When I was in college, I spent a summer as a "freelance childcare provider" so that I could work the hours I wanted to, save all my money, and take a class from the Maine Photographic Workshops. I wanted to get better at photography, and I figured that my college wasn't the only place where I could learn.

So after three month's worth of changing diapers, managing naptimes, cycling from job to job and playing outdoors, I wrote one of the largest checks I'd ever written, and took the bus up to Rockport, Maine.

It was an inspiring week. I had a blast, and learned the joys of color slide film. I came away with a few gems, one of which was this piece of paper--a list of things to photograph when you've lost your inspiration or direction:

In case you can't read what it says, here is the list...

1. make a photograph about something that is happening around you
2. choose a simple subject and play with your depth of field -- what makes the photograph more exciting?
3. make a photograph about texture
4. make a photograph about shapes
5. make a photograph about patterns
6. make a photograph that "balances"
7. make a photograph that doesn't "balance"
8. make a photograph that stops motion
9. make a photograph about motion
10. make a photograph about a gesture
11. make a photograph about an emotion
12. make a photograph of a memory
13. make a photograph about perspective
14. make a photograph about how you feel

This list is a starting point, a place to get your creative juices flowing, something to keep you moving when you're feeling stuck. I've used it on many occasions when I'm sitting at home all sad that I'm not taking photographs, or feeling creatively listless. I hope that all you photographic enthusiasts find it as helpful as I have over the years, so pass it on to others if you think it's helpful!