Why don’t you try something different for a change? (Me talking to myself.)
It’s easy to fall into a rut by doing the same things the same way over and over. More than ever, I’ve been feeling the urge lately to up the ante creatively.
For me, one of the best ways to do that is to change things up — to expand my repertoire of image-making skills by learning and practising new techniques, both in camera and in Photoshop. So I’ve made a list of things I want to learn to do, and when I’m ready for creative boost, I pick one and try to teach myself.
The other day I decided to try in-camera double exposures. You can see one of my first images above. I don’t expect my first tries to be good — that just freezes you up. I experiment just to see if I can and because it’s fun. And each new technique opens up new possibilities and rejuvenates me.
There are so many fabulous free tutorials out there now that it is just a matter of searching a bit to find one that works for you. I tend to like the video mode and YouTube has lots of those.
Personally, I’m a big fan of Kelby online training videos, which are not free, but are worth every penny of the reasonable subscription price. You learn from topnotch pros in the field. The videos are detailed, well-structured and easy to follow. You can easily stop and start them when you want to try it yourself.
I have also taken several online courses from wonderful teachers, such as Kim Klassen and Kat Sloma. I’m looking forward to one with Kim Manley Ort. Some of these courses teach new techniques and some of them help you change and grow more by encouraging a process of self-inquiry. I find I need to do both — work on technical skills and pay attention to my own creative vision.
What about you? Do you feel the need to change things up?
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That is such a nice thing to say, Carol. I’m very happy if my adventures spark ideas in others. Thanks!
I am inspired by people like you Diane! I can see the results of all your learning in your images. Thanks for visiting!
Love to see what you come up with Julie! There are so many possibilities.
A number of mine also didn’t work Tina. It’s not like Photoshop where you can keep adjusting things. You have one shot at it. Love to see what you come up with….
Glad if they’re helpful. Thanks, Kristeen!
It has been a great season for learning and growing, Indigo, and I am very grateful. Still lots more on my list to try — little by little. And I am really looking forward to Kim’s class. I am always happy to see your comment here!
I appreciate your comments Gracie. Give it a go if you can. I bet you’d enjoy doing it!
Thanks, Sandra. It is actually two images of the same tree. The leaves were growing on the trunk.
Thanks, Stacie. Yes there is so much to learn — and it all takes time.
I love how the double exposure turned out! My problem is I’m always trying to learn new things…now if I could only add a few more hours into the day 🙂
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I like your double exposure image of leaves above. It gives such a beautiful soft look and yet very much alive too. I love the freshness of greens.
Very well done, Sherry! I have to check my manual to see if this is something I can achieve with my camera. I’ve never done something like this, not even on post processing. I like your image, you managed to make it look like a real painting even. Beautiful!
You know I’m in total agreement with you on keeping on learning and growing. I love watching your photographic skill shaped by your creative explorations. Beautiful image up above, very calming. Once again, you tried something new and did a beautiful job. So glad you’ve signed up with Kim, I love her teaching style and philosophy.
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Thanks for the tips on classes offered.. I like what you did with the photo shot image above.. I love leafs it’s a cool way to make fine Art.. nicely done!!
Hugs
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Well done Sherry, love the shot. Tried this unsuccessfully this week’ for the first time. Will have to give it another go!
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Blogs, like yours, are a great source of creative growth. I also didn’t know a double exposure could be done with digital cameras. Thank you for your post – love your image too.
It would indeed. And they look so cool in film.
Very interesting. I’ve been reasonably thorough about reading my manual and I’m pretty sure my camera doesn’t do this. I still have a roll of two of (now ancient) film in the fridge – keep meaning to pull it out and take my old film camera off the shelf. Multple exposures would be a good reason!
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I’m the same way Sherry. I’ve taught myself a lot of new ‘things’ using You Tube :~D and am proud to say so!
One thing I have honestly never done (on purpose) is in-camera double exposures and I too have been thinking of giving them a try. Back when I used film I did a few double exposures — ha! but they were accidents 🙂
Here’s to the glory of creativity.
Add me to the list of those that didn’t know you could do double exposure in digital! The image is very cool – I’ll have to give it a try!! Thanks for the idea!
She’s one of the best and her classes are quite affordable. She also send out free textures if you get on her mailing list.
It was easier than I thought…But not that easy to get a shot that really works ;-)!!!
I thought of you when I did it, Laurie. It just reminded me of you…;-) I checked my manual (Nikon D600) and found out the camera could do multiple exposures. I know some other Nikons can and some Canons. But that’s about all I know…There also seems to be a way to mimic them with other cameras but I haven’t read all about that yet.
I always feel that way! 🙂 That image is quite interesting. I’ve never heard of in-camera double exposures. I’ll have to research.
Wow, Sherry – very interesting image! I didn’t know you could do in-camera double exposures. I used to do multiple exposures back in the film days, and really enjoyed it. But since the advent of digital cameras, the only way I know to do them is by combining layers in a program like Photoshop. Is the capacity to do double exposure specific to your camera? Or is there some way that any DSLR can do them, that I wasn’t aware of?
I want to try Kim Klassen’s textures..In time money wise. I really like what she does..
Yes, I’m with you on the same wavelength.. I will be branching out in one way or another..