The thread that Ace&Deuce started has turned into a creativity discussion. I thought that discussion merited it's own thread. Here are some of my thoughts. I'd love to hear yours.

Six things I can think of that stifle creativity:

1) Fear. Being afraid of failure. Being afraid of what others might think. Fear stemming from past failures.

2) Keep your mind busy all the time. Take some time doing nothing, or doing things that allow your mind to wander. In this digital age where we are all so connected on the internet, this one takes on new meaning.

3) Trying to please others. Your creativity won't be like anyone else's. If you try to imitate someone else, your creativity will be lost. If you try to do what you think other people will like, your creativity will be lost.

4)Never try anything new. You all have photographs that you know you can nail every time. How can you be creative if you don't step out of your comfort zone. Learn about something that you aren't even interested in, and try it. You may come away with a new idea for doing the shots you are comfortable doing.

5)Follow the rules of photography to the letter. Some of the best most memorable images have been created breaking every rule in the book. Learn the rules of good camera work, and the rules of good composition, use them as your guidelines, and then think of ways to break them.

6)Keep it Simple. Use your camera in program mode. Shoot only in optimal light. Don't go outside if the weather is bad. Don't hike up a steep hill or hike a long distance. Don't take your camera with if it's going to be a bother. Don't crawl on your belly, or climb a fence. If it's not easy, then just don't do it.

….. and these are some of the best ways I know to stifle creativity. I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Absolutely! Learn all the rules, learn everything you can about your tools, then ask yourself, "What happens if...." . and change position, lighting, settings, angle, etc. For creativity, Rachel Carson was of the opinion that every child is born with it. She called it "A sense of Wonder". Adults spend too much time trying to get children to conform. Everyone probably has creativity, and all you have to do is step outside your comfort zone. The best example I can give you is to look at the contest pictures at the beginning of every Hog blog. One subject, up to several hundred viewpoints.
With digital, it is much easier. I used to work with people who tried to make every shot count. Their work was acceptable, and boring. There was a cost to experimenting. Today, that cost is gone. Feel free to try whatever pops into your mind, then ask, what else can I do? You can re-teach yourself the Sense of Wonder you probably had as a kid. Use that to see your world from multiple perspectives. You will probably throw away 90 out of 100, and file 9 more as acceptable. If you keep 1/1000 as exceptional, you are on your way to developing your inner creativity. Just let it happen.