Experiment till it hurts. Sort of.

In photography, and I'm sure in other art forms, there are times when the artist has for lack of a better term, down time. The photographer might be between assignments, or the painter might be taking a break from a major project. Whatever it is, it's a time when the artist has the opportunity to go and sit and contemplate their next move, or if they/we are smart about it, will delve into a work that generates results that are completely unknown to them thus far.

This sort of mini-project is what I indulge in now and then, as a way to explore techniques I've until this point not had experience with. Maybe, I had seen samples of this technique or subject matter being presented in a book, magazine, gallery show etc. Perhaps it's a technique that hasn't been popular for over 100 years and is being explored by a niche group overseas.

The important part is that I need to take the time to bring these new subject matter and new techniques to the forefront of my experience every now and then in order to freshen up my creativity. To add some visual spice to my repertoire.

The image above was shot in a wooded area in town, along a slow moving creek. I like the simplicity of the overall composition, but I revel in the details of the fern leaves. While it is commonplace to see a photograph of a fern, all lush and green, it is completely unique to see a plant in this colour. The experiment part, came with the post processing.

I wanted to show the plant in a new way. A way that takes your attention away from the colour and brings forth the texture and shapes. I've also made similar images of ferns, but with a treatment of copper colour. Very much like a shiny new penny. Those proved popular enough to generate a few sales through online channels.

Experimenting, for me, means that I have no limits. I can go out into the world and do whatever strikes me as interesting and worthy of my attention. 
I encourage every creative to go out and do something that is completely outside of the norm for you. Work with subjects that you don't normally work with. Find a project that will generate new and exciting work for you. Don't listen to your inner critic. Listen to your inner child. Sometimes the kids are spot on.