How do you approach a vague photo competition theme and generate ideas?
Asked 10/19/2011
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2 answers
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I’m entering a photo competition with very open-ended category names such as “spike” and “100,” and I’m finding them hard to interpret. How do you approach a vague or restrictive theme like this, and what methods do you use to come up with creative ideas for a shot?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
14y ago
2 Answers
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Looks like the point of the competition category is to be a vague as possible in an attempt to get the most creative result. You need to think hard about the titles and push them in different directions to get inspiration. I can think of loads of shots for both of these titles you just need to treat the vagueness as a plus rather than a minus.
Originally by user6603. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user6603
14y ago
0
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Treat the vagueness as an advantage: the category is likely meant to invite creative interpretation rather than point to one obvious subject.
A useful way to brainstorm is to ask yourself:
- What is the first thing I think of when I hear the word?
- Could it be interpreted metaphorically, not just literally?
- Do any colors, shapes, patterns, or moods come to mind?
- What associations come up if I search the word online?
Then build outward from those first associations. For example, “100” could suggest completion (100%), success, a collection of one hundred items, or a grid/pattern. “Spike” could be taken literally, or as a sudden increase, an emotion, or a shape.
The goal is to push the word in several directions and see which idea becomes visually strongest. Start with quick lists or sketches, then develop the most promising concept into a photograph. If the theme feels confusing, that usually means there’s more room for originality.
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