Here are my thoughts on “Creativity.”
“There is an undeniable power in creativity.
It is an energy that takes a man or woman or child to the heights of human potential.
Everyone is capable of experiencing it.
Unfortunately, all too often we don’t reach for it.”
Steadman
Steadman Uhlich
When we are young as children, we all may have been very creative.
It might have been an innate response to the world around us. I see children who are very creative and that is without any schooling in an art school.
As we get older as children or teens, people tell us to put that innate creativity aside.
I have seen this in countless people. I have heard it countless times.
You see, I had a popular art gallery. Thousands of people came and visited it and I spoke with every person who visited. We talked about creativity, art, and what they saw and liked. Now, many of these visitors were photographers and artists too. I gave up counting the number of photographers who came in after reaching 300! Numerous painters and potters and sculptors and weavers and others visited with me too. But, most were ordinary folks who never claimed to be an artist or a photographer.
I learned a great deal from listening to all of them.
I was touched by much of what I heard.
Let me tell you what I heard over and over:
“I wish I had pursued art.”
“I wish I was more creative.”
These people knew they loved art (or photography) or drawing or painting when they were young. When I meet them as adults, they would often tell me they “wished” they had pursued their creative interests.
It is sad when they say they have never reached their potential. Many told me that at some time in the past they gave up.
That made me sad to hear that and most people told me this with the obvious sadness of regret in their voice.
I then determined to try to spark some confidence and motivation in them.
I worked with artists both young and old. I helped professionals and amateurs. We saw some remarkable changes and I can tell you it was exciting for both of us.
I showed some artists that they could indeed be paid for their work. I helped some painters double their prices. I helped some amateurs consider new media and new subjects.
I began to see that people really have so much more potential than we usually realize.
When those artists made progress, I was happy for them and proud of them too.
I determined that something had to be done to reach people who were not satisfied with their own skills and did not have the confidence to grow further as a creative person.
Over the last several years I have been looking for a way to make that encouragement available to as many people as possible. I joined photography forums and tried to stimulate people to look deeper into photographs and to encourage those just starting out (“newbies” they are often called on a forum).
I thought of writing a book about this. I have several “in the works” now. But, a book is quiet. It may speak, but it speaks with the tone of carefully chosen words. A book rarely shows people the emotion of what a true response can be to their art or their progress. A book usually lacks the enthusiasm that is natural. I can imagine my future book editor saying: “We can’t have all of these exclamation points in the text.” That would not be professional looking or fit the accepted norms.
I think there is another way.
I call this the Power of WOW!™
(“The Power of WOW” is a trademark of Steadman Uhlich)
There is a lot of potential in YOU!
I know it.
I also know that most people know it too, and deep inside, they feel it. They have probably felt that feeling all their lives. They may hide that feeling because of doubts and insecurities about their skill, their talent, or their abilities. Or perhaps because someone in their past made fun of them or ridiculed them or criticized their early efforts to learn some art medium (or photography).
My goal is to help you release that potential and become passionate about it.
I want to help you “Find the WOW !™“
(Note: “Find the WOW” is a trademark of Steadman Uhlich)
That may sound funny as you read this now. I understand.
Let me assure you, this power, this potential does exist in you.
It exists in everyone.
Even in you.
Let me work with you to uncover it, and release it.
It will be your doing, your growth, your transformation, or your epiphany, but I will help you along the way or on your Journey.
When you do find this power within you, I know it will change your life for the better!
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How does this apply to a photographer?
I see it every day.
Photography can be very fun, fulfilling, challenging, and creative. It can change lives, it can stir emotions, it can influence the thinking of people and sway opinions. It can help the less fortunate. That is the potential.
The nice thing about photography, compared to some arts, is that it is rather easy to enter the field or enter the hobby or “become a photographer.” One need only own a camera and push a button to get started.
But, that is just the beginning.
