Scientist: Here’s my theory, so let’s create an experiment and determine if I’m on the right track.
Photographer: Let’s capture the same scene I shot yesterday. And the day before that. That’s what my clients prefer.
Scientist: I’m uncertain where this will lead us, but I will gain knowledge from it.
Photographer: I’m not convinced that image will be effective, and I dread the thought of facing embarrassment in front of my client.
Scientist: If the outcome differs from my predictions, I will still have gained valuable insights.
Photographer: If the image doesn’t align with my expectations, perhaps I’m losing my edge.
Scientist: The outcome isn’t what I anticipated (or hoped for), yet it has nonetheless aided me in refining my ideas for tomorrow.
Photographer: Disappointed.
Scientist: I’m eager for tomorrow to attempt a revised experiment.
Photographer: Don’t ever do that again.
And thus it continues…
If you really think about it, being creative is not repeating the same actions endlessly, but rather envisioning something you’ve never attempted before and observing the results when you piece the puzzle together.
It’s one massive experiment.
And, if that’s the case, not every image can be successful: if you’re not encountering failures occasionally, you’re not truly experimenting; you’re merely executing what you already know works.
The challenge, of course, lies in the risk that an image may not succeed while you’re in front of your client. Admittedly, that can be somewhat embarrassing, however, if you tackle it at the appropriate time and in the right manner, who’s to say it’s a poor idea? You might just create something you’ve never envisioned before and, if you don’t, what’s the worst outcome?
For those of us who aren’t scientists, we often perceive science as somewhat predictable, maybe logical, potentially a bit tedious. But believe me, nothing could be further from the truth. Scientists – especially research scientists – are some of the most inventive individuals on the planet. Their methodology thrives on continual inspiration and trial and error, reformulating their hypotheses until they reach a resolution.
Then, they begin anew with a fresh concept.
So cease the monotonous routine and commence experimenting. You never know what remarkable creations you might manifest! And if you fail? Simply adopt the attitude of scientists and utilize what you’ve learned to forge something even more extraordinary tomorrow.