DPChallenge: A Digital Photography Contest You are not logged in. (log in or register) 
 

DPChallenge Forums >> Photography Discussion >> Burnt out on photography :o(
Pages:  
Showing posts 1 - 25 of 49, (reverse)
AuthorThread
 01/04/2007 06:01:11 PM · #1
Has anyone ever gone through this? An old friend, who I did some work for at a magazine when we were in Florida, wrote me and asked how my photography was going.

Lately, I cringe when someone asks about a photo session or the paper calls me with an assignment. I don't think I have snapped a picture with my good camera in a couple weeks. (I've taken some snapshots with my S3 I keep in my purse.)

I know a big part of it is the effort involved for me to do a single photo session. I don't think it would be NEARLY as bad if I had a room to keep my equipment all set up. Doing a photo session involves moving my furniture around my living room, moving some furniture out, and keeping the dog outside (pet hair). I spend about 1-2 hours per session just setting up and taking everything down. For a while, I was doing a couple sessions a week and the setting up just got old! Then, having to keep your house 'company' clean was hard with two little ones. I'd say each session involves about 5-6 hours of work with clean-up, set-up, taking the pictures, putting everything away, and then editing the pictures.

I hope I recover. I think having a 3 & 4 year old at home with a husband in the Navy just make things more difficult all the way around.

Thanks for listening.....advice appreciated.


01/04/2007 06:05:47 PM · #2
Are these 'sessions' commercial work that you are doing?
01/04/2007 06:07:06 PM · #3
I am going through this now. I still keep submitting to the challenges but it's pretty much just for the WPL. I haven't had the drive to shoot anything truly interesting for a while now. I think when spring comes around you'll feel more renewed. At least I hope it will for me.
 01/04/2007 06:08:58 PM · #4
My nephew was a professional photographer in Edmonton. He finally got so tired of always shooting what other people wanted instead of what HE wanted that he burned out and is now in Thailand for a year or two, teaching English. I don't know what the answer is... wish I did, then I could put down the camera and take up counselling burnt-out photographers?
 01/04/2007 06:10:48 PM · #5
Originally posted by jmsetzler:
Are these 'sessions' commercial work that you are doing?


Basically, people call me up and schedule a portrait session. I do it all at my house.
 01/04/2007 06:11:13 PM · #6
This is exactly why I dont do studio portraits- only environmental. and dont make it sound bad, make it an asset!!!
It might be harder with no husband around to watch the kids. What so you do with them when you have a session at home?
 01/04/2007 06:11:33 PM · #7
Honestly, I can't relate. But I do see a "grass is greener" analogy brewing. Take me. I would love to have too much work. I don't believe I can get enough of it. So one way to combat the funk is to simply consiously understand the flip side of it and be appreciative. Simple, but true.
 01/04/2007 06:12:02 PM · #8
yeah. I know it gets hard. I have a 4 and 5 year old and most of my stuff luckily is set up most of the time but theres still always a level of cleaning that needs to be done in the "studio" room before it can be used and it's storage too and stuff just gets thrown in there all the time. and i cant keep backgournd paper or muslins up because of the cats. and the rest of my house is never company clean. EVER. so I wont even attempt to have someone over. I did one time but I was embarassed. I know if I had seperate studio space I would shoot alot more... I dont knwo how to fix it though .:P unless you can afford seperate studio space. it's tough though. i know. sorry. ::hugs::
 01/04/2007 06:12:05 PM · #9
Originally posted by BeeCee:
My nephew was a professional photographer in Edmonton. He finally got so tired of always shooting what other people wanted instead of what HE wanted that he burned out and is now in Thailand for a year or two, teaching English. I don't know what the answer is... wish I did, then I could put down the camera and take up counselling burnt-out photographers?


You make a good point. The past several months all my photography time has been spent doing work for others. I don't remember the last time I went out and shot something just for the fun of it.
 01/04/2007 06:12:53 PM · #10
Originally posted by yanko:
I am going through this now. I still keep submitting to the challenges but it's pretty much just for the WPL. I haven't had the drive to shoot anything truly interesting for a while now. I think when spring comes around you'll feel more renewed. At least I hope it will for me.


It is 85-95 year round...I hate the weather...LOL Glad I am not the only one going through this.
 01/04/2007 06:14:06 PM · #11
Originally posted by oOWonderBreadOo:
This is exactly why I dont do studio portraits- only environmental. and dont make it sound bad, make it an asset!!!
It might be harder with no husband around to watch the kids. What so you do with them when you have a session at home?


