How do pros develop their creative eye?

Nikon School trainers Neil Freeman and Ricci Chera hosted a series of free workshops throughout the long weekend, from examining the art of storytelling through motion photographing ballerinas to exploring creative angles and diverse styles snapping fashion portraiture. Photographers of all abilities were able to learn essential lighting techniques and tips for photographing motion, as well as try the latest in Nikon’s product lineup. In addition, dedicated daily student workshops offered trainees hands-on experience in practising composition and other techniques with Nikon’s newest cameras and lenses. Students were able to take home their own professional printed photographs as a memento.  

“We are deeply committed to nurturing the next generation of creative talent,” says Maja Zwolinska, Junior Education Manager at Nikon UK. “By offering hands-on photography workshops and fostering meaningful connections within universities and schools, we are empowering students to get creative and develop their own photographic eye with Nikon. The engagement we’ve witnessed has more than validated our efforts, and we are so grateful for the enthusiasm of those with whom we have spent time. Our goal remains to inspire and empower the next generation of photographers, ensuring they have the support and encouragement needed to flourish in their creative journeys.”

So, how do our pros develop their creative eye? Let’s find out.

Peter Li, architecture photographer

@pli.panda

“From a young age, I’ve looked at and made notes of shapes, colours and movement. I’ve always been creative – whether that’s painting or drawing. I was a graphic designer, but now in my day-to-day photography I search for specific colours, balance and atmosphere in the light. Bracketing, a technique I often used in post-production, allows access to the spectrum of colours from light to dark – almost like a box of crayons. My work is visual poetry.”

Lucy Hamidzadeh, street and portrait photographer

@juicylucyham

“I want to feel alive when I’m taking pictures out on the street. For me, I want to feel the energy, listen to the music of the street and step into someone’s story for that brief second. Everyone has a story to tell. I’m drawn to people’s stories and human connection. Last week, when I was in Sicily walking around the streets, I realised how much human connection there is – that’s what my eyes are drawn to.”

Dr Jon Williamson, photodocumentary and adventure photographer

@drjdwilliamson

“For me, it’s a mixture of looking at different art forms and looking at other artist’s work and seeing what they’ve done with the light or the composition. That is always quite inspiring. I’m always playing with different genres of photography, too – from macro to sports to photodocumentary. It’s all transferable. Events such as Photo London inspire me as well, especially when you see photography fringe with other art forms.”

Silvana Trevale, co-winner of Nikon Emerging Photography Award

@silvanatrevale

“I emigrated from Venezuela, where I am from, when I was 17 because of the unsafe economic situation. Photography for me has always been a tool to portray Venezuela in a different way from the news – without the hurt and pain. I developed my creative eye through hard work and crafting documentaries about Venezuela – these were through the eyes of the youth, rather than journalists. I then studied fashion at Central Saint Martins. From there, I implemented fashion as a tool to explore and extend my narrative. With fashion, you can have a bit more freedom to be more surrealistic and explore more surrealism in the narrative.”

Gabriel Pinto, co-winner of Nikon Emerging Photography Award

@pintogabriel_

“My photograph is a traditional manifestation of Venezuela’s Barlovento region, which has the biggest Afro-Venezuelan community in the area. It’s rich in traditions and history. This project explores the transition of children in this area, where happiness is celebrated. I developed my creative eye from my own experience and exploration as a Venezuelan. From there, I have developed codes of my own identity as an artist.” 

Yeshe McKenna, student studying at London College of Communication

“The Nikon workshop at Photo London has helped to shape my preferences and given me new confidence in my technical choices and creative direction. I had the opportunity to try out new camera equipment and receive hands-on guidance from the Nikon team, who created a welcoming and supportive environment and ensured that we all felt comfortable. My favourite part of the workshop was learning about focal length and how it influences composition and subject isolation. I discovered that I enjoy using zoom lenses, particularly for portrait photography, as they allow me to capture expressive, intimate images with flexibility and precision.” 

What inspires you to develop your creative eye?