographer for fifty years. The day you think you know all the tricks in the book, you need to start over with the ABC’s. After I’ve been doing this for that long, I hope I don’t have to be reminded of it. Maybe your a budding pro who needs more tricks in the bag. Either way it pays to step back and think simple. To get us thinking, I’m going to refrain from rambling on about this, and just give five of my own ideas for keeping ourselves with great shots, and keeping that bag of tricks from growing mold. You can add your favorites to the comments as well.

• 5. Use those old stand by techniques, You bet, you liked them for a reason, and you know you’ll have something great when you use them.
• 4. Go into each shoot like it’s something new! Even if if you think it isn’t, you can make it just that.
• 3. Take those same proven techniques and change them. Just because it ain’t broke does not mean it can’t be fixed
• 2. Get moving! That’s right stop standing there looking like King Kong with a camera! Run, jump, get higher up, get lower down, just stop being lazy and go get that shot!
• 1. Laugh. Yep it’s probably our best creative tool and maybe the most underused. Have fun, laugh, make your clients laugh, laugh at your work, whatever it takes. Just make it fun.