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DPChallenge Forums >> Tips, Tricks, and Q&A >> Tricks for creativity
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10/21/2011 09:24:37 AM · #1
Hello DPC,

I am sometimes asked about my inspiration, and the origin of my ideas. While this is always a hard question to answer, I'm sure most of us have some kind of working routine, a process to prepare the best possible entry for a challenge. It would be great to hear about your methods for successful creative photos!

Let me start with my own "tricks". I already posted that on my team's board, but thought I could also share it with everyone. Of course, keep in mind these are just the steps I personally observe, I am not saying this is THE only way to go. Merely data for you to pick and use as you wish. Also, I am well aware this is not a process for everyone: it is aimed at producing a well-scoring and creative entry; it should not always be your goal (it is not always mine), since doing photos you like is probably the most important. So please feel free to simply disregard this wall of text :) That being said, here we go.

1. Challenge analysis
The goal of this preliminary analysis is to identify what kind of shot has a good chance of scoring high. This is not that hard in my opinion. Here are a few tricks I use in that regard:

1.1 - The constraints
Always assume a large amount of persons will NOT read the detailed description. Just make sure your shot will work even with the challenge title itself. In doubt, there are a few easy checks you can do: enter the title in "Google image" and look at what appears the most, ask persons around you what "ABC" evoke to them. Do not try to force things, just to persuade yourself the great idea you just got (that "may, perhaps" fit the challenge) is the way to go. If the prior tests prove your idea is not compatible with the challenge, just write it down somewhere in your head, and use it another time.

1.2 - The common answer
Try to identify what the "reference shot" will be. Many persons will simply go for the most simple option. For example, in the challenge "begins with the letter F", it is expected to see many flowers. Sometimes, the subject really narrows the possibilities: for example "Coin Slot" forces you to actually feature one of those, so that almost every shot has one in it. In that case, you can safely assume most will "simply" take a photo of said item without involving anything else (remember, most simple option).

1.3 - Your own way
Now that you have a good idea of what the "reference shot" is, your goal is to avoid it at all cost. This is where hard things start : you have to get away from 1.2 while still complying with 1.1. Let's see how to do that.

2. Searching for a concept
Now that you roughly know what you MUST include in your shot, and what you WANT to avoid, there's a whole range of possibilities to explore. Again, here are a few tricks that I use:

2.1 - Relations
A very classical (and efficient) way of creating an interesting photo is to make the main subject interacting with something or someone else. This is the very reason of me appearing in my photos: I am not very fond of my appearance, but I use my presence as a way to make something happen with the subject.
For example, for the "Fences" challenge, I knew that someone breaking one was a good idea: it complied with the description, and most would only shot a barrier with nothing else. By adding a person (and an action) I knew the concept had a good potential (this is how I got my best score to date, by the way). The same effect can sometimes work well between objects too, it's not always necessary to involve a person, although this often is efficient as said before.
Don't be afraid to go crazy with relations. One way to go is to ask around you, "if I tell you ABC, what do you answer?". For example, I tried with "Coin slot", and got "Piggy bank" as an answer. Then I started again with "Piggy bank". Then I got "Hammer", and "Economy", and "Crisis". Bang, I had my idea for "Coin slot".
If you don't have anyone inspired around you, all of this can be simulated in your own head, of course. Do not hesitate to answer as if you were someone else that you know. This trick helps you to go crazy on ideas: when you think "in your name", you often restrict yourself to what others would expect from you. You can also use the Internet: enter some of the keywords you got in various images websites, and see what you got. Then re-enter the result, and obtain new ones. Repeat the process. This can sometimes lead you very far away from your starting point, but crazy things can be mixed too: don't neglect a path just because it sounds senseless or impossible at first glance.