When I do a session at home, it involved trying to keep the kids out of the living room. LOL It makes me want to pull my hair out.
01/04/2007 06:18:19 PM · #12
Originally posted by Cutter:
Honestly, I can't relate. But I do see a "grass is greener" analogy brewing. Take me. I would love to have too much work. I don't believe I can get enough of it. So one way to combat the funk is to simply consiously understand the flip side of it and be appreciative. Simple, but true.


I think that is the thing. I like making some money from my photography, but I don't like being so busy that I have to say NO to people. I start feeling really pressured to work more. My focus right now is being a stay-at-home-mom. Most people want to schedule their sessions on weekends or in the evenings and that takes away from family time. I think back in November I was working 4 straight weekends.

It would be easier if everyone did their sessions in the morning, while the boys are in preschool. I don't think that would fly, though.

Move to Guam- Photographers are needed.....LOL
 01/04/2007 06:18:26 PM · #13
Originally posted by JRalston:
Originally posted by yanko:
I am going through this now. I still keep submitting to the challenges but it's pretty much just for the WPL. I haven't had the drive to shoot anything truly interesting for a while now. I think when spring comes around you'll feel more renewed. At least I hope it will for me.


It is 85-95 year round...I hate the weather...LOL Glad I am not the only one going through this.


Oh I forgot you're in Guam. Maybe you just need a vacation and see something new to be inspired by?
 01/04/2007 06:20:59 PM · #14
Originally posted by jaded_youth:
yeah. I know it gets hard. I have a 4 and 5 year old and most of my stuff luckily is set up most of the time but theres still always a level of cleaning that needs to be done in the "studio" room before it can be used and it's storage too and stuff just gets thrown in there all the time. and i cant keep backgournd paper or muslins up because of the cats. and the rest of my house is never company clean. EVER. so I wont even attempt to have someone over. I did one time but I was embarassed. I know if I had seperate studio space I would shoot alot more... I dont knwo how to fix it though .:P unless you can afford seperate studio space. it's tough though. i know. sorry. ::hugs::


Anytime we have people over I scrub my house. It is usually picked up...but when you have people over EVERYTHING needs to be cleaned at the same time. (All 3 bathrooms, mopping the floor, vacuuming, laundry...etc) I know 99% of this people won't notice, yet I always feel I have to do it all.

When we move back to the States in a couple years, I hope to find a house with 2 living rooms or a basement so I can leave my stuff up all the time.
 01/04/2007 06:41:08 PM · #15
How much are you charging for these sessions? Not to be rude but if you are under selling yourself then I can see that is a chore - I have to do so many assignments - Some of which are really boring and take a lot of effort but I always know I am getting paid handsomely so it makes the effort worth it.
Just my 2 cents - Hope you feel better soon.
 01/04/2007 06:48:51 PM · #16
Jennifer,

Yes, I'm afraid we all do at one time or another. You have a terrific portfolio, and should be proud of what you have accomplished!

That said, several people have expressed the same feelings lately... I think it may have to do with the holidays, winter, etc. Sometimes ya gotta step back & turn down a few jobs temporarily. Politely let them know that you'd be happy to schedule them in a couple weeks. The newspaper probly doesn't need shots of your living room ;)

Meantime, just know that there are lots of us wishing you a return to happier shooting!!

Billy

ETA - my mrs said to 'get a babysitter & spoil the crap out of yourself for the day!' we all deserve a breaksometimes... good luck!

Message edited by author 2007-01-04 18:57:54.
 01/04/2007 07:53:42 PM · #17
Your story makes me see the downside to going into photography on a regular, professional basis. It is just fun for me, and if I get an occasional job, good, but to try to pursue it regularly, well your trials has me thinking maybe I really don't want to. As to slumps or burned out, I think I must be going through it right now. I haven't taken a single pic since last Wed (12-27.) I said to myself I would not enter another challenge until I at least take my first shot for 2007, and it can't be a challenge shot. If this keeps up, I won't be entering any challenges this year. Of course, I have also been sick since last Friday. Just getting better today. That might have had something to do with it. We will see. Either I am burned out, or just need to get my strength back.
 01/04/2007 08:58:51 PM · #18
I find entering what I find fun but know will score badly somehow relaxing :-) Seriously, just shoot for a while for yourself outside of assignments. Not such a good idea if you want to keep the average up though :-)
 01/04/2007 09:04:12 PM · #19
After 20+ years as a professional commercial, then architectural photographer, I was burning out bad. After 25 years I sold the business to my long-time assistant and moved on. Didn't pick up a camera again until I moved out here to the Cape and got my first P&S. And I was making good money, too, and was "respected". Didn't matter. I just couldn't face it anymore, and it showed in the work. I was just going through the motions.

