Even find inspiration in a parking lot. Photo by Amber Flowers, Soul Gaze Photography.

Spring has finally arrived and like most photographers, you finally begin to come outdoors. Have you been in creative hibernation? Avoided going outdoors during the winter months? Now that the warm weather is here you have no excuse except yourself. Spring is the time for fresh starts, new beginnings and spring cleaning. In case you were wondering, this also applies to photographers. If you primarily photograph during the warmer months such as spring and summer, it’s time for a fresh new perspective and to ‘spring clean’ your photography!

Take a moment to look back at your work from the year before. When the temperatures warmed to a comfortable level did you immediately get outdoors and photograph eager to get back into your photography? Or did you only photograph the things you felt you needed to such as the family vacation during spring break? A lot of times photographers can fall into a creative hibernation; photographing for so long that they no longer see the beauty that’s there to be captured in all seasons. This becomes a common problem for seasonal photographers when suddenly they’re sitting behind a computer editing folders of images after a season’s break.

Your first step to creating better photography is to consider the weather. Most of the following tips are common sense. If you are physically comfortable, you’ll be better able to spend more time focusing on that gorgeous shot. Take the time to check local weather and forecasts so you can plan ahead. Local news papers and television and internet sources such as weather.gov and The Weather Channel are great resources. In fall and winter, wear warm layers and gloves that will allow you to work your camera/change lenses. If you are photographing in snow, remember to wear thick or water-resistant shoes and socks. There’s nothing more distracting than the discomfort of cold and wet hands or feet. Keep your body moving and avoid staying outside too long. You’ll also need to turn your camera off between shots and keep extra batteries with you. Cold temperatures quickly drain camera batteries. You can help prolong their life by keeping them next to your body while walking distances between locations. During the spring, wear light adjustable layers and during the summer wear sunscreen and bug spray. Imagine swatting a mosquito only to knock your camera into a creek? Choose attire according to where you will be photographing. Grass can be itchy, so don’t wear shorts unless you bring a blanket if you plan to lie on the ground while photographing.

Remember to bring fully charged batteries, empty memory card(s), tripod and anything else you normally use for your photography. A great way to be inspired is to try something new. Go somewhere you’ve never been or browse online for new photography ‘toys’. Fisheye lenses, vintage effect toy cameras, filters and new software all can enhance your creativity. If you’re normally indoors during the winter, use that time away from your photography more proactively and read books or browse the internet for new photography skills and tricks. Practice what you can indoors and keep your equipment in a safe place as free from dust as possible. You can also use this time to improve your workflow and practice with new software. Once you start back photographing, the last thing you’ll want to do is spend countless hours editing your new photos. That’s time away from your photography resulting is less time to improve from practicing!

So you’ve determined the weather, the attire and the equipment. What do you do about the location? Do you go where you’ve never been or return to an old favorite? How do you capture either place with inspiration? Remember the excitement that you felt the first time and focus on it. This is especially true if you are visiting the same place twice or preferring to stay local due to high gas prices. Locally there are plenty of places you can visit to improve your photography. You can find lists online or pick up local tourism brochures for times when you need inspiration to get out and explore. Many cities mail free tourism brochures. Contact their Chamber of Commerce or similar business via phone or website for more information. Those of you who love to be spontaneous can just grab a map; close your eyes and chose where you want to go. Remember the photography ‘toys’? This is where filters can come in handy. Ever wanted to capture the silky blur of a waterfall? Neutral density filters can assist you with landscape scenes such as sunsets and waterfalls enabling proper exposures and slower shutter speeds. Want warmer skin tones and foliage during summer trips to a local park? Try a warming filter.

Photography only becomes boring or stale if you lose interest in your work. In a way that means you are losing interest in yourself. Widely known and his work, Ansel Adams was a famous black and white nature photographer. Seen all over the world in books, magazines and as prints he’s inspired generations. You don’t have to aspire to be the next Ansel Adams, but you should want to be an inspiration at what you do. Whether you inspire yourself, your family and friends or delve into your own business.

Taking the time to capture like a tourist, you are allowing yourself a fresh perspective. Learning new techniques will assist you with the fresh new edge you are looking for whether or not you realize it, your work will improve. Before you know it those blurry or badly exposed family vacation shots will go from frustrating attempts hidden away in photo albums to happy memories framed on your wall or even Facebook!

There’s so many ways you can provide variety to your photography, you just have to do the research and practice. Just because you’ve visited someplace once, doesn’t mean your skills haven’t improved since then. Wake up and stretch your eyes…take a long look around and see what you’ve been missing! Photograph like a tourist; capture better memories for the future. 

About the author: Amber Flowers, Owner of Soul Gaze Photography, is a photographer, digital artist and writer most known for her infrared photography and the ‘fine art’ feel to her work. She is Founder of Southern Kentucky Photographer’s Club and a member of The League of Creative Infrared Photographers. Amber resides in Glasgow KY with her Husband, two children and several pets. Learn more, ask questions or purchase fine art photography: www.soulgazephotogra phy.com