I have seen many photographers who have bought every camera and every lens and gadget, but they still struggle to get an image that would cause anyone to say “WOW.”
I can imagine that would be very disappointing and possibly discouraging.
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More Gear is NOT the Answer!
What usually happens, is that same photographer will start buying more gear and more expensive gear or cameras or lenses in the pursuit of an illusive dream. They often believe that the next piece of gear will make the big difference and make their photographs “better.” On that path, they may spend many thousands of dollars and many hours and still not find satisfaction and still not create a “WOW” photo.
The problem is that most photographers are going down the wrong path.
They generally choose a path that leads to nothing more than a very expensive set of equipment sitting in a closet with average looking “snapshots” or unsatisfying photos hidden in a drawer.
Very often, those same photographers quit photography too. I suspect that is because they never reached the point of satisfaction with their own photos. They did not reach their potential. They did not Find the WOW.
It doesn’t have to be that way!
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WOW is not dependent on expensive gear!
You can learn to create WOW images with a simple low-cost camera and a single low-cost lens and no flash equipment at all.
Imagine if you could just have one camera, one lens, and yet still create images or photographs that made people say “WOW” every time they saw one of your photos.
You can. You may not believe that, but I can show you how to do it. I can assure you, you don’t have to spend thousands of dollars on camera gear to get that “WOW” response.
It can happen.
Imagine how that would make you feel.
I can assure you, that the “WOW” you hear will mean much more to you than any technical gadgets or camera collection.
It will mean that something you felt and saw and considered important, has moved people or surprised them, or caused them to see something in a new way.
That “WOW” can be thrilling for both the viewer and the photographer.
That is the Power of WOW!
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What does it take?
There are simple things you can do to reach that Power of WOW. It doesn’t have to be complex.
I can help you get on the right path to find it.
Once you do find it, I can assure you it will change your life. You will have something that few people ever have. This is something that will give you great satisfaction and joy.
I know this because it happened to me!
I experience that WOW feeling every day.
I sincerely want to show you how to reach that WOW feeling and experience.
I know you can!
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How can I help you?
My Role as Your Mentor
The most important thing I can do is inspire you to look at your photography differently and to challenge you to consider new ways of making photographs.
From this, you will find new creativity inside yourself and new inspirations in the world around you. When that happens, you will feel the Power of WOW as the world becomes a place full of creative possibilities. That is my ultimate goal.
In addition, I can provide you with valuable advice on how to avoid common mistakes and how to make better photographs.
On this site you will find many pages that will tell you about many more ways I may be able to help you. Look for the blue Related Posts links at the bottom of this page for more information.
Steadman Uhlich
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Insight is the Goal
One of the things I keep in mind when mentoring other people is my goal to make the lesson something that they “own” and understand fully. I want the mentee to understand the reasons and “see” it so clearly that it becomes something they will retain and value. This comes by sharing how I see their images or work and comparing how THEY see the work and THEIR vision. We discuss things. We compare their intent and their preliminary result (such as a raw image).
Then by use of questions the mentee will discover things for themselves. This may then be reinforced by examples and variations.
Choices are discussed.
Options uncovered.
Creativity unlocked.
The result is often an insight for the mentee.
In some cases this takes only a few minutes to “see” and understand a conceptual or visual difference, or to learn a new way of looking at the subject or a new technique.
In many cases this breakthrough can take just a few moments or even seconds!
When that “AHA!” moment occurs, it is stimulating and rewarding for both the mentee and the mentor. This shared discovery moment can be something that helps a photographer or artist break out of a box and make progress in fulfilling THEIR vision.
Steadman’s Simple Truths:
“Gear is easy to replace or change and can be changed in minutes.
Good habits take time and repetition to develop.
Bad habits can stick with you a lifetime IF they are not identified, recognized, and corrected.
Insights can make a difference in seconds!”
Steadman
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Is English a foreign language for you?
