Page 45 - Cape-Camera-May-June-2021

May/June 2021 Cape Camera

The Creative Process

by Laetitia Kenny MPSSA EPSSA (Mille Prem) EFIAP

I recently saw a quote that read “the creative adult is the child who survived”, and it
definitely makes sense. It is believed that all children are born with creative ability.
For some this talent is developed and nurtured over time while others are drawn to
other talents or skills such as sports or physical activities.

Many photographers will fondly tell you about when and where I know that some clubs have suggested that these images be
they got their first camera. I recently heard someone say that placed in a completely separate category. I don’t know if this
she was given a Box Brownie at age 5. At about age 5 I got one has been implemented at any of the clubs? A friend recently
of those plastic boxes of watercolour paints and it was probably complained to me that he feels that he is at a huge disadvan-
the start of my love of anything creative and would ultimately tage as he is simply not able to produce “Altered Reality” im-
define the person I am today. I took art as a Matric subject and ages. Out of curiosity I visited the PSSA website and found that
during my tertiary studies to become a teacher, I did a four-year of the 60 odd medal winners in recent salons only about 8 were
art major. I have continued to explore a number of art mediums visibly manipulated. But this is a can of worms that I am not
that have included sculpture, pottery, stained glass, etching and prepared to open!
many more. While some of these were short lived, oil painting Remember creativity is not only the ability to create Surrealistic
and photography have stayed with me. Incidentally I only got or Fine Art type composites. Any subject matter can be shot
into photography in my thirties when my husband bought me creatively. So then how can you become more creative?
an entry level film camera, a Minolta 3xi. Shoot spontaneously! Like you did when you got your first
As photographers there are a multitude of genres available to camera and there were no rules, no awards and no judges!
us and I always encourage new photographers to explore as
many of these as possible as some might be more appealing Try to see the world in terms of colours, shapes and angles.
than others. I do however feel that some genres of photogra- Say you have an opportunity to photograph ruins. It’s perfectly
phy like birds or nature have more clearly defined requirements okay to photograph the building in its entirety but then zoom
or parameters than the Altered Reality or Fine Art Photography in on abstract patterns in peeling paint, look for geometrical
genres which are more open to likes and dislikes, personal opin- shapes in doorways and windows. If it’s a workshop many peo-
ion and interpretation or misinterpretation for that matter. There ple will scramble for a spot in the “popular” area. Look for a spot
has been a lot of controversy and debate as to whether some Al- where no one else is standing.
tered Reality images are still photos or have been manipulated Visit art galleries and art and craft exhibitions. You certainly
to the point that they should be called graphic design. wont like everything you see but try to ask yourself why you
like or dislike a particular image.
Study the work of the Old Masters. If you are drawn to portrai-
ture look at Karsh, Skrebnesky, Irving Penn, Diane Arbus et-
cetera for landscape Ansell Adams is surely the master of this
genre. The list is endless
Try to see things in a different way. Unfortunately, many pho-
tographers see an image gaining accolades and likes on salons
and Facebook groups and so they try to imitate these. But what
about a totally different approach? Don’t photograph the Cape
Carnival from the sidewalk along with all the other spectators.
Go to the area where the performers are waiting to join the pa-
rade and do close ups or portraits or hands or human interac-
tion or makeup artists creating their magic…
Look for artistic potential in everything you see. The more you
practice the easier it will become. Can you take 5 or even 10

44 Cape Town Photographic Society