I was thinking recently on how mundane photography can become if you aren't careful. If I am left to my own devices, most of the pictures I take are rather similar. They follow similar patterns, use similar techniques and give similar results. All this similarity is really quite draining.

One way I can think of to improve my photography is through the use of constraints. Examples of constraints I can think of are:

• Using only a particular focal length of lens
• Limiting yourself to a certain aspect ratio of camera
• Keeping specific camera settings (ISO, aperture, shutter speed) consistent
• Only shooting from the hip or other position

Using these constraints would force me to examine taking pictures in new and different ways as a response to the arbitrary constraints, hopefully resulting in varied pictures.

Once the weather improves a bit, I hope to get outside taking pictures again and I will try to make use of some constraints to help challenge me.