2.2 - Personification
Another way of creating something interesting going around your subject is to pretend it's living (for objects, of course), or it's experiencing an incredible life (for living subjects). A while ago, there was a "close-up/macro" challenge, I decided to make a skateboarding snail (there were plenty around the house). The idea arrived easily when I ask myself, "what would a snail dream of?": the main answer was "to be much faster that he is". For objects, it can be harder, but use your imagination, and do not be afraid of mixing genres. For example, if we have a "Forks & Spoons" subject, why not depicting a fairytale involving them as main heroes? Fork in armour, spoon in dress, etc. Anything that would make the viewer laugh, or ask himself questions, often gathers great votes.

2.3 - Inspiration
Sometimes, despite your efforts, nothing convincing appears. Do not be ashamed to look at others' work. The trick is to know what/how to search. I have a collection of "favourites" at various websites (mainly 1x, flickr, deviantart), and I love to go through these, then look at the authors' others works. Also, look at other sources of creativity: paintings, sculptures, ads, movies. I'm sure you know of an interesting situation you saw somewhere that could be reshaped to fit the challenge you're going for. Sometimes, even a detail could be a good starting point: a particular behaviour, an unusual item, someone with interesting abilities, a weird way of eating cake, anything, really.

2.4 - Crash test
If you want to play safe, ask for a second opinion, in which you trust. This is a very personal matter: some will prefer to not ask anyone, just to not be influenced by a single reaction (this is mostly my case, as you guessed). If you go that route, depict the scene as neutrally as possible, and closely observe any reaction: even a little smile is a great sign (it will work much better with the actual image). Almost any typical reaction is good. If there are none, or "I don't get it", or "we'll see when it's done", then your idea is probably not really striking.

2.5 - No concept
You can also chose to go the most simple way (see 1.2). It is absolutely respectable, but from there, the only way you have to score high is to pull out something magnificent. This is a whole other story, that many others can cover much better than I would ever do :-)

3. Additional notes
- Do not hesitate to start the whole process very early, I usually do as soon as the challenge is announced. You can always start thinking about it in a corner of your head
- A good concept could score poorly due to execution (of course). I usually draw several compositions, just to get a rough idea of where to place things, what kind of light I want, what lens to use, what location would suit it, etc.
- Analyse constantly everything you see from a photographic point of view. Many great things happen all the time, when seen differently (strange composition, unusual point of view, very long or very short shutter speed, etc.) Keep your ideas in mind, some of them will prove to be great soon enough.


That's it for now, I'm sure I'm forgetting loads of things. But that's a start. Your turn! :)
10/21/2011 09:35:10 AM · #2
in other words, "You will never be as good as me, here's how I do it, go ahead and try."

:)
10/21/2011 09:40:41 AM · #3
That's a fantastic summary of what you've been doing and it's very generous of you to take the time to share it. You've done it in a very descriptive and clear way with words from a language that is not your first.

Much of what you have put into words is what I've been figuring out lately and has resulted in a few high scores over the last two months. I have mentioned to one of my WPL team mates recently the same thing that you said about goals.....

Originally posted by gyaban:

Also, I am well aware this is not a process for everyone: it is aimed at producing a well-scoring and creative entry; it should not always be your goal (it is not always mine), since doing photos you like is probably the most important. So please feel free to simply disregard this wall of text :) That being said, here we go.

[i]1. Challenge analysis
The goal of this preliminary analysis is to identify what kind of shot has a good chance of scoring high. This is not that hard in my opinion. Here are a few tricks I use in that regard


It is often said here at DPC something like "you should shoot for yourself" or "you should create images that are pleasing to you and of your style, don't worry about voters". Yeah, that works if scoring high in a challenge are not your goals. But if the goal is to score high, then approaching challenges the way that you do (and I've recently started to do) is more likely to help one to reach that goal.
10/21/2011 09:42:24 AM · #4
Thanks Christophe for posting this, I really appreciate the time you took in writing this. Very inspirational. Love that I am on your team and get to have small glimpses on how your mind works. :)
10/21/2011 09:51:34 AM · #5
Originally posted by yakatme:

It is often said here at DPC something like "you should shoot for yourself" or "you should create images that are pleasing to you and of your style, don't worry about voters". Yeah, that works if scoring high in a challenge are not your goals.

