Using themes to unlock creativity in photography
For the longest time, my photography felt aimless. I’d grab my camera, wander wherever I pleased, and shoot whatever caught my eye—a shadow falling just right, an interesting building, or a fleeting moment between strangers. While there were commonalities in my images—my preference for black and white, my compositional style—something always felt missing. There was no unifying thread, no overarching story, no reason tying it all together. My work felt scattered, more like a collection of fragments than a cohesive narrative.
Recently, a turning point came. I stumbled upon a video by Kyle McDougall on YouTube, where he spoke about using themes to structure photo collections. Around the same time, I read a comment on social media in response to someone’s question about shooting on a grey, uninspiring day. The advice was simple yet profound: “Take photographs about something, rather than of something.” These two insights sparked a shift in how I approached photography.
Themes weren’t a new concept to me, but I had never thought to apply them to my work. By embracing themes, I found a sense of purpose that not only changed how I photographed but also deepened the stories my images could tell.
Why Themes Matter
Themes give structure to creativity. They provide a framework, a starting point from which ideas can grow. Choosing a theme gave me permission to focus. It stopped me from trying to photograph everything and encouraged me to explore something deeply and intentionally. Especially in a small town like Exmouth, where I do much of my work, it can be hard to stay motivated or to find fresh subjects. But with a theme, I began to see images everywhere.
For example, I’ve recently started a project called “Summer and Winter,” exploring the contrasts on Exmouth’s seafront during the quiet winter months and the bustling summer season. This project has provided a lens through which to see familiar places anew. By having multiple thematic ideas in mind, I’ve also ensured that if one theme doesn’t inspire me on a given day, another will.
One crisp winter morning after Christmas, I ventured out with my Canon R5 and the “Summer and Winter” theme in mind. The air was frosty, and a bright sun illuminated the scene. Steam rose off the sea as the sunlight evaporated its surface, frost blanketed the ground, and long shadows stretched across the sand. I wandered near the closed amusement arcade, the empty crazy golf course, and the deserted play park. At a seafront coffee shop, I captured people with steaming mugs, their dogs at their feet. The theme focused my attention, guiding me to compositions and moments that fit the project’s narrative.
Photography stopped being about “taking pictures” and became about exploring ideas.
When I Felt Lost
Before embracing themes, I often felt lost. I’d walk for hours, shooting indiscriminately and hoping something would “click.” Without a clear purpose, even technically good images felt hollow. It was frustrating, and I often questioned whether photography was the right creative outlet for me.
The problem wasn’t a lack of skill or inspiration—it was a lack of direction. I needed something to anchor my work, a way to transform the chaotic swirl of ideas in my head into something tangible. Themes gave me that anchor. Now, I always aim to have two or three themes or projects in progress, ensuring I’m never without inspiration.
How You Can Use Themes
If you’re feeling directionless in your photography, I encourage you to experiment with themes. Start simple. Choose a single word—light, movement, isolation, connection—and let it guide your next shoot. Alternatively, focus on a location, a color, or an emotion. The possibilities are endless.
Once you’ve explored a theme for a while, consider organizing your work into a project. Print it as a book or a zine, share it on your website, or create a social media series. Use your images to tell a story or evoke a feeling. Here are a few tips to get started:
Set Boundaries: Themes thrive within constraints. Don’t be afraid to limit yourself; the more defined your focus, the more creative you’ll become.
Think in Stories: Ask yourself: What story does this theme tell? How can my photos build that story?
Reflect and Revise: After your shoot, review your images. Do they fit the theme? If not, how might you refine your approach?
Closing Thoughts
Themes have taught me that creativity isn’t about chasing endless possibilities—it’s about finding meaning in limitations. By working within a theme, I’ve found focus, direction, and a deeper understanding of the type of photographer I want to be.
Now, every project I undertake feels purposeful. Whether I’m documenting the resilience of a community or exploring the stark beauty of winter’s emptiness, themes allow me to connect with my work—and my audience—on a deeper level.
If you’re feeling lost, try narrowing your focus. You might just find the clarity and creativity you’ve been searching for all along.
To take a look at how I’ve used themes to create coherence and even to tell a story, go along to the PROJECTS section of my website.