Modern cameras and lenses are so good that they can handle just about anything you can throw at them, and while it is wonderful to have such powerful capabilities at your fingertips, it can also be a bit paralyzing in a way. If you are in a creative rut and unsure of how to get out of it, check out this fantastic video that will show you how adding constraints to your photography can actually jumpstart it.
Coming to you from aows, this awesome video discusses how constraints can actually give you freedom in your work. The idea is that when we have total creative freedom, it can be a bit hard to figure out in which direction to take it. When you add a constraint, you force your brain to work around it, and in the process of solving the problems posed by it, you discover a creative direction. In that sense, the actual constraint really isn't that important. It can be something totally arbitrary, like shooting only with slow shutter speeds. It is engaging the problem-solving side of your brain that is the real aim of the exercise. If you are feeling a bit stuck, give it a shot. Check out the video above for the full rundown.
Our local photography group of about 18 have a monthly challenge, winner gets bragging rights and selects the category of the next challenge. Participating has help me immensely. Some of the topics have been silhouettes, patterns, low angle, shooting through, etc. Each one develops new levels of skill.