What is Creative Photography? And what is Not?
Let’s face it… when you talk about creative photography, the field is wide open. Some may consider an abstract out-of-focus photo as being creative, while others may consider it to just another excuse to call a bad photo “creative”. So, before we begin, we should take some time to talk about – What is creative photography?
Creative nature photography goes beyond capturing the standard beauty of a scene. It’s about transforming ordinary moments into striking visual narratives by infusing your images with unique perspectives, artistic details, and intentional techniques. This art form invites photographers to push boundaries and embrace an inventive mindset.
Key Aspects of Creative Nature Photography
The following is my definition of creative photography:
Creative nature photography contains an extra element (or elements) that are intentionally used to improve the photo from its original state.
This definition contains two important aspect that differentiates creative photography from everyday photography.
Incorporation of Extra Elements
Creative photography often involves integrating additional elements to enhance the mood or message of an image. This might include playing with slow shutter speeds to add motion blur, using reflections creatively, or post-processing techniques to draw attention to specific details. The key here is that the extra element has to be outside of the normal photography workflow.
Intent
The use of these extra elements should be intentional. Unlike spontaneous snapshots, creative photography demands deliberate choices. For instance, underexposing a scene can evoke a moody, dramatic atmosphere, making the final image more compelling. Keep in mind that the lack of photography skills does not automatically give a photographer a creative eye… it only makes the photographer inexperienced or ineffective.
Example of Creative Nature Photography
Take a look at the image below from my trip to Fiji. The composition and exposure are flawless, making it a visually appealing landscape photo. However, I wouldn’t categorize it as a creative photograph. Why? Because it was captured entirely within my usual photography workflow. I relied on the natural beauty of the location and the quality of the light to take the shot at the right moment, and then used post-processing to enhance the details and colors.
Landscape photography from Mana Islands, Fiji
Dreamy Creative Photo at Sunset Beach, Mana Island, Fiji
Now compare that to a shot of a seashell from the same trip. This photo was taken under harsh midday light, using a shallow depth of field and employing the rule of thirds for placement. The seashell, combined with the background, was intentionally composed to evoke a dreamy feeling of a perfect island day beneath blue skies.
While some may disagree with my interpretation, this approach provides a useful way to distinguish between creative and non-creative aspects of photography. It’s not just about technical perfection—it’s about going beyond standard practices to convey a unique perspective or tell a story.
Developing a Creative Workflow
Now that we understand what creative nature photography is, how do we go about being creative?
This question is challenging because, unlike the technical side of photography that can be mastered by following specific workflows, creativity lacks a definitive process. It’s what makes photography a lifelong learning experience. While you can perfect exposure and focus techniques, the creative aspect often involves inventing something new to realize your artistic vision.
For many photographers, including myself, careful observation and thinking outside the box are vital for capturing unique and captivating images. For example, during a trip to Fiji, I aimed to photograph the vibrant crabs at Sunset Beach on Mana Island. I started out selecting the right subject. After waiting and watching for about 20 minutes, I soon found the perfect crab. He was bright red and stood out against the grey rock, especially compared to his “siblings”.
Closeup of crabs at Sunset Beach, Mana Island, Fiji
Minimalist photography composition of crabs at Sunset Beach, Mana Island, Fiji
With the right subject selected, my next step was to refine the composition by eliminating distracting elements, such as other crabs and parts of the rock face. While the image was technically sound, it lacked the visual impact needed to make it truly stand out. After some observation, I noticed the waves crashing over the rocks where the crabs were perched.
Crab about to be hit by a wave at Sunset Beach, Mana Island, Fiji
I decided to time my shots to capture the exact moment when the waves hit. This added movement and an element of surprise, turning ordinary images into dynamic compositions full of life. From crabs under a layer of sea foam to ones peeking through bubbles, each frame told a more exciting story.
Eat my bubbles!! – Sunset Beach, Mana Island, Fiji
I have an eye for creative photography – Sunset Beach, Mana Island, Fiji
Who turned out the Lights? – Sunset Beach, Mana Island, Fiji
Artistic ‘Crabstract’ – Sunset Beach, Mana Island, Fiji
The lesson? Unlike technical skills, which can be mastered through set procedures, creativity requires observation and innovative thinking. . By experimenting with waves I was able to capture macro photography with intricate details, offering fresh and inspiring viewpoints.
Practical Tips for Creative Nature Photography
Here are some things you can experiment with when trying to capture creative nature photos.
- Explore Unique Compositions: Move beyond traditional rules. Explore different angles, perspectives, and framing to discover what best captures the essence of your subject.
- Play with Lighting: Natural light varies throughout the day. Shooting during the golden hour or using backlighting can add depth and drama to your photos.
- Utilize Post-Processing: Tools like Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop can enhance colors, contrast, and textures, allowing you to realize your creative vision fully.
- Experiment with Motion Effects: Incorporate creative motion effects into your workflow by experimenting with shutter speeds or intentional camera movement.
- Engage in Creative Exercises: Practicing specific exercises can boost your creativity. For instance, focusing on monochromatic scenes or isolating subjects can lead to unique compositions.
Creativity thrives on experimentation and situational awareness. Engaging in exercises that challenge your perspective can enhance your creative abilities. When striving for creative photography, ask yourself:
What can I do differently?
With this mindset, you might discover a whole new dimension to your nature photography.
About Author Jay Patel
I could startoff like this – “Seeds of Jay Patel’s appreciation for beautiful places were planted early in his childhood….” but it would get boring really fast. I will just sum it up and say that I am a Landscape and Wilderness Photographer who loves to capture dramatic light. My photographs have been published in various magazines, calendars and advertising materials throughout the world.
Patience is a virtue...unless you are chasing your dreams