The rest did me good; I'm having fun again But I'm really, really leery of trying to make money at it again, even though I need the money :-(

R.
 01/04/2007 09:09:08 PM · #20
Jennifer,

I took a spare bedroom (10X11) and converted it to a home studio. I bought the lights, muslin's, props, etc.

That was over the past 18 months. Other then shooting stock and photos of my Granddaughter, I have yet to use it for portraits. It is cramped and I found that outdoor photos work so much better and I could never duplicate the beautiful outdoors with a background. I took three days and scouted every park, water access area and old abandoned building in the area. When someone calls me I suggest these areas and show some of my portfolio to them. As I said, I haven't used the studio yet.

I also enjoy checking out new areas and meeting people in the outdoors for their shoots. My wife helps tremendously by making sure everything looks good, getting the people placed and reflecting or deflecting my light. We sometimes spend the weekend exploring our favorite parks looking for new scenic areas.

As for the children, mine are grown but when my granddaughter is along, we shoot next to the playground so we can watch her and still get some pretty good shots.

Just my 2 cents.
 01/04/2007 09:11:10 PM · #21
Take people downtown...to heck with the studio crap.
Get a sitter for the kids, and shoot in 3 locations downtown somewhere, could be some steps, a brick wall, rail road tracks. You can be done in less than 2 hours, and have a ton of good shots and backdrops.

And you don't have to clean your house.

I know, easier said than done huh?
 01/04/2007 09:13:44 PM · #22
That's exactly why I've always refused to consider being an artist for a living. It's fun to make some money on the side, but not to make it your job where it gets to the point when you start to stress out and it's no longer fun.

I think there's some good advice in this thread... take a break for awhile, and when you're feeling better, only pick up the camera to do some low setup shots, maybe some wild lizards or something, until you feel ok to go back to scheduling shoots.

Also, I don't think that anyone would be hurt or offended if you told them you were booked for a certain length of time. Decide how many shoots you can comfortably do, and stick to it. Like someone mentioned, raise your prices a bit if you need to.

I know it's hard to be assertive with people when you have such a friendly, giving personality, but it always helps to think of all the other businesses around -- most businesses have wait times and raise their prices periodically -> we can't all be mini-walmarts with 24hr service, and most people understand, and actually expect that.

good luck, hope you feel better soon
 01/04/2007 09:16:46 PM · #23
I feel for you, I was feeling the same way last winter. I decided to not take any pictures until I felt inspired again and that seemed to help my mood. It was 2 months before I picked my camera up again. If you are doing it to make money you probably don’t have that luxury. If you could put your business on hold for a month and just go shoot what you want maybe that will help. Or shoot nothing at all :) Tell your clients you’re booked for the month ;)
 01/04/2007 09:20:45 PM · #24
I've been a freelance artist for 15 years now.

I started making money at photography about two years ago.

It definately changes the hobby - I used to love to just go wander and "discover" beautiful photos. Now I'm storyboarding the shots I want and hiring models before I leave!

But as a freelance artist, I've found that telling people that I'm booked and unavailable (even though it's for my 3-a-week raquetball game) makes them appreciate me more when I am available. I've even been able to negotiate higher rates with two of them to make them a "priority" over my other "clients". So now I miss racquetball occassionally because the rates higher!

The laws of supply and demand say that when the demand for you is up, and the supply is limited, the rates increase.

But I shoot to keep from cleaning the house - If I had to clean to shoot, I'd be blocked too!
01/04/2007 09:31:03 PM · #25
My brother doubled his prices when his work load got to be too much, and found that he was working less and making more, and enjoying shooting again. I know it don't seem fair to people that you know, and want to give a good break to, but you have to think about yourself and family as well.
I would imagine that Guam, with a US base there, would have air conditioned storage rentals. You might have a look into that situation for a studio that you can leave set up if the owner/operator will allow you to work from the place.
I have enjoyed seeing your portfolio, and hope that you don't put your camera aside because you're not happy about using it. A short trip helps stoke the