It’s been a tough few weeks for all of us.

I had planned a five week road trip across America. Set to depart next Friday, the trip—like so much else—has now been postponed indefinitely.

And I’ve been one of the more fortunate ones. Like many, I’ve had an abundance of free time at home, allowing me to revisit old images and write more articles. I’ve taken a deep dive into how to use colour in landscape photography for the May 2020 print edition of Australian Photography Magazine. I’ve also written an article on the problem of perfection, and how it can be overcome.

To my fellow creatives, I feel your frustrations at our limitations to create. But this slowdown also presents opportunities to reflect and review. I encourage you to use this time constructively and to fuel your creative pursuits.

Revisit and Refine Unfinished Work

If you’re a photographer and anything like myself, you’ll likely have 1,000s of images stored away on hard drives. Take a moment to review your library for images that were once overlooked or can be edited again with fresh eyes. 

And also take time to reflect on your progress as a photographer. Explore your images from years ago. Consider how your technical and composition skills have progressed. Take some pride in your development and then critique yourself on areas that can be improved further still.

Create Something New

Now is also the time to broaden our creative horizons. To go beyond the safe confines of the areas we know as safe and comfortable.

Perhaps you could try a portrait shoot of a loved one in your backyard, or set-up a macro photography studio to capture flowers and abstract images. Personally, I’ve experimented with digital painting on my iPad, taking concepts that I’ve learnt around light, colour and composition and applying them to a different medium.  

Plan Ideas, Trips and Projects

While the current limitations can be disheartening—particularly for landscape photographers—don’t let them stop you from dreaming big and planning for the next adventure. 

Consider creating custom Google Maps of the locations you’re keen to visit, or set yourself personal goals (such as mastering astrophotography or abstract landscapes) that you can pursue in the months ahead.

Until we’re able to go on adventures again, take care. 

Mitch