CREATIVITY
LESSONS FROM
PHOTOGRAPHY
Introduction.
Punctum and Studium.
Topics to be
covered today Relation of sharp vision during
photography and creativity
What photography teaches
about creativity.
Introduction
• The creative process in photography can be
applied to other areas of life,
such as business and entrepreneurship.
• It involves being observant, curious,
adaptable, and open to new ideas.
• By following these principles, one can
enhance their creativity and achieve success
in various fields.
WHAT IS A PHOTOGRAPH?
• Ansel Adams once said, "You don't take a
picture; you make it."
• Photography is a modern art form that
captures a moment in time as seen
through the particular vision of the artist.
• It narrates a story and demands a setting
or circumstance that the viewers can
relate to.
• Ansel Adams underlined the significance of having sharp vision when studying
photography.
• Having clear vision and being able to see the details are the two most
important things which are required to capture a moment as a photograph.
THE PUNCTUM AND
STUDIUM
• The philosopher and author Roland Barthes explores
the fundamentals of photography as well as the
dynamic between the photographer and the viewer
in his book "Camera Lucida."
• He notes two parallel themes in a superb
photograph:
• the context or overall significance of the image
(studium).
• the unique quality that captivates the viewer
(punctum).
The Studium
• Studium refers to the general, cultural, and
contextual interest or the overall significance
of a photograph.
• It is the part of the photograph that can be
understood without a deeply personal or
emotional connection.
The Studium
• It's the aspect that engages our intellectual and
sociocultural interest.
• Example: A photograph of a family smiling at a
holiday dinner table, with a beautifully
decorated feast in front of them.
• The studium of this image is the celebration of
a holiday, the joy of family gatherings, and the
shared cultural experience of such occasions.
The Punctum
• It is a more personal and emotionally
resonant element within a
photograph.
• It is the detail or aspect of the image
that "pricks" or "pierces" the viewers.
The Punctum
• Example: The punctum in a photograph
of a person's face, could be a particular
emotion, gesture, or detail that grabs the
viewer's eye in an extremely personal
manner.
• One individual may see something that
causes them to cry or feel sympathy for
the situation. Another person can be
reminded of their own tattoo by a tattoo
on the subject's hand.
Relation of sharp vision during
photography and creativity
generation
• Focus and Composition.
• Depth of Field.
• Detail and Perspective.
Creativity • Experimentation and Post-
Processing.
lessons from • Refining and Editing.
Photography
Focus and Composition
• In Photography sharp image
depends on photographer's ability to
focus on the subject and compose
the short effectively.
• Similarly in creativity generation,
having a clear vision of your goals or
problem is essential.
Depth of Field
• In photography, controlling the depth of field
allows you to emphasize specific elements in an
image while blurring others.
• Sharp vision in creativity means being able to
distinguish between what is essential and what
is secondary.
Detail and
Perspective
• A sharp vision in photography involves
capturing intricate details and choosing
the right perspective to tell a story or
convey a message.
• Similarly, in creativity generation, paying
attention to small details and
considering different perspectives can
lead to innovative ideas.
Experimentation and Post-
Processing
• Photography often involves
experimentation with different settings
and post-processing to achieve the desired
effect.
• In creativity generation, having a clear
vision doesn't mean adhering to a rigid
plan but being open to experimentation
and adjustments along the way.
Refining and Editing
• In photography, the final sharp image is often
the result of careful editing and post-processing
to remove distractions and enhance the
subject.
• In creativity, having a sharp vision involves
refining your ideas and eliminating unnecessary
elements to make the concept or project more
focused and impactful.
WHAT PHOTOGRAPHY
TEACHES US ABOUT
CREATIVITY?
• It teaches us to create a context and boundaries
for our creative projects, and to challenge
ourselves to think differently.
• To capture a powerful moment, we must be
visually aware and actively observe our
surroundings.
• By continuously searching for inspiration, we can
find that one significant moment that tells a story
and resonates with our audience.
Important Questions
• Enumerate the ways in which photography can teach us to be
creative.
• Explain the terms studium and punctum and how they relate to
creativity.
