Three Photography Exercises To Get Out Of A Rut

It happens to most of us, we feel like we’re in a rut with our photography.

Here are three exercises you can work on at any time to get yourself back to great compositions, interesting perspectives, and unique subjects to shoot.

To look up

This is one of my favorite ways to change perspective when creating images.

To look up. Upright.

Wherever you are, take a moment and look directly above you, look up. You may be amazed at what you see, new angles and shapes, great lighting fixtures and ceilings.

The ceiling in the Grand Hall at Chicago Union Station

Looking up at buildings and street lamps in the Cannes France rut — Looking up at buildings in Cannes, France.

Tiffany Dome in the rut of the Chicago Cultural Center — Looking at the Tiffany Dome at the Chicago Cultural Center

What’s in your cup?

Coffee? Tea? Wine? Beer? Water?

Whatever it is in your cup, get creative this week and photograph it.

Find unique and interesting angles. Look for shadows or reflections.

reflections of blinds in cup of tea — The blinds of my office window reflected in my tea.

bubbles in cup of tea — Bubbles in my tea

Budapest bridge reflected in wine glass — Budapest bridge in my wine glass.

Strawberry in champagne glass rut — Sunset cruise in Alvor, Portugal

How do you feel?

This exercise may require a little more work. It’s a little more complicated than usual.

How are you feeling this week? Today? How will you feel tomorrow when you pick up your camera? By the end of the week?

Take a picture that shows how you feel every day this week.

It doesn’t have to be a self portrait. Push yourself to find how you feel in the scenes around you that you encounter. What is it for you that portrays those feelings?