Today, I’m diving into something that really fuels our creativity as photographers—our artistic vision. You might not realize it, but this vision is more than just a skill; it’s your unique way of seeing the world, expressed through your photos.
It’s about the colors, tones, and the personal touch you leave that makes your work stand out. I truly believe that our artistic vision is what keeps us pushing forward, striving to capture that next great shot. But how can we do that if our vision is broken?
Let’s face it: the journey as an artist photographer is not a sugar-coated path. It’s not a walk in the park with rainbows and butterflies. Sometimes, it can feel that way, but when we can’t connect with our vision, we can fall into deep states of depression.
5 Ways to Assess Your Artistic Vision
- Exploration Beyond Gear: It’s easy to think a new camera or lens will be the breakthrough in your photography. However, it’s often not about the gear. Try to find new experiences, like traveling, that push you out of your comfort zone and inspire you with fresh ideas.
- Continuous Evolution: Take a moment to look back at your past work. If your recent photos haven’t evolved much from what you did years ago, it might be time to shake things up. Challenge yourself to step outside your usual patterns.
- Originality Over Imitation: While it’s great to be inspired by others, copying someone else’s style won’t help you find your voice. Focus on cultivating a unique style that’s truly yours.
- Adaptability to New Techniques: New tools and technologies are constantly emerging. Instead of shying away, consider how you can use these innovations to enhance your artistic vision.
- Emotional Connection: The deeper your connection with what you’re photographing, the more it will reflect in your work. Let your emotions guide your photography to truly capture the essence of your subjects.
I’ve spent the better part of three decades as an artist. I can tell you that it’s “not if but when” that your vision will break. Sometimes, it’s a slow process, and other times, it leaves just as quickly as it came. However, I can tell you that as I’ve matured with my vision, I’ve found it stays with me longer. I’ve found that the down times aren’t nearly as long as they used to be. And I’ve found that the more in tune I am with it, the better my work is.
f.64 Academy and f.64 Elite are the brainchildren of Blake Rudis. While he is a landscape photographer, he is most passionate about post-processing images in Photoshop and mentoring others.
For Blake, it's all about the art and process synergy. He dives deep into complex topics and makes them easy to understand through his outside-the-box thinking so that you can use these tricks in your workflow today!
For Blake, it's all about the art and process synergy. He dives deep into complex topics and makes them easy to understand through his outside-the-box thinking so that you can use these tricks in your workflow today!
Thanks Blake,
You said everything that I was thinking about how I continually improve my images. I still only use Bridge instead of Lightroom. I’m frustrated that I can’t seem to learn LR, but I like dealing with one image at a time in Bridge. I worry about my equipment a software knowledge, but my success to date has been my passion for distinctive buildings and my composition skills. I study my peers and then it makes me more determined to create images my way instead of their way. I appreciate your inspiration
Expect The Best,
Glenn
Better man, better photographer (better emotionally). Your photography has long inspired me. Now, as do your words. Well done Blake
Thank you! That means so much to me, really 😁 you made me smile in real life. I appreciate you.
And don‘t forget: the muse needs to find you working. Sometimes I actually start without any inspiration, without any vision, but in meantime my muse can sense that I‘m working, so she sticks her hear thru the door and comes to me…
Wow brother, spot on. Especially. at, “…how you see the world.” No one can walk any significantly distance and evidence that walk as progress in their work unless & until they determine how they see they world. Less machine like, more human like. Which is what you were sayin’…in different words. Thanks.