Inspiring Creativity in your Photography with Jim Wilson

Your skills and creativity affect your photography. Making a photographic image is at its core a human endeavor that involves creativity and personal involvement by the maker. Your personality, perspectives and creativity are expressed in your work, whether or not your photographic style is precise or wide-ranging or hidden. During this workshop, we will discuss the ideas and applications of creativity as applied to the art of photography. We will explore how perspectives and motivations can develop into your unique photographic style, how your creativity can be either blocked or encouraged, and how to have some light-hearted fun with your skills and abilities.

We will investigate, discuss and play with a variety of creative tools and how perspectives shape your vision around you. We will share images with positive discussions, and learn your motivation in creating them (both images you wished were better, and others you are pleased with).  In addition, we will review the works of historic photographers and their creative inspirations that resulted in now, famous works.

Overall, the workshop and presentations will explore four main topics: (1) creativity techniques as applied to everyday life and the photographic process, (2) blocks to creativity that may have influenced you in the past or today, (3) sharing of participant images and their creative processes, and (3) a review of the creative inspiration of famous photographers and samples of their iconic images.

During the workshop, more specifically, together we will:

• Review and discuss creativity and its value to the photographic endeavor
• Play with a few specific exercises to engage your creativity
• Discuss classic blocks to creativity that can limit your photographic progress
• Review methods to improve personal growth, voice and creativity in your work
• Share two of your images (one you feel needs improvement and one you like)
• Focusing on element(s) within a "scene" that initially "triggered" your attention and emphasizing those element(s) to improve your photographic message
• Relate the creative inspiration of famous photographers and their iconic work
• Explore the opportunities and values of learning new ideas to broaden your skills

BIO: Jim Wilson creates images to help others see, learn, enjoy and value our environment. Contrasting simplicity and complexity, his images center on life's themes and connections, drawing upon his personal perspectives and experiences.

Jim Wilson is professional photographer, owner of Inviting Light Photography® (www.invitinglight.com), as well as a biologist, ecologist, teacher and speaker. He teaches primarily biology and has team-taught uniquely combined photography and biology field classes at Sierra College. Over the last fifty years, photography allows Jim to blend his knowledge of science and ecology with his artistic passion and professional interest in creating a variety of photographic images.

He has earned degrees in Photography, Applied Art & Design and the Biological Sciences. Most recently in 2018, he was presented the “Best of Photography” Award at the Wild & Scenic Film Festival. As a founding member of Viewpoint Photographic Art Center, Jim advocates for the importance of photography, art and science in our communities.