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The Right Way to Travel, Weekly Photo Tip
December 19, 2007
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HOW TO BREAK THE PHOTOGRAPHER'S SLUMP
By Shelly Perry in Portland, OR

Artists of every persuasion -- painter, writer, sculptor, photographer or any other creative type -- all ride the roller coaster up and down when it comes to creativity. And photographers, just like other artists, go through more- and less-productive periods. It's those less-productive times I want to talk about today. Let's call it "photographer's block."

I'm writing about this today, because I see a slump in people contributing to the photo challenge... and because the only way I know to get over it and get in touch again with that creative flow of energy is to simply push through it. 

So if you're not excited about taking photos right now,  I encourage you to shoot them anyway. But rather than shooting for a job, an article, an art show, stock, or even this challenge -- simply take an hour or two and go shoot for YOU.

Go out into your yard -- or farther out into the world -- and see what you find.  You might see something you haven't noticed before.  Or maybe the light will be...

(continued below...)

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** Highly Recommended **

Next month in Austin, Texas, a group of wildly successful photographers will come together to talk about how to make a living doing what you love.

These photographers not only make money following their passion, they also:

** Choose their own hours
** Live where they please
** Travel whenever and wherever they want
** Express and share their creativity
** And have a lot of fun, too

No fair, right?

"No fair" is what your friends will be saying when that life becomes yours.

Sign up now and make it happen -- plus save $340 during our Holiday Sale. 

http://www.thetravelwriterslife.com/holiday2007/savings

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doing something just right and you'll be able to capture it -- for no other reason than you want to.

It's in those moments that you let your creativity flow freely and any "photographers block" becomes a thing of the past.

Once you've started filling your camera back up with images that inspire you, take a look at what you've captured, and give a few of them some post-processing.

Here is a shot from this month's challenge that could have been shot in an inspired moment...

The snow, the tree all lit up, even the red of the tail lights and the green of the street light come together to give this shot a very festive, wintry feel. 

With a few small adjustments in Photoshop (or Lightroom), the overly gray sky and generally washed out image could have a little more pop.  Here's an article in our archives on how to make images pop in Photoshop or Lightroom: http://tinyurl.com/32cpkf.

And here is that same image with a quick Levels and Curves adjustment in Photoshop. See how the colors jump out more now?

 

In the next week or two, when you have a few spare moments, grab your camera and get out there and shoot... just for fun... just for you. It could be the best gift you give yourself (or someone else) this holiday season.

Best wishes for a happy holiday season.

ENTER TO WIN!

This month's photo challenge theme is Traditions.  If you have a picture to submit, log on to our website and click on the Enter to Win tab.  (Note: First-time users need to register on the "register" link on the right side bar first. Once you have a username and password, click "Enter to Win" to upload your photo. Only one photo per applicant will be considered. No purchase necessary to register.)

If you had trouble finding the Traditions theme last week, it's up and ready to go now, so check back and submit your best traditions-themed shots: http://www.thephotographerslife.com/contest/

Photos are due by 8:00 a.m. EST, Monday, December 31, 2007.

[ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Shelly Perry from Portland, Oregon, specializes in people photography, what she calls documentary or lifestyle portraits. She is known especially for her imaging of children. Shelly's concern for people is reflected both in her sense of purpose and the images she produces.  Her images have been seen all over the globe on music CD covers, books, magazines, catalogues, web sites, ad campaigns and even on the big screens behind singer Chris Daughtry at the American Music Awards. Her work has also appeared in several local exhibits and gallery shows.

To meet Shelly in person, visit: http://www.thephotographerslife.com/austin]

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