If English is not your native language, but is your second language, then you will find it much easier to communicate using my Live Voice+Visual Dialog™ communication method.
There is no need for you to worry about misspelled words or poor grammar or accent.
I will help you and you will find it easier to express yourself clearly.
If there are any questions, it is easier to get clarity because we will be talking in a dialog. If you ever need to ask me a question to clarify something you may not understand, it is very easy because we are in a dialog, with real-time live communication connecting us.
I have Global Operating Hours (Hours of Availability) that fit YOUR schedule around the globe!
You may also call within a wide window of hours. My Global Operating Hours are 9:00AM (0900 hours) to 9:00PM (2100 hours) SEVEN Days a week. Those hours are based on Eastern Standard Time (New York City’s time zone).
I frequently speak with photographers living on the opposite side of the earth from me. It is not unusual nor is it inconvenient for me to speak with photographers in Japan, Australia, Pacific Islands, China, India, Europe, etc. I do this every week and even on weekends!
Don’t let long distances inhibit you from accessing the expertise that can help you improve your photography!
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Global Communications in English or Your Language (when possible)
What if English is not your first language?
What if your use of English is infrequent or limited?
What if you are not fluent in English?
What if your accent is strong?
You must speak some English to communicate with me, but you do NOT have to be fluent or your English could be “limited.”
English does not have to be your first language and you do not need a perfect accent. You do NOT have to be fluent in English. (see the testimonial letter down below).
I have studied 12+ languages other than English (my native language). I truly enjoy speaking with people from other countries, other cultures, and those who speak other languages.
I am accustomed to communicating with people who are using English as a second language. I regularly communicate with people who are from: Europe, the Middle East, Russia, Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
I may be able to help you even IF your use of English is limited or IF you do not consider yourself fluent in speaking English.
Many people understand more English than they feel comfortable speaking. I understand that and why.
Many people who do NOT speak English frequently or fluently may feel inhibited about calling to speak using English.
Do not feel that way.
I am an expert in cross-cultural communication.
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I can help you and will do my best to communicate effectively with you in your language!
I may be able to help you by speaking to you in:
French
Spanish
Portuguese (Brazilian)
German
Dutch
Italian
Japanese
Russian
Swahili
Mandarin Chinese
Catalan
Norwegian
Swedish
Danish
Polish
Romanian
Finnish (coming soon)
Bahasa Malaysia (coming soon)
Bahasa Indonesia (coming soon)
Croatian (coming soon)
Serbian (coming soon)
Slovenian (coming soon)
Tagalog (coming soon)
So if you speak or understand one of those languages and some English or if you speak English fluently, we should talk!
I do not claim to be fluent in those languages (except English) and my accent in those languages may make you wince or laugh at times too. But I will try to help you in YOUR language as much as possible. I may be able to tell you (while speaking in one of those languages above) what I see that could be improved in your images/photos and how you could do it.
If you understand one of those languages and speak some English (even if not fluently), OR if you do speak English, you should be able to understand me and what I will be able to tell you about your photos.
I will keep my comments simple, my speaking pace in English at a pace comfortable for you, and I will make Simple Suggestions™ you should be able to understand and apply even IF your use of English is limited. Read more about how this works on the Six Minute Solution page .
Steadman
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very special opportunities for you.
Start Here
You should. It could help you.
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Global Visitors Page
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Learn About Steadman’s
Six Minute Solution™
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Seven ways you can help other photographers and yourself too!
Have you heard of Karma? Do you believe in the Golden Rule?
Karma is the belief that all deeds can shape the past, present, and future experiences. In the West, this is sometimes expressed by the Christian concept of “you reap what you sow.” In short, do good to others and good may come to you. I truly believe that helping others helps not only them, but also ourselves in ways we often cannot anticipate. Each action of good you do, can make the world a nicer place. Do you believe in the Golden Rule?
