Light painting in Captiva (and other stuff)

“Creativity involves breaking out of established patterns in order to look at things in a different way.” –  Edward de Bono 

Its east to get into a rut. As a creative, it can be challenging to reinvent yourself and break away from old patterns. We tend to be creatures of comfort, often learning what we need to, and then settling into that groove. Like I said though, that can quickly (for many like myself) turn into a rut.

Luckily for those of us with access to the net though, there is creative inspiration all over! When I get the time, I love heading into that rabbit hole to find unique works that inspire me. Its then with that curiosity that I head out to find answers. How was that created, where was that lit from, what new technique can I learn to create with? These are the kind of questions that keep me motivated to learn and continue to develop as an artist and an image creator. Ask them and search for answers!

A few great places to start that journey or shall I say…reignite that fire, are of course Kelby Training, Creative Live, and Lynda.com. I have taken classes from all of them as well as having an annual subscription to Kelby and Lynda. No matter what sort of direction you are thinking of taking your photography and art, there is are classes that I am sure will inspire you! The new trend is of life long learning and I can almost guarantee with a good amount of certainly that it is hear to say, so if you haven’t yet, you should check them out!

I applied a few techniques in “Light Painting” on the image below. Both Dave Black and Ben Willmore have some amazing classes of using LED flashlights, torches, and high powered spotlights to paint with light. As a lighting designer with HyLite, these techniques really interested me! I was dying to get a chance to try out a few of these on location, and was lucky to find this cool snack shack right on the beach over in Captiva to practice the technique on. I was even able to ride right up to the scene with the gear loaded up in a golf cart. Lazy photography at its finest!

I’ll keep playing and share a few tips and tricks as I continue to create out there in the field.

Till then, look for me out in the field, …… or forest…..all 5 of me!