The winter has it's challenges for many
of us that are the happier in the heat and the sun. I appreciate
that the heat is not to everyone’s taste. There is a definitely
beauty in the changes through the four seasons. Getting out and
about this year has added additional challenges and it is a struggle.
On one side is the need to get outside, exercise and breath. The
opposite side has the need to restrict interaction and to be at home
during these pandemic times. For most, there has not been an
adequate balance in their lives. Photography could provide the
balance to break through this winters blues. Let me explain.
Taking to the streets on your own for many people can seem purposeless and some what sad. Change of thinking. Gear up with a simple camera and now you have a mission. That mission can be as simple of complex as you feel that you need. Remember that is not about the gear, it is what you do with what you have that really matters. One suggestion is to draw up a list of iterations of what you allow yourself. For example; the single lens challenge, 1/2 mile from your front door, abstract angle. For the more more advanced creative creatures. Consider writing a list of random titles or words and try to photographically interpret your title or words. Be as artistic, creative or as damn right cleaver as you like.
Why stop there. Always another notch right. Do you have friends and family in the same position as you? The only way to connect is remotely? Of course you do. Set up the challenge with your peeps as you are all running out of conversation as none of you have left the house. Try a weekly group challenge. Using the same idea, why not have your own reveal session at the end of the week over a beverage of choice. With contests in mind. Every month there are lots of competitions that are listed on line. You can Google some of these sites that just list competitions. One such example is photocrowd.com although there are many. Now you can use these themes as inspiration for your own challenges. Keep in mind that if you actually want to enter these competitions make sure to read those terms and conditions.
If you just want to simply keep it to yourself. Here is a great exercise to keep you busy. Pick up three inexpensive frames from your front door delivery service. Go shoot, print, frame and hang on the wall. You can use an on-line print service or your home printer. If your printer is not a photo quality then make the crap printing part of the aesthetic fun of the images. We are not going for a Pulitzer prize here. You can then switch these out to keep your walls interesting.
I hope that this has inspired you to get going.