10 Jan
2012
Posted in: Creativity
By    10 Comments

Follow Your Vision


Everyone sees the world in different ways. It never ceases to amaze me when I shoot with other photographers—we may photograph the same scene, but more often than not we come away with entirely different photographs. Some photographers seem to compose using “left brain” analytics, whereas others rely more on “right brain” creative intuition. Some folks are wide-angle junkies (guilty as charged), others prefer longer glass. Some see in a way that is sweeping and bold, whereas others are drawn more to nuance and subtlety. All approaches are valid and can lead to beautiful works of art.

It is important to try to expand one’s creative vision, and to learn to see the world in ways that might not come naturally. Artistic growth can only be achieved by challenging one’s own perceptions, and by breaking free from one’s well established routine. If you shut your eyes to what others are doing, you run the risk of limiting your progress as an artist. To that end, I always encourage people to study the work of other photographers, and to be open to new techniques, styles, and inspirations.

That said, never forget that your way of seeing the world is unique and intensely personal. In the end, you cannot allow anyone else’s creative vision to superimpose upon your own. And while it is important, on some level, to have one’s work accepted by others, you should never forget who your most important audience is—yourself.

In the end, you must follow your own eyes and heart and find what speaks to you.

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About Ian Plant  (275 Posts)

Ian Plant's photographs and instructional articles have appeared in a number of books, calendars, and magazines, including Outdoor Photographer and Popular Photography. Ian writes a regular blog column for Outdoor Photographer online, and he is the author of numerous instructional eBooks and digital processing tutorials. Ian leads several photo tours each year.


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10 Comments

  • glenn gordon January 10, 2012 at 6:17 pm

    This photo is so cool Ian. I look at it and it makes me want to jump down to the top of the cliff (if that makes sense). Love the effect (and affect on me). Glenn

    • Ian Plant January 10, 2012 at 6:39 pm

      Thanks you for the very kind words!

  • David Culp January 10, 2012 at 9:21 pm

    Are you talking to me? Sounds like you were talking to me?

    Seriously, nice article Ian. Keep up the great work.
    David

    • Ian Plant January 10, 2012 at 9:30 pm

      David, you are correct, I was speaking directly and only to you. Just like the voices in your head!

      Always good to see your name pop up here my friend.

  • seyed mohammad shamsi January 11, 2012 at 2:39 am

    Hi lan
    perfect idea i agree with you i beleive that everyone must discover his/her own way
    like it
    best wishes

    • Ian Plant January 11, 2012 at 7:29 am

      Thanks Seyed!

  • Barney Faux January 11, 2012 at 8:08 am

    Hi Ian,

    I’ve been shooting landscapes for about 1.5yrs now and I’m finally starting to understand my ‘style’. Your blog from time to time has helped a lot, particularly when you talk about the creative thinking behind the technique.

    I have spent considerable time looking at others work to identify what I like and why I like it and to decide if I want to incorporate certain aspects into my work. But, you are definitely right that we must be true to ourselves and not bow to peer pressure although it is hard sometimes with the satisfaction you get from positive feedback.

    Thanks and keep up the good work!!
    Barney

  • Bill Chambers January 23, 2012 at 11:14 pm

    Well said! Love that image.

    • Ian Plant January 24, 2012 at 9:59 am

      Always good to hear from you Bill, thanks for chiming in!

  • Entice the Eye | Dreamscapes Team February 17, 2012 at 1:13 pm

    [...] image I use to illustrate the post, below, is a variation of an image I previously posted called Light’s Echo. I’m honestly on the fence as to which variation I prefer—both have strong and weak [...]


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