Stephen Cunic - Guest Photo Blogger

Etwas neues versuchen, heute habe ich einen Gastbeitrag von einem Qlympus Fotografen für euch. Da Stephen aus den USA kommt ist der Blog heute mal wieder englisch. Ich wünsche euch viel Spaß beim lesen!

Overcoming the Creative Fog in Photography

The creative fog sets on all and can come at any time; it comes frequently and unforgiving. We often find these moments begin when we are often most excited and enthusiastically ready to create. Here is a 3 step guide to get over the creative hurdle. 

1. PUT THE CAMERA DOWN! Yes; I said it. Really you must put that camera down! Like now…immediately. Often I have found that when exploring subjects in efforts to create an image in the digital days its common place to pick up the camera and shoot every possible subject, image, and perspective of the surrounding area. 

While it may seem counterproductive to not shoot when trying to create I have found that shooting images that are forced can create an atmosphere of mediocrity and send your creative juices flowing in a downward spiral. A positive and clear mindset is key to all forms of creative experiences and the more positive success you have while creating will allow you to focus on the successes and learn to take the next creation to the next level. 
Often in photography the ease of being able to shoot thousands of images can negatively impact our creative growth. We shoot, and shoot, and shoot in hopes of capturing that one image that will work finding thousands of images that are worthless and can put ones confidence in a lull. To avoid this downward spiral I recommend leaving your camera in bag or pouch until you see in your mind the image before you shoot(now obviously if you are on assignment or shooting fast motion subjects this would be counterproductive so in
these circumstances KEEP THAT CAMERA READY TO FIRE FAST!). Before you take your camera up to frame and compose the image in your mind, close your eyes and take the photo to be developed in your soul. Not only will this create a more successful experience this will also help you to slow down and really thing about the subjects prior to pulling the trigger. 

2. Unplug your TV! We as creatives absorb the images, thoughts, and experiences we are surrounded by. When in a creative lull I will often unplug my Tv(Which I no longer own), limit my time on my cell phone, social media, music, books and anything can that influence my visual creative thoughts and experiences. I completely withdraw and have found that this gives the soul the freedom to be released from the constraints and influences of our culture to run freely. 
I will often put down my camera(step 1) and go into my garden, grab a fishing rod, or go for a walk in the woods; allowing the opportunity to self-reflect without thinking about photography. This unplugging minimalism is a great way to allow you mind to wander and reset. When the thoughts of photography and forced creativity no long are actively conscious on my mind at this moment I know that we have reset and give ourselves permission to explore our creative self. At is time wander and explore further until you no longer have a NEED to create. When you do not force the shot everything will come together in the creative process. 

3. STOP Studying other PHOTOGRAPHERS!(Sorry Chris) — But really you need to find yourself and that can only happen from within. When we explore, study, mimic other creatives and their techniques we are self-inflicting boundaries imposed by the styles of those who have navigated and developed the style of images. Subconsciously when we are shooting it is easy to slide into the perspective of those images we have seen previously from other creative styles and we end up shooting similar to those who have influenced us creatively. During the quest for creativity it is vital to remove all those resources that will impact your works and creative mindset. 
Now while I highly recommend unplugging from studying other photographers creative style by no mean do I suggest a complete unplug from the community. We are so blessed to have some many different people, cultures, and perspectives from around the world and with today’s open communication I highly urge you to embrace the community and lift each other up. Share your thoughts and experience, trials and tribulations with other and help support their grow and in time this positive community will return the favor.
The world is a beautiful and wonderful place filled with limitless creative opportunity for all of us photographers to capture and share with the world. To capture this beauty that is outside of our focus we often need to refocus within ourselves. Put your camera down, unplug the TV, and Study your own self without the influence of others; utilize these three techniques for overcoming the creative lull I am confident you will find yourself outside your own creative constraints. 

About Stephen

Stephen Cunic is an American Photographer with concentrations in North American landscapes. Stephen has dedicated over two decades as a conservationist and photographer applying his passion for the wild lands of North America sharing the natural world through his unprecedented Present Perspective Photography. 
Stephen started his photography career in 2000 crafting photographs in a traditional black and white darkroom developing skills in understanding and crafting of the traditional technique. This foundation reinforced the concepts in which are the foundations to the basis of Stephen's revolutionary artwork.  Through an arduous printing process, he takes time and dedication to prepare digital prints in a way that are composed from his knowledge and workings in the photographic darkroom. 
The process through a revolutionary printing discovery Stephen made, takes multiple layers building physical depth through the relieve and build up from physical ink on a specialty sub-strait able to handle the laborious printing process. Each individual layer is printed and developed by Stephen over the course of multiple hours building up definitive aspects in which are vital to the observable textures, depths and dimensions necessary to the final sculptural-like works he creates. This physical dimension created through his processes allows the observer the opportunities to reflect upon the image as if they are physically within the environments Stephen wants you to experience. As he has spent prolonged periods of time within these environments, he invites you to reflect "as is". 
Just as one observes the natural landscapes and a realm in real life, Stephen creates works that allow an individual visual experience through time, place, and self-reflection without the artists self. The works allow an individual to experience the piece without influence from the artist and true reflection and journey for the individual observer; an invitation to look at every element and self-reflect through a personal journey and experience. These self-reflections are the journey in which we can truly embrace ourselves and experience the works in the Present Moments as observed; changing with the environmental influences of the physical space and the positioning approach of the observer.
Stephen has traveled exploring the natural wildness and environments of North America and beyond, and through his innovative Present Perspective Photography he allows one the opportunity to experience the moments of solitude and bliss in which one can embrace in hours of exposure to the natural world.

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