It’s been a year since I started using my mobile device to take pictures. It was this time last year that I began carrying my old iPod Touch with me everywhere, discovering a whole new world in the possibilities. The possibilities of images in the places I move through every day. The possibilities of processing with apps. The possibilities for mobile photography to change everything. Oh my, but it was a wondrous time! Creativity at its best.
This year, things are different and yet not. It is once again autumn, and the sun has been shining through the trees in their gorgeous colors. I’ve been inspired, picking up the pace of collecting photographs, doing more editing. This year, I have better tools in my iPhone 5 and iPad. This year, I have more knowledge of apps and processing. This year, I see even more possibilities.
It almost feels as if I’m waking up after a long, dry summer. I created a number of wonderful images this summer, don’t get me wrong, but it wasn’t like this. I didn’t make extra time, out and about, to photograph. I didn’t spend most of my free time experimenting with editing. I’ve been having a blast, exploring new techniques like I used for this image here. (You can see more on Flickr.)
I’m a big believer in creative cycles. I know that my creative energy has peaks and valleys during the day, and I try to to honor my personal cycle. I know that on a larger scale, creativity ebbs and flows over time with many variables. But what I wonder, with the arrival of autumn and inspiration, is if it’s possible to have a creative time of year. Because that’s what it feels like right now. As if I hit some threshold on the calendar and inspiration turned on. And I’m having a fantastic time.
I can sense there is lot more to come for me as the trees lose their leaves. There is so much more to explore with my new favorite artistic tools, and what may be my best time of year for creativity. I’m loving every minute.
How about you? Do you have a creative time of year? When is it and how does it show up for you?
This is beautiful! Can you share which apps you used? Like you, I’m in awe of what I’m learning to do with my iPhone and apps. It’s amazing how creativity ebbs and flows, isn’t it? Thank you for sharing your image and lovely thoughts.
Hi Sherri, my app list is very simple! It’s just Image Blender. There are multiple images and textures being blended, though. Thanks for your note!
These look like water colours, Kat. Lovely soft pastels!
Have you left DSLR photography altogether now?
Hi Sandra! I wouldn’t say I’ve “left” dSLR photography – that sounds so final – but I haven’t visited it in a while. I like to imagine my dSLR is waiting for me patiently to get over my iPhone crush, and it will welcome me with open arms when I’m ready to return.
I think of you when I’m obsessing over leaves and trees. Makes me feel like I’m in good company as I take yet another leaf photo! I feel like my creativity ebbs and flows with what I’m learning…I have a hard time with photography for photography’s sake – though I keep shooting because I need the practice! But I feel genuinely creative when something is speaking to me and giving me a story to tell…or influencing the story I want to tell. I love visiting you here!
Such gorgeous and inspirational work!