I thought I'd bring this up and see if others have noticed. I've always gone back and forth between photography and drawing/painting. I have noticed that I bring something new from one discipline to another as I explore each. For example, the recent benefits that I've noticed is that for a long time I studied lighting for photographic portraits. I worked very hard to get to specific point (with still much more to learn) in crafting light on a subject.
When the pandemic hit, photographic portraits went out the window. With no portrait photography to practice, I turned back to drawing. I found that what I learned in lighting for photography translated well into my drawing and that my values were much improved. I understood how light fell on the face and when to use deep shadows to carve out, say cheeks, for example.
Has anyone else noticed any improvements crossing disciplines like this? I'd love to hear what you found, what other discipline benefits your photography or photography benefited that discipline.
I wish I could say that I dabbled in another art form but I am afraid there is no talent here.
Having said that, I find that being open to (and practicing) different genres of photography brings similar benefits to my experience with photography as a whole. Moving between genres keeps the skill set sharp and the mind stimulated and creative.
Ultimately photography is about awareness.
@uswitucha I completely agree with you. What you learn from one genre of photography can definitely benefit other genres. Maybe, essentially, it is just about being open to learning new things and adapting the things you learn to different disciplines.
@dmacauley, @usiwtucha
Fully agree with you both. Multiple modes of creativity I find always enhance the ability to perceive, to be aware. I sketch, paint and I've also dabble in painting on glass. Don't always find time to do much of this anymore but your post is a reminder to fire up my painting gear and paint some glass! I've also been working on setting up a wet darkroom for film work and for making chemical prints. I'm an empty-nester now, so the demands on my time from family are much reduced. However I find that work can easily expand to consume all bandwidth! I need to do a much better job of the oxymoronic "work-life balance"... 🙂
Cheers!
Hi Donna!
I too believe that any artistic endeavor, or doing anything that one feels is creative, will enhance overall creativity. It does not have to be visual arts. One can read or write poetry, listen to or create music, etc. Basically anything that requires one to sharpen or refresh one or more senses, or anything that allows one to flex creative muscles or feel like they are being creative (mindset) will help.
So go for it!
JM
@dmacauley, @usiwtucha
Fully agree with you both. Multiple modes of creativity I find always enhance the ability to perceive, to be aware. I sketch, paint and I've also dabble in painting on glass. Don't always find time to do much of this anymore but your post is a reminder to fire up my painting gear and paint some glass! I've also been working on setting up a wet darkroom for film work and for making chemical prints. I'm an empty-nester now, so the demands on my time from family are much reduced. However I find that work can easily expand to consume all bandwidth! I need to do a much better job of the oxymoronic "work-life balance"... 🙂
Cheers!
It is definitely hard to find time for all of our interests and our obligations. LOL
I'd love to hear about the darkroom. It's something I've been wanting to set up at home, too. Maybe a new discussion topic under equipment?
Hi Donna!
I too believe that any artistic endeavor, or doing anything that one feels is creative, will enhance overall creativity. It does not have to be visual arts. One can read or write poetry, listen to or create music, etc. Basically anything that requires one to sharpen or refresh one or more senses, or anything that allows one to flex creative muscles or feel like they are being creative (mindset) will help.
So go for it!
JM
I completely agree. It doesn't just apply to visual art. I've taken literation and music as inspiration for some of my visual works, too. Anything creative can cross to other endeavors.