1. Tell others about this site.
If you frequent photography forums and see a good opportunity to let people there know about this site, please do. Others who read your favorite forums or blogs may be looking for free lessons and inspiring photographs from which they can learn. Or they may be new to photography forum posting and need some guidance on how to learn more from getting critiques of their photos. Just direct them to www.photomentors.com.
This site is written to inspire photographers of all levels and help them have a better experience in photography.
We even have ten pages devoted to tips on how to have a better experience on a photography forum and those tips may help your favorite forum have better posts and more participation.
2. Please tell at least three of your friends in your community or social network about this site.
If you are on Facebook for example, you could tell your friends.They could be at any level of photography. Anybody who likes photography can benefit from the free lessons or from seeing the thousands of inspiring photographs from some of the world’s best photographers. PhotoMentors has things designed to be of interest to ALL levels of photographers from Beginners to Advanced Professionals.
3. Click on one of the social bookmarking links in this page and let others know about this post or page or this new site.
Tweet your friends. Tell others you DIGG this site. Tell your Facebook friends. Look in the right column of this page and almost all pages on the site for the link that says “SHARE” and click on it to go a pop up list of bookmarking links. It is easy and fast. Or you can send an email to a friend through that link too. Here is another link so you can bookmark this page right now in two clicks of your mouse in three seconds.
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Please take three seconds now to tell others about this site. That will help us help and inspire more photographers.
Just click this share button below.
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4. Add a link to PhotoMentors site to your blog or site.
Or write a post on your blog about what you saw on this site. Did you see a photo that inspired you when you viewed a Masters of Photography Gallery here? Did you learn something about a photographer you had not known about before? Tell others about the thousands of photos by Masters of Photography found here. Remember, our focus is on providing free access to all kinds of photographs and information that will inspire photographers of all levels.
5. Save yourself time while also helping other photographers.
In the future you might come across a newbie or someone new to photography. They may be looking for inspiring examples of great photography or they may want some guidance. This site may help them have a better experience with photography too. You won’t have to type much to help them, all you have to do is simply post a link to this site and that may solve their problem with a couple of clicks of your mouse. Simply tell them to look for the section on Free Lessons and Tips. That helps them, saves you time, and helps me help other photographer learn. So, that is a Win+ Win+ Win.
6. Subscribe to the PhotoMentors mailing list for our FREE Newsletter.
Why? First because the newsletter will be used to tell you about Special Opportunities that may be very valuable to you. Some opportunities may involve substantial discounts on things photographers use. These will be “un-advertised” exclusive offers that may be as much as 50% – 70% OFF retail. Other opportunities are related to activities that may be for publishing images and other opportunities to learn or participate. The more subscribers the newsletter has will help us negotiate special offers and discounts from vendors that can then be passed on to you our readers.
It will only take a moment to add your email to the list. Simply fill in the simple Subscribe Form found on the right column of all pages here on the site. Look in the lower right column. The newsletter will keep you informed when we have special offers and opportunities for our friends around the world. You will also learn about exclusive discounts and other nice things.
Don’t worry about receiving too many newsletters or emails from us. We only send out the newsletter infrequently, but when we do, there will be something of value in it for you. There will be many valuable and exclusive things coming in the future, including great opportunities for photographers, so don’t miss this easy way to hear about it first.
7. Look around this site. Soak it in. Imagine. Be inspired!
You might find something else that interests you or helps you. In 2011 I plan to have hundreds of pages of freely accessible educational content, and 5,000+ inspiring photos by Masters of Photography, and dozens of free educational videos.
I recommend seeing the Site Map (Table of Contents) so you can easily see the long list of articles, posts, and pages listed by topics.
If you would like to see if I can help you as a mentor, then just give me a call using the Skype button or the phone number at the bottom of each Page.
Finally, do what you can to help others post their photos and also get comments and have a good time doing so. That makes the world a nicer place and gives us all more nice photography to see on the net.
Thank you for your help.
Steadman
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