Sometimes when you take pictures, it seems like you are going after the same thing over and over. Maybe you are good at it, and the photos still turn out great, so why change? What would happen if you did a little experimenting and try some different things to add to your repertoire.

 Experimenting is a vital part of the creative process. Whether you’re messing around with pinhole cameras, 3D imaging or enjoying the delights of multiple exposures, your experiments will all serve to help you better understand the art, craft and science of photography.

It’s also good to get into the habit of asking yourself, “What would it look like if I did this?” The chances are that there will be a lot of failures, but occasionally you will discover something awesome that works brilliantly and also gives you something to build on.

Let’s look at this idea that you could try:

• SLO-MO . Slow shutter speed photography. I think just about everyone likes this type of photo when they see them, but, do you know how many people really specialize in this.

Using slow shutter speeds to capture milky water and silky clouds is an ever-popular technique. It’s a fiddly process to master, and there are lots of elements to get right (or wrong).

First, you’ll need a sturdy tripod and remote triggers. You’ll also need neutral-density filters, and you’ll have to calculate the extended exposure time. All of this can be plagued by wind vibration, shutter shake and myriad other frustrations. However, once you’ve nailed it, it does look cool and renders the world and captures time in a distinctly photographic way.

You should show restraint: Use slow-shutter techniques when it’s appropriate for your vision, not every time you see moving water!

Remember, you don’t always have to keep the camera steady: for an impressionistic effect, try using a slow shutter speed while hand-holding your camera or while panning.

Another photo idea, using slow motion is to get your camera up on a high point where you can get a view of the cars going by at night time. Like this:

This is probably the most popular way to use a slow shutter speed. And that is with a river, or waterfall, and to blur the water. Of course, most people do this during the day, so there are things you need to make this work right:

Taking photos of waterfalls or rivers in the middle of the day require the following tools:

• tripod (remember this is a long exposure)
• Neutral density filter
• remote for your camera (pressing the button can cause the camera to jiggle)

And finally, the one new thing that we are seeing a lot of photos today, is the night sky:

One thing that greatly adds to this type of photo, is to get away from the city. If you have the city lights to contend with, the result is not as good. The light from the city will show up, and very little sky.

Try this type of experimenting with your camera, and the results will be spectacular. And even though Photoshop can add the night sky for you, don’t you think you can be more proud of your photo if you didn’t have to do some additions after the photo has been taken. Try to keep it pure. I like the photographer who can take a photo without having to run it through Lightroom and Photoshop.

Good luck!

More amazing photos of slow shutter speeds: