Capturing Growth: Unconventional Ways to Measure Progress in Creativity

What's going on, people? We're already at the end of the month, and time is flying by lately. Hopefully, everyone has been staying productive. This past weekend was one of the busiest I've had with photoshoots, where I had to complete six different concepts within a short timespan. For whatever reason, that's how the schedule worked out this month, but when it's time to perform, you still have to step up and deliver. It was a fun challenge, executing professionally and getting the shots needed no matter what. At one point, I was urging hair and makeup, saying, "We've got to go; we're losing light out here. There's no time – it's fine. Let's roll!" 😂 These packed days got me reflecting on growth and how we gauge progress with anything creative. Let's talk about it.

So unlike linear, measurable things such as sports and fitness, where you can measure progress with things like losing weight, getting stronger, hitting new personal records, etc., with creativity, everything is more nuanced. It's a landscape filled with experimentation, failure, learning, and subtle breakthroughs. Even making money with your craft can be a trap if you're not careful; it's easy to become stagnant, relying on what's profitable rather than pushing your creative boundaries. You don't always have a clear scoreboard telling you how you're doing. You might feel stuck one moment and then have a sudden insight that takes your work to the next level. It's a challenging and exhilarating process, filled with twists and turns that can inspire and confound. How do you recognize when you're actually improving? How do you keep yourself motivated and on track? Let's dive into some signs that can help you gauge your progress and keep the creative flames burning.

Let's take my busy weekend of photoshoots, for example. Of course, I did the prep work and took the necessary steps to ensure everything went smoothly. But as we all know, once you're actually in the moment doing the work, you're constantly adapting, improvising, and reacting to the unexpected. Working with different personalities, managing sudden changes in lighting, shifting the mood of your subjects, or even handling a makeup mishap, the ability to stay flexible and think on your feet becomes vital. This isn't just about problem-solving; it's about finding new opportunities for creativity even when things don't go according to plan. It's about recognizing that growth isn't always about following a predetermined path but embracing the unpredictable nature of the creative process. These are the moments when you learn the most about yourself as an artist, and it's how you are able to function in the moment at a high level that truly defines your evolution as a professional.

Behind the scenes from my recent shoot, I used a Mamiya RB67 with a grip (essential while up on a ladder!😂) and a larger format 4x5 camera (not pictured). The film choices were Kodak E100 Slide film and Delta 100 Black and White film, perfect for blending in-studio and outdoor settings. Braving 90+ degree weather over the weekend added an extra layer of challenge and excitement!

While we can't measure these growth aspects on paper, they still contribute to our development as professionals. These intangible qualities can manifest into tangible recognition of progress. And although I'm discussing these concepts in the context of photography, you can adapt and apply them to your field to gauge progress in whatever creative endeavor you're engaged with. Let's explore some ways you can recognize and measure your advancement:

1. Shooting Less but Seeing More: As your eye starts to develop and become more refined, you'll begin to take fewer photographs per concept or photoshoot. You'll recognize what you want as you look through your camera, not just snapping many pictures hoping you get one right. You'll first know it's right in your mind's eye and then press that shutter. With film, we're already more conscious since we have a set number of shots per roll, but there are still levels within that where you start directing even more because you can see things with even more precision.

2. Taking Creative Risks: Embracing more professional risks creatively is a sign of growth and progress. It's one thing to take risks when nothing is at stake, but it's entirely different when you have skin in the game. Choosing to move beyond the comfort zone into unknown territory, even when something is on the line, demonstrates a mindset that exudes belief in oneself and a commitment to growth. This willingness to explore new avenues and expand artistic boundaries can lead to unexpected and rewarding discoveries.

3. Recognizing Light Ratios: You'll become adept at visually recognizing light ratios as the weather and light change throughout a shoot. There's no need to stop and re-measure at the moment constantly. You'll know how to manually adjust settings on the fly, quickly adapting to new conditions as needed while still checking with a light meter when necessary.

4. Building Stronger Client Relationships: As you grow, you'll develop an intuitive understanding of what your clients want and need, even if they can't articulate it themselves. You'll find ways to bring their vision to life that feel genuine and uniquely tailored to them.

5. Developing a Signature Style: Over time, you'll notice that your work starts to reflect a distinctive visual voice that's all your own. This is a sign that you've moved beyond mimicking others and have found a way to express your unique perspective and creativity.

6. Enhanced Collaboration Skills: Working smoothly with a team, whether it's hair and makeup, actors, editors, other photographers, or your subjects, shows that you've honed not only your technical skills but also your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.

7. Innovative Problem-Solving: As you grow, you'll encounter new challenges, and your ability to find innovative solutions to those problems will be a key indicator of your growth. This can include anything from handling unexpected equipment failures to creatively reimagining a shoot on the fly when conditions aren't as planned.

8. Building Your Brand: Your ability to articulate what makes your work unique and effectively communicate that to potential clients and collaborators is essential in establishing yourself in the field. Growing a recognizable brand that reflects your values and style is a vital aspect of professional advancement.

9. Investing in Continuous Learning: Recognizing the need to continually learn and evolve by attending workshops, reading relevant literature, or engaging with peers shows a commitment to excellence that marks an evolving professional.

10. Ethical Considerations: Being mindful of the ethical dimensions of your work, from issues of consent and privacy to environmental concerns, and acting in a way that aligns with your values.

11. Sensitivity to Subjects: Understanding how to make subjects feel comfortable and natural in front of the camera, recognizing their needs, and adapting your approach to suit different personalities and moods.

12. Crafting a Narrative: Developing the ability to tell a story through your images, connecting them in a way that conveys a deeper meaning or emotion rather than just isolated snapshots.

While the indicators of growth I've shared might not garner headlines in a world that often measures success by hard, fast numbers, we must remember there's a broader palette of growth indicators in creative fields. So, I ask you: What does growth and getting better and "stronger" mean to you? You may find the answer isn't quite what you initially thought.

❤️‍🔥🌊🌙

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