Doomed to be a "picture taker"?

Onerider · Dec 22, 2012

What does one do when they don't seem to have that "creative eye" but really enjoys photography? Are they doomed to be nothing more than a "picture taker"?
I seem to be in that situation even though I believe it is slowly developing. Is it possible to develop that vision with time, or am I being too hopeful?

tedfoto · Dec 22, 2012

You can learn it with time and practice, just like any other skill set.Don't be discouraged or jealous when you see photos that are better than your own work or others that are more successful...be inspired, and think of your own progress. Check out the tutorials on lynda.com or kelby...it'll get you focused on the basics, and you'll start to "see" things differently.
Good luck, and have fun!

AgentDrex · Dec 22, 2012

Depends on how long you've been seriously taking photos. If you've been taking five photos a day for thirty years and are still pulling off snapshots, then yeah, you may be doomed to being a "picture taker". If you've been taking a photo or two a day for a couple years then there is hope.

pgriz · Dec 22, 2012

Sometimes, the best way to take a photo is to NOT take one. Put the camera down. Look at what attracted your attention. Ask yourself what you found interesting about it. What is the story? If it's visual, then what is it that made the image compelling? Walk around a bit - which vantage point will work better? Is the background or foreground relevant? If yes, how to link your subject to the background or foreground? If no, how to minimize or exclude it? What about the light - it is flat? Harsh? Is the light direction good to show the subject? ... and so on.

Once you spend some time studying the image you may want to take, you'll discover other nuances. And sometimes, it's just better to come back when the conditions are more favorable.

Another way to open up some creative possibilities, is to get out of the comfort zone. Shoot something you've never done before. If you tend to shoot landscapes, shoot some portraiture instead. Or macros. Or action. Much of that will probably need to be deleted on the spot. But the point is to get yourself into new territory where you need to think in a fresh way.

bentcountershaft · Dec 22, 2012

First, there's nothing wrong with being a "picture taker" as I believe it's a vital role. The first non living thing people try to save when their house is on fire are the family photo albums. Not the professionally shot portraits on the wall, the books filled with hundreds of crappy shots taken by a picture taker. Why? Because they matter and they are not replaceable. If you want to be more than that you just need to work toward it, but being a better picture taker is an all important first step. How long that first step takes varies greatly from person to person, so try not to get down about it. I've often heard that Einstein didn't learn to speak until he was four.

The_Traveler · Dec 22, 2012

bentcountershaft said:
I've often heard that Einstein didn't learn to speak until he was four.

When he did start, it was a lecture on gravity waves.

The_Traveler · Dec 22, 2012

Onerider said:
What does one do when they don't seem to have that "creative eye" but really enjoys photography? Are they doomed to be nothing more than a "picture taker"?
I seem to be in that situation even though I believe it is slowly developing. Is it possible to develop that vision with time, or am I being too hopeful?

It's a developing skill.
First starts with becoming aware of what you see rather than just letting it pass through your eyes without notice.
Look at other people's pictures to get some hint of what they see and how they capture the image to make an impact.

Then start learning how to capture what you will be seeing in your minds's eye.
There's some talent but lots of skill.

Lew

Rick58 · Dec 22, 2012

bentcountershaft said:
First, there's nothing wrong with being a "picture taker" as I believe it's a vital role. The first non living thing people try to save when their house is on fire are the family photo albums. Not the professionally shot portraits on the wall, the books filled with hundreds of crappy shots taken by a picture taker. Why? Because they matter and they are not replaceable. If you want to be more than that you just need to work toward it, but being a better picture taker is an all important first step. How long that first step takes varies greatly from person to person, so try not to get down about it. I've often heard that Einstein didn't learn to speak until he was four.

Thank you

Onerider · Dec 23, 2012

Thanks to everyone for the ideas and encouragement. After a year and over 31,000 shots, I guess it's time to let my imagination run a little freer.

Rick58 · Dec 23, 2012

Onerider said:
Thanks to everyone for the ideas and encouragement. After a year and over 31,000 shots, I guess it's time to let my imagination run a little freer.

...or not. Unless you are a professional, and have to shoot under given parameters, photography can be whatever you want it to be.

shefjr · Dec 23, 2012

I would have to agree that you should get out of your comfort zone. For me personally I have found complacency sets in if I continue to photograph the same type of stuff continuously. I'm still mediocre at best and learning to find my "creative eye" but changing up the genre, if you will, of photographs I take has helped me. Also, reading books has helped me to think and be more creative.
As a side note, I have often wanted to start this very same type of thread.

nmoody · Dec 23, 2012

I also lack a lot of the creativity currently. I have not had many creative hobby's/outlets in the the past so I have never "exercised" my abilities. Now I never expect to be amazingly creative and produce groundbreaking ideas as I clearly just dont have the knack for it but I can learn to see more creatively and understand. I am reading books, experimenting, and working with other creative people to help me along. Its so far working very well and slowly but surely I am starting to see much more creatively everywhere I look.

texkam · Dec 23, 2012

There are some mighty fine singers who can't write, compose or play an instrument. Nothing wrong with being awesome at the "craft" of photography. Art Directors know what they want, but not how to pull it off. Most Art Directors would love to work with a photographer who really knows their craft.

Ilovemycam · Dec 23, 2012

Sure, you can improve as time goes by. Just keep on studying and shooting. We can all improve.

The_Traveler · Dec 23, 2012

Onerider said:
After a year and over 31,000 shots, I guess it's time to let my imagination run a little freer.

It's time to let your shutter finger rest.
You are not looking for pictures, you are just making way too many snapshots.

You aren't posting pictures to get feedback so you're not taking advantage of the best teaching mechanism, feedback on what you are doing.

Slow down to a stop.
Look for a picture.
Figure out the best vantage and best settings and take a couple, then look at them.

Neither your camera not your shutter finger need the exercise, it's your eye and brain that do.