Creative Journaling
Words have never been my strong point. I’m no writer and I admire anyone whose strength lies in words and language. Words can be a powerful starting point for concept development. As visually driven people, we may initially gravitate towards creating a mood board collecting images for inspiration for an upcoming project or simply to generate some ideas. But what if we started with words first? What if we open up to a blank page and let our ideas flow? I find that pouring my ideas on paper first allows to me go deeper into the actual feeling and essence of the story I want to tell. Just as there is nuance in words, there is nuance in the visual images we use as inspiration. If you think about it, the images you collect when putting together a concept for a shoot, those images can be translated into feelings, colors, or sensations. Sometimes thinking about the words that embody the concept or feeling we are trying to create, guides us in the creation process. For example, if you are planning to create a visual story or capture a specific image, start by writing down in a journal what you want it to feel like. What do you want the viewer to feel? What adjectives would describe this scene or visual story? This works in the moment as well when you are out in the field shooting or traveling. Bring along a small notebook and take a pause before pulling out the camera and truly feel and be present with the moment or subject. How does it feel? What words arise when you take it in? What does it smell like? How does the light feel? What does the energy feel like? Write down whatever comes to mind; it doesn’t need to be full sentences, words, phrases, feelings whatever comes let it pour out. It’s a slow and poetic practice that allows you to go deeper into the creative process. When I’m feeling particularly stuck or nothing is really sparking my creativity for a given project, I clear my desk and get out my journal and write whatever comes to mind. It allows my mind to think outside of the box to generate some fresh ideas. I may not use them entirely or at all, but by writing down the answers to these questions, it gives me a sense of intentional direction. Creative journals are useful for any time of concept development or visual storytelling. The words, adjectives, or phrases can be translated visually into colors, composition, lighting, framing, or even editing. Essentially, is starting from a holistic approach by using words in conjunction with visuals to guide us in concept development.
When creating a visual story or capturing a specific image, use these questions to guide you as you write in your journal:
What does it feel like? How do I want it to feel?
What adjectives describe this ______ ? (scene, subject, place, moment, etc)
What colors reflect this feeling?
How does it smell/taste? (If relevant)
What does the energy feel like?
What phrase or sentiment would describe this ________? (scene, subject, place, moment, etc)
How do you want to viewer to feel?
What is the story you want to tell?
What is the message, if any, that you want to share?
What sense do you want to evoke if any?
I have a dedicated notebook for concept development. It’s small which makes it easy to scribble down random idea. Maybe it’s a passage we read in a book or something we hear on the radio that will stir up some ideas. Everyone has their own approach to photography that works for them but maybe try creative journaling and see if it helps you in your creative process. It’s a thoughtful and poetic way bringing us closer to the essence of the visual story we are trying to share.
Hope it helps,
Alanna
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