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My
last blog entry extolled the wonders of going naked, camera-ly
speaking, and now here I am describing the sheer creative fun to be
had by tooling around with the in-camera creative programs; be they
the modes that lead us by the hand (in night photography for example)
or especially, the little extras the Nikon people throw in on their
entry level DSLR cameras like my newly purchased Nikon D 3200. I was
fully prepared to curl my lip until, in the process of familiarizing
myself with all the new bells and whistles, I found all these little
after-capture things one can do with images to entertain oneself and
one's friends.
I
have become aware that many amateur photographers are using in-camera
menu operations to add a little zip to their shared imagery. Fun,
playful fun: and perhaps that is more interesting in the end and has
more creative potential than the earnest but dull family photos and
documentation of trips that have been the common product of the
camera since the photo world began.
I
think we do need to lighten up and spread our wings because
creativity is multifaceted: Full time serious study and application
is less effective than a full portion of free play added to the mix.
On the other hand, play-play-play, that does not lead to new ways of
thinking and working with materials simply remains unfulfilled
potential.
So,
let us study our camera's functions carefully and get to know that
information so well that our camera becomes an extension of our mind.
Let us study other image makers - they are our work mates -, let us
push our limits both technically and imaginatively and in the process
by all means engage in creative play.
