When we critique our work, how often do we find ourselves thinking if our pictures are artistic or creative enough?
A lotta photographers I talk with use those words like they mean the same thing.
They don't.
Knowing the difference can help us become more effective visual communicators.
Creative and Artistic: Close, But Not the Same Thing
When I'm working with
photographers, I'll hear questions like:
"How can I make more artistic pictures?"
Or "What can I do to be more creative with my camera?"
The terms "artistic" and "creative" get bandied like they're
interchangeable, but they ain't.
How we express ourselves visually is our artistry.
To put a finer point on it, our artistry is the look, feel, and mood we impart with our photographs.
Think of it as our unique way of making pictures, our visual fingerprint, so to speak; it's our choices about how we use the elements of composition when making a picture.
In terms of painters, think of Van
Gogh versus Picasso.
On the other hand, being creative is about how we think.
It's about trying new approaches, seeing possibilities, and solving problems.
When we
view things from a different perspective, experiment, and explore things we haven't tried before, that's creativity.
When we're curious and ask ourselves, "What if I did it this way instead of my usual way?"
We can use our creativity without needing to be artistic and express our artistry without leaning on our creativity.
But it gets interesting when we mix the two—when our creative choices drive our artistic vision—our photography starts to feel like our own.
Does It Matter?
Yup, it does.
It's usually because we feel our pictures are missing something when we're stuck.
When that happens, it's helpful to
ask, "What am I looking for: a new way to express myself (artistic), or a new way to solve a problem or try something different (creative)?
By understanding the difference between creativity and artistry, we can work on the things holding
us back.
Maybe studying and practicing by observing and describing light is what'd help.
Or perhaps we've gotta push ourselves to try a new technique or break not-so-helpful habits.
Either way, it's about
building up both creativity and artistry.
Can You Use Some Help?
Whether you want to develop your artistry or think more creatively, my group classes and private lessons can help you understand photography—so you can use your camera efficiently and effectively rather than being frustrated with it.
If you're ready to stop taking pictures that don't come out the way you want and start making pictures that feel like yours, check out the Introduction To Photography group class or
schedule some Private Photography Lessons.
Do you have questions or wanna talk about
where you're at with your photography and where ya wanna go with it?
Reach out to me anytime; I'm always happy
to help you figure out how I can help you be a better photographer.
The Photography Basics (Introduction To Photography) group classes starts soon; get your artistic and creative mojo flowin'.
If you'd like a personalized way to learn, there's always Private Photography Lessons made to fit your schedule and way of learning that'll cover the same material you'd get during the Introduction to Photography class.
Remember, don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or need guidance on choosing the right course.
And remember, we learn and improve by doing, so practice making at least one picture daily.