Interesting thing I have found it that when I please myself first, I seem to have more hits than misses. Of course, my definition of a hit sometimes is unrelated to the average score.
10/21/2011 12:07:31 PM · #6
While I appreciate the general tour through the Gyaban galaxy class star ship, I'm disappointed the tour didn't include a trip to the engine room. I am still left curious about the manifestation of the core creative energy and how that warp drive works. ;-)

Message edited by author 2011-10-21 12:07:56.
10/21/2011 01:08:30 PM · #7
My Gyaban appreciation just went up a notch. Thanks for the give back. A true sign of a master!
10/21/2011 01:16:06 PM · #8
This is an awesome post, because it speaks of creativity- and the inside thought that goes into thinking up a great and/or winning shot. You do some fantastic work; I try to do things like you, except without the creative ability, talent, execution, and processing skill.

That all being said....its kind of like Michael Jordan saying, " first you look at the rim, then you find a way to get past the defense, and at the last second reverse hands and slam dunk."

still a pleasure to view your work. thanks
10/21/2011 01:43:26 PM · #9
Originally posted by blindjustice:

its kind of like Michael Jordan saying, " first you look at the rim, then you find a way to get past the defense, and at the last second reverse hands and slam dunk."

It's hard to duplicate the thought process that goes on inside someone else's head. I have an easier time recognizing the good shot when it is in front of my than creating it. I did get something very usable out of Cristophe's post, especially the idea of doing what is essentially a word association game with the topic in order to jumpstart the creativity.
10/21/2011 01:47:36 PM · #10
Originally posted by blindjustice:


That all being said....its kind of like Michael Jordan saying, " first you look at the rim, then you find a way to get past the defense, and at the last second reverse hands and slam dunk."


Lol! Thanks for the laugh :) But this approach is perhaps a bit negative. Of course some basket ball players move faster than other, jump higher, have more accurate moves. However, they train in a similar manner, with exercises and precise things to do, in order to enhance their natural abilities (sorry I can't be much more specific on this example, I know nothing about basket ball ;))

My post is nothing more than that: share the few things I do when I decide to enter an image with a hope of a good score. It does not work everytime, and maybe it won't work at all for someone else, but it could also give some directions about what to practice for people interested in obtaining better scores. (Again, - disclaimer -, yes, I do know that low scores do not mean you are a poor photographer, and better scores is not the most important thing in life).

Maybe other people could share their approach to challenges too?
10/21/2011 01:56:06 PM · #11
I remember once when I was in grade school I called a member of my Little Dribblers basketball team and asked him what he did that made him so good, and what could I do to get better. As an adult, I admire myself for making that call!

Thanks for the insight, Christophe, and this makes me increasingly curious: What is your day job?

(I'm wondering if it's something that gives you an opportunity to use your creative mind, or if it's something that makes you need to go be creative elsewhere, i.e. photography. My own job in Information Technology is the latter.)
10/21/2011 01:57:37 PM · #12
This is exceptional information. Thank you gyaban!

I had not got past the first two paragraphs before I was reaching for the "Copy & Paste" buttons so I could put this
valuable information on my hard drive - and maybe on my office wall for quick reference.

