Today’s post is the second of a two-part series about creativity and growth in your photography/artistic journey. These tips are for all anyone who considers themselves an “artist” and for my friends who are simply considering embarking on a creative discovery journey.
To read more about the first three life-changing habits I have incorporated into 2019 to foster creative growth, visit Part I: Creating Space for Creativity + Growth in Your Photography Journey. This week I will touch on two more game-changing habits that have been key to my creative discover journey in the first part of this year.
1. Rest. A fast for your soul. No consuming other people’s content for one week.
Last year was filled with ALL THE THINGS. I was hustling, shaking trees and trying desperately to create numerous opportunities for creative growth + business. I was listening to many books, podcasts, personal development coaches and you name it. I was consuming so much content that my soul became saturated, and I really needed to get my headspace clear. I went into 2019 very aware of all of the voices in my head and knew I needed to take a break from listening to all of the gurus.
Well, the Universe delivered in week 4 of The Artist’s Way course. The instructor strongly advises that you take a break from all content consumption. The idea is to take a break from consuming other people work to allow space for your own original thoughts. Can I tell you the anxiety I had at just the thought of this? What if I missed something life altering on one of the podcasts or that next book? However, I knew God was handing me a gift, permission to rest. Permission to lay it all down and take a break. Permission to get quiet and not have to perform, strive or hustle. Permission to rest in him and tap into his power and cleanse my soul. So what does one do when you cannot consume blogs, podcasts, books or Netflix? You get out of your own head and become keenly aware of your senses, thoughts, and feelings. The joy and peace that I experienced during this week of content fasting was indescribable and allowed creative thoughts and ideas to flourish!
2. Discover your inner child.
Taking time away from working on my business and pushing through another 365 to create more photographs has allowed me time to play. Simple enjoyment, not productivity or outcome is the only objective. This process has unearthed some silly little joys and passions from my childhood and teen years. When you take a break from adulting and the outside world, a beautiful thing happens . . . you discover what you are passionate about and would do it time + money + talent were not object. I’ve been making lots of lists about what my passions were as a kid, what hobbies I enjoyed and what I did for fun when the world was carefree and time was abundant. This week, for me, it has been hair tutorials on Instagram and creating music playlists. Watching hair and makeup tutorials for no other reason than just to have fun takes me right back to my teen years playing for hours in front of a mirror with mixed tapes in the jam box. Hello, early 1990?!?! It has been amazingly freeing.
Finally, to encourage more creative inspiration, I am participating in a blog circle this month. Please hop on over to check out Tanya Lorraine/Nashville Lifestyle & Documentary Photographer & Educator and her tips on portraiture. These are great and I plan on doing some with my boys this month!
SENIOR | FAMILY | NEWBORN | SCHOOLS
Shelly Niehaus Photography is a Prosper, TX-based senior and family photographer. I specialize in newborns, seniors, family, and school portrait photography in the Dallas Fort Worth area. I also offer adoption photography for local families through the Red Thread Organization and volunteer for The Gold Hope Project. For more information please contact me so we can start discussing your session.
Such great advice with lovely images
Your work is so inspiring to me! Love this post.