Article by Norma W. Beaird
Photography by Curtis Beaird
Many times, we go through life doing what works. Of course, this is the pragmatic way to live because there is no sense in taking a risk with Plan B when Plan A is working just fine. However, there are days when Plan A becomes boring, stagnate and discouraging. Sometimes Plan A zaps us of our creativity because nothing new or imaginative is expected. Therefore, we wake up everyday to the same 'ole Plan A. Why? Because it works.
However, what if Plan B worked a little better? You never know if Plan B will work until you try it; on the other hand, Plan B requires change. And, change is scary. I thought about this article when I saw some of Curtis' latest "artsy" photographs. For quite a while now, we have been photographing birds and nature, coastal scenes, rural landscapes and historic architecture. We absolutely love to photograph these subjects because they are beautiful and very interesting.
One morning though, when we woke up, we looked outside and saw that the birdbath was frozen over. Instantly, Curtis decided to go outside in his pajamas, fleece jacket and a baseball cap and photograph the frozen ice on the birdbath. The ice drop above was the result of that photography session.
Was this traditional? No
Was it in keeping with our normal photography? No
Was it fun and unexpected? .........Absolutely
That photograph of an ice drop completely energized us on that cold, winter morning. From that point on, Curtis began to think about what he could try next with the ice on the birdbath. The photo below demonstrates the intricasies of frozen water on the birdbath reflecting the sun.
Sometimes, the things that may seem the silliest to others is actually an experiment in exercising our creative gene. Sometimes, we need to step out of our comfort zone before we end up on a dead end street creatively and emotionally.
Change is never easy, but many times it is extremely rewarding
......and even necessary.
From that day on, we begin to experiment with frozen water on clay pots. Then, we bought some marbles, placed them in a clay pot, broke off a piece of frozen ice and placed it on top of the marbles. In a few minutes, we had an example of contemporary, modern photography!
Sometimes in our day to day routines, we need to break out of our comfort zones and just do something different, not necessarily something that makes money or takes a lot of time. Every once in a while, we just need a few minutes of change. These moments of change can actually be the catalyst to something you may want to seriously pursue in the future. Who knows? It may take your creativity to another level of possibility. We could set ourselves free creatively if we understood that.......
Creativity produces freedom and freedom encourages creativity.
You may find that the departure from the plain 'ole garden-variety project, job or design may benefit from a jolt of new and different, thereby serving to reinvigorate your sense of creativity or design. Who knows? It may make you a better artist, photographer, writer, designer, musician, chef, carpenter or speaker. Sometimes, trying something new will accelerate your confidence level and take you into places you thought not possible. So, every once in a while, be willing to exit out of your comfort zone and drive off the beaten path into a world of change.
Your new idea could be a gift from God.
Who knows where new roads may lead?
James 1:17 (King James Version)
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
Copyright 2013, Norma W. Beaird. All rights reserved.