Anyone who reads your message will have a greater understanding of how to enjoy yourself while thinking out a Challenge,
and in the meantime, pleasing an audience if you are successful.
10/21/2011 02:10:15 PM · #13
Thanks Christophe for posting this - this really needs to go into the How To or Tutorial section. Sometimes the doing isn't so hard - it is figuring out or knowing what to do that is the tough part. At other times...
For me, the most helpful part was about having the subject interact with someone or some other object.
10/21/2011 02:17:45 PM · #14
You sir, are a genius.
10/21/2011 02:26:28 PM · #15
Great post, and definitely falls in line with some discoveries I made. Especially about the reference image, and the best image having an extra element than that.
There was a time in the beginning of my stay here on dpc, that I thought a lot of my images should score higher than I was receiving. It was when I realized how much more effort the ribbon winners put into their images and shooting that I realized that I deserved my score.
10/21/2011 03:09:59 PM · #16
Thanks for a peek into your splendidly creative head. It was very generous of you -- especially given some of the harsher statements in these forums directed toward work. Once again, you have shown you have an ample amount of grace to go along with your unique style. I will certainly be reading this over again when I am stuck for an idea. Thanks.
10/21/2011 03:29:46 PM · #17
Although this list touches on a general pragmatic approach to DPC, my narrow vision does not yet see how this list invites a wellspring of core creativity to bubble from within a unique individual and surface as an artistic expression to the world?

I am not connecting with this list.

Oh well.
10/21/2011 04:37:06 PM · #18
It's always interesting to see into another's creative process. This one is particularly "structured" for lack of a better word, but that's not a bad thing especially for one who does setup/studio shots. Some people might have a more spontaneous process, especially if they do work outside or with less controllable subject matter.
10/21/2011 04:54:49 PM · #19
Originally posted by hihosilver:

Although this list touches on a general pragmatic approach to DPC, my narrow vision does not yet see how this list invites a wellspring of core creativity to bubble from within a unique individual and surface as an artistic expression to the world?

I am not connecting with this list.

Oh well.


He states up front that these tips are not for everybody but these are some things that work for him. I am interested in learning how others approach the challenges. You obviously have a different approach. You have some beautiful shots in your portfolio. How do you get your creativity to bubble from within and surface?
10/21/2011 04:55:12 PM · #20
and thanks for sharing. :)

For me, past few years anyway, anything beyond "don't think about it until the final couple hours and then throw something together, shoot, edit, enter just before the deadline and take what you get" is apparently too much effort for me. I certainly applaud the great effort as well as the creativity of Christophe and the dozen or so top notch ribbon hogs we have here.
10/21/2011 05:50:37 PM · #21
Merci beaucoup, monsieur Christophe. Great post!

For me the creative process is closely linked with the way to see the world, with how to feel the world and the people.
I think that everything you read, watch, such as movies, cartoons, artwork, reference photos on the internet etc.. is used at the time of creation
Transmit your message through photography is not an easy job :)
10/21/2011 09:19:27 PM · #22
Thankyou Christophe. I admire your work, and I admire your generosity in sharing. Maybe you have helped to peel a layer of concrete off my thinking cap. I wish I could favourite a post.
10/21/2011 10:39:17 PM · #23
Originally posted by gyaban:

Originally posted by blindjustice:


That all being said....its kind of like Michael Jordan saying, " first you look at the rim, then you find a way to get past the defense, and at the last second reverse hands and slam dunk."


Lol! Thanks for the laugh :) But this approach is perhaps a bit negative. Of course some basket ball players move faster than other, jump higher, have more accurate moves. However, they train in a similar manner, with exercises and precise things to do, in order to enhance their natural abilities (sorry I can't be much more specific on this example, I know nothing about basket ball ;))

My post is nothing more than that: share the few things I do when I decide to enter an image with a hope of a good score. It does not work everytime, and maybe it won't work at all for someone else, but it could also give some directions about what to practice for people interested in obtaining better scores. (Again, - disclaimer -, yes, I do know that low scores do not mean you are a poor photographer, and better scores is not the most important thing in life).

Maybe other people could share their approach to challenges too?


It was an unexpectedly useful an interesting post. The brainstorming technique is a good, and I love your comment about trying not to do a literal translation of every challenge. Everyone should take it to heart.
10/22/2011 12:24:05 AM · #24
Originally posted by markwiley:

How do you get your creativity to bubble from within and surface?


Oh...now that's a loaded question. Do I have a choice of Hemlock or should I just go ahead and pull the trigger...;-)
10/22/2011 12:38:05 AM · #25
pass the hemlock, I'm out of bullets
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