A Student’s Point of View: Staying Creative from Home
A blog post with all that’s going on? Well yes, COVID-19 is not going to stop me from being creative and sharing RIT Photo stories! We are all trying to find our rhythm during this confusing time and I am personally struggling like everyone else. I keep telling myself to just remember that it is only temporary. While its disruptive, it doesn’t mean that I can’t be productive. I’ve done some exploring and wanted to share some things about how I’m staying creative mostly indoors.
I bet you all think about the day the quarantine will end and all of the things that you are going to do creatively afterward. Well, what if you take the time now to think about it and use your imagination you can write down your ideas in a journal. You can lay around and think of new ways to be creative and test them out now and then. Even using Pinterest can share your creativity by referencing others you follow and you can save your pins in individual folders for later referencing.
I know being where you are is not the same as being in Gannett Hall and being without RIT’s amazing facilities or equipment is not easy. I have found by just using what I have available can make a difference in my mood. Instead of the amazing lighting equipment, I am using a desk lamp, natural light, my cellphone’s flash, a flashlight or any artificial lights I can. I am working as though there’s always a creative dupe that can work the same as the professional version. You say that you don’t have a backdrop…. Well, use a bed sheet or a curtain or funky material like bubble wrap, etc.
You can find more ways to be creative checking out this video I was shown in my Elements of Fine Art class, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O7ZxU4Rv39A. This video inspired me about being creative with materials that I could find in my household. It made me realize that it’s OK not to have a perfect shot and it’s OK to make mistakes. Even if it’s not good enough for you it’s better than nothing. Get weird with photography too. You might be surprised with the results you come up with. There are no rules in photography, that’s the beauty of it. If you want a subject to photograph, try asking family members to be that subject or try self-portraits or photograph your pets!
It might not be ideal but it’s fun to try something out of your comfort zone. Another way to get out of your comfort zone is to try a photo challenge! And when the images are posted tag your friends. I want to do organize a Zoom critique on what my friends doing with their projects. Thank goodness for technology so we can keep in touch with our friends and family.
I am doing the best I can in this situation and I am trying to make the most out of it. Being creative with limited resources can be discouraging but, it doesn’t have to stop you from doing new things if you keep an open mind. I’m thankful to make this post and reach out to the RIT Photo community. I’m taking one step at a time and hope the home isolation will be over sooner than later. I’m also curious to see what you are doing to stay creative! If you have found ways to stay creative, please email me and share it for the next blog at Emily Sudock ehs4981@rit.edu
About Emily SuDock
Emily SuDock is a second-year advertising photography student who is also cross-registered in the National Technical Institute for the Deaf. I have been hard of hearing most of my life. I was born in China adopted by my loving family. They are a big part of life. I have a Nikon 600 with a 35 mm lens which I love taking portraits with.
