Contact us via email or phoneEmail us | Phone: +1 615-771-5611
Login  Password Login
categories
designers area
photographers area
resources
photo map
free photos
dreamstime blogs

Lightbox/cart:  View & Download
You have 0 images
 
Home > Blogs! > Lane Erickson's Blog
Creative Light     posted on 30th of april, 2011

I am sick of taking photos of things that are isolated on white. I am sick of large flat light. I am sick of uploading mass amounts of dull, lifeless photos, even when they sell. I am simply sick of the rut I am in and I am aching to see and create images that are powerful and unique and use creative light.

As I reviewed my portfolio recently I discovered that only a few of my top selling photos are of items isolated on white. Rather, many of my top selling photos involve using creative light. Here are some examples:






As I think back about these images I have fond memories of the experiences involved in creating these photos. I took these photos when the stress of stock photography and making money didn't exist. In fact, I wasn't trying to make money but was simply trying to create powerful images. Most importantly, I was having fun. None of my isolated on white photos were fun, and none provide me with any good memories.

Since the very definition of photography is "painting with light" I challenge you to look for and capture creative light in the stock photos you take in the next few weeks. I am giving up creating any isolated on white images for a while and I know as I do this that I will be creating unique and sellable images rather than the same old photos.

I look forward to this challenge of creating many new and unique creative light photos in the future and to seeing those that others create as well. Good luck and I hope I see you out shooting!











Tags: creative fun light memories powerful

Comments (26)

I totally agree with your take. I do sometimes felt the pressure of producing typical type of stock photos that sometimes limits my creative ability.
Your article is a timely reminder that at the very least I should enjoy taking those shots I love the most.
- posted by Akulamatiau on September 20, 2011
Thanks for sharing... Great pics. - posted by Voytekj on May 30, 2011
yeah,I can understand the feeling. I "hate" pictures of things isolated in white..so typically photo stock(but I think that's also changing). I agree that the best photos/pictures happen when you are "free" of limitations,following your vocation/interests. You got nice pictures - posted by Bluwarrior on May 19, 2011
Thanks for your response - posted by Markosloizou on May 08, 2011
Thanks Markosloizou for the comments. In the mountain bike photo I was using a fisheye lens. It was the 10.5mm F/2.8 Nikkor. I had a remote release and took the photo of myself with a Nikon D70. I did this shot several years ago. I've got some new mountain bike photos planned and am waiting for good weather to create them. - posted by Eric1513 on May 08, 2011
Awesome shots, in the mountain bike photo how did you get that "fish eye" effect? - posted by Markosloizou on May 08, 2011
I hope you get much! - posted by Swh147 on May 03, 2011
I agree, stock can cause burn out if we aren't careful. Wonderful captures! - posted by Bowlingranny on May 02, 2011
Beautiful shots. Congrats!! I liked the part of having fun. - posted by Yelo34 on May 02, 2011
Beautiful concepts! Congrats for your idea! - posted by smartview27 on May 02, 2011
Thanks to everyone for their comments and feedback. I invite you to show your creative light and images. - posted by Eric1513 on May 02, 2011
good luck I agree with you about memories.Great port - posted by Dmccale on May 02, 2011
I like them very much - posted by Antoinettew on May 02, 2011
I agree with you. I hate pictures isolated on white (and i haven't got the equipment to do it properly). Photography is supposed to be an art, I don't believe that taking pictures with flat light and white backgrounds is much of an art.
By the way great work
- posted by Markosloizou on May 02, 2011
I agree with what Ericson says and there is market for these type of pictures too as there is market for isolated objects, and as someone said below, both don't cross the path and are independent of each other. - posted by Joezachs on May 02, 2011
Amazing photos! - posted by Mariaam on May 01, 2011
I agree with you. With isolated pictures you don't have as much fun as with pictures taken with creative light and subject. There is a lot more fun shooting lets say nature than an apple on white background. At least that's my opinion, good article. :) - posted by Matijakeber on May 01, 2011
Smart thinking.............. very sensible plan of action. David. - posted by Davidwatmough on May 01, 2011
Beautiful images,great job!!! - posted by Nero67 on May 01, 2011
It is a combination of skilful use of right equipment and a keen eye, I guess. So much harder to get it right on some occasions. Nice shots!Regards - posted by Virgilxxn on May 01, 2011
Great images. Congrats but isolated images are needed in the market also. - posted by Davulcu on May 01, 2011
cong:) - posted by Halilin on May 01, 2011
Well said - and a great set of shots for examples. There is of course a market for objects on white, but they'll never be more interesting than a good shot with great light! - posted by Tamarabauer on May 01, 2011
The first is not an obstacle for the second... Good luck! - posted by Viktor50 on May 01, 2011
I agree with you. Thanks for sharing. - posted by Egomezta on April 30, 2011
beautiful images - posted by Uptall on April 30, 2011

Comments (26)

This article has been read 1565 times. 7 readers have found this article useful.
Photo credits: Lane Erickson, Lane Erickson, Lane Erickson, Lane Erickson, Lane Erickson, Lane Erickson, Lane Erickson, Lane Erickson, Lane Erickson, Lane Erickson, Lane Erickson.
 
    Search the blogs!
Latest articles (RSS 2.0 )
  Creative Light
  The People Around Us = Our (Free) Models
  Always Carry a Camera
  The Magic of Monotone Photos
  Photography and the Color Red
  Simplify to Sell Stock
  The Power of Color and Negative Space

Create your own blog in seconds...
My favourite articles
None
More favorite articles
    About Me
(Eric1513)
Idaho, US
63

>Can you believe we get paid to do this!!!!

Blogs

  Upload image | About Us | FAQ | Contact Us | Terms of use | API / Referral program | Site map | Privacy policy | Free Stock Images
Support - phone: +1 615-771-5611, Click here to contact us

dreamstime
  Copyright © 2000-2012 Dreamstime. All rights reserved.
Dreamstime is a member of PACA and CEPIC.