How to Find Your Creativity in Photography: Embracing Play, Light, and the Joy of Experimentation

Photography is often seen as a craft, something you hone through practice and precision - and it certainly has been a long process of practice for me, but it’s also been about something much more organic — the joy of creation, the thrill of exploration, and the freedom to express myself through the lens. Finding creativity in photography for me is a playful journey that invites you to follow light, experiment with composition, and embrace textures and colours. At its core, creativity in photography is about staying open to the world around you, allowing your imagination to flow freely.

When I first picked up a camera, I was told time and time again to “pick a genre” and stick with it. There was a clear message: if you want to be successful, you need to focus on one thing. But for me, that always felt limiting. Where’s the fun in that? Photography, at its best, is about exploration — not just of locations, but of techniques, perspectives, and ideas. It’s about diving into the unknown and seeing what new things you can create, no matter where you are or what camera you have in your hand.

The Playful Nature of Photography

One of the most liberating aspects of photography is that it encourages play. It allows you to explore freely, to experiment with different techniques and styles without fear of failure. You don’t need to know exactly what the outcome will be — that’s part of the beauty of it. Photography is an art form that thrives on experimentation. The more you play, the more you discover new ways to express yourself.

Take, for example, the way light changes throughout the day. The subtle shifts in tone and intensity can transform a scene completely. Rather than rigidly sticking to a set of rules, embrace how light interacts with your surroundings. Play with shadows, reflections, and the direction of light. See what happens when you capture the same scene under different lighting conditions or different weather conditions. The magic is in these little discoveries — and they can lead to stunning, unexpected results.

Try heading out with a single lens - The playful nature of working with a single lens can completely transform the way you approach your photography. It forces you to think differently, to engage with the environment in new ways. Without the luxury of swapping lenses to suit the moment, you're compelled to become more intimate with your surroundings, your subjects, and your creative choices. Every shot becomes a challenge, a game where the rules are simple: “How can I make the most of what I have?” I thoroughly enjoy the playful nature of this approach - try it for yourself sometime!

Following Light and Finding Composition

For me, light is the first thing I look for when I approach any scene. It’s the starting point of creativity, the thing that sets the tone for everything else. Whether you’re capturing the soft, golden hues of sunrise or the harsh contrasts of midday, light provides the foundation for every photograph. It guides your eye, shapes your compositions, and breathes life into your images. But what about when theres no light to guide you? Sometimes, we find ourselves in situations where the light isn’t quite right — perhaps its a miserable day and the sky is overcast, When this happens, it can be tempting to put the camera down and walk away. But I feel instead, it’s an opportunity to think differently and approach things from a new angle.

When the light isn’t working in your favour, look for other ways to create compelling images. Focus on textures, shapes, and patterns that might not rely on light in the traditional sense. Try experimenting with composition, depth of field, or even abstract shots. Maybe you’ll find beauty in something small, something you wouldn’t have noticed before.

Composition, of course, is key to taking your creative vision to the next level. But composition doesn’t have to be a rigid approach. Sometimes it’s about breaking the "rules" and allowing the frame to evolve naturally. Play with angles, layers, negative space, and the balance of elements. Don’t be afraid to push boundaries or try unconventional approaches. This is where the magic happens — in the moments when you step away from the rules and let your instincts take over.

Textures and Colours: The Building Blocks of Expression

Photography isn’t just about capturing subjects; it’s about capturing sensations. Textures and colours are your tools for doing just that. A grainy rock face or the ripples of water can evoke different feelings depending on how you capture them. I find that textures bring an additional layer of depth to my images — they invite the viewer to “feel” the scene, not just see it.

Similarly, colour plays a huge role in expressing mood. Warm, earthy tones might invoke a sense of calm and nostalgia, while bold contrasts can elicit energy and excitement. Don’t shy away from experimenting with how colours appear in your frame. Look for patterns and contrasts that bring out the emotion you want to convey. Play with saturation, shadows, and highlights to see how your images transform.

Embracing the Journey: Always Something New to Learn

What excites me most about photography is that there’s always something new to learn. I don’t see myself as someone who has mastered photography — I see myself as someone constantly evolving, discovering new techniques, and challenging my creative boundaries. Photography isn’t just about capturing the perfect image; it’s about the process, the ongoing journey, and the lessons you learn along the way.

You don’t need to have everything figured out before you start. Embrace the process of learning and experimenting. Every shoot is an opportunity to refine your craft and, more importantly, to express yourself in new and meaningful ways. The more you explore different genres, techniques, and approaches, the more you discover about your own creative voice.

Breaking Free from Genre Constraints

Early in my photography journey, I was often told I needed to specialise in one genre to be successful. But the truth is, I find joy in exploring a variety of genres. Whether I’m capturing sweeping seascapes, intimate portraits, or abstract textures, I let the context guide me. Sometimes it’s a particular light that inspires me; other times, it’s the textures of the landscape or the emotion of a fleeting moment. I don’t limit myself to one category because creativity doesn’t thrive in boxes — it flourishes in freedom.

Having my camera with me wherever I go — and in whatever context I find myself in — opens up endless possibilities. I’ve learned to embrace the unpredictability of photography, to capture what speaks to me in the moment, whether that’s a stormy ocean horizon or the delicate play of sunlight on a flower petal. It’s this sense of openness that keeps my photography fresh, exciting, and full of potential.

Final Thoughts: Keep Exploring

Finding your creativity in photography is a personal journey, and there’s no single path to follow. What’s important is that you allow yourself the freedom to experiment, explore, and most importantly, have fun. Don’t be afraid to break away from the conventional or to try something new. Follow light, play with compositions, embrace textures and colours, and, most importantly, stay curious.

Photography is about capturing your unique perspective of the world — and the beauty of it is that there’s always something new to discover. The more you explore, the more you’ll uncover your own creative flow. So, grab your camera, step into the unknown, and let your creativity take the lead. There’s a whole world out there waiting to be captured in your own, beautiful way.

Support My Creative Journey

If you’ve enjoyed reading this post and would like to support my photography journey, I’d be truly grateful! Your support helps me continue exploring new ideas, techniques, and creative projects. If you’d like to show your appreciation, you can buy me a coffee through Buy Me a Coffee. Every little bit helps and means so much to me. Thank you for being part of this creative adventure!

buymeacoffee.com/emily_endean_photography

Lastly, some examples of my varied approaches to my work and mixed genres - just to show you can truly embrace the playful nature of finding your creative flow in any area you wish! Feel free to browse my personal portfolio and commercial work for more of an insight too!

Thank you for reading - and happy shooting!