Discover Creativity — Nature as Art

“The problems of modern life cry out for creative solutions. Hence the growing interest in creativity. “

Mel Rhodes, 1961.

In 1961, Mel Rhodes developed the concept of “The 4 P’s of Creativity.”

These “Four P’s” are Person, Process, Press and Product. Now what does that mean and how does it apply to us as digital artist photographers?

Creativity is difficult to define and as humans, we have an inherent need to classify and define things to make sense to us. Mel Rhode’s “Four P’s” helps us to create a framework within the concept of Creativity.

Let’s discuss what these four P’s mean:

Person - is the individual responsible of creating. What is that person’s perspective, point of view, ways of seeing the world?
Process - is how the person expresses their perspective. What medium are they using? And what techniques are applied for that process. For us: What camera systems, exposure settings, way to capture the image, compositional design, and visual intent.
Press - is how our environment influences us with our perspective. Does our life situation allow for creativity, or is it stifling?
Product - is the result of our sense of being, our personal experience and environment, and how we apply the technical and creative aspects of photography to create our images and ultimately a physical print or product of our imagery.

Since Mel Rhodes original “Four P’s of Creativity,” new concepts have been introduced, such as E. Paul Torrance’s work in Creativity. Torrance, talked about four elements to creativity: Fluency, Flexibility, Originality, and Elaboration in the 1980’s.

Fluency: is how we are able to quickly adapt to the situation in front of us and change camera settings, see compositions and move to maximize the image potential.
Flexibility: is our ability to see beyond what is right in front of us. To see correlations in subject, place and environment.
Originality: is how we create an image different than others. How do we have our work stand out from all of the rest of the photographers?
Elaboration: How well we are able to define our composition. To clearly show the viewer the story we are wanting to convey to them.

Ricketts Glenn, PA during Canadian Fires Summer 2023 - SOOC

Is your head swimming yet? That’s ok ! What this blog post is intended to do is to introduce to you the concepts of psychology as it applies photography.

I look at our craft as something much more than “taking pictures.” It’s something we do to feel connected to the world around us. To capture the moment, the expression, the feeling, the light and mood and yes even something beautiful in what we capture.

We use photography as a way to share our world with others. How we express ourselves non-verbally in a visual way that communicates through ages, language and cultural differences. Our visual art can be understood by others, regardless of where they are from.

The next blog post will start offering ideas on how you can begin discovering your “Freedom of Expression” and “Creativity".”

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Until next week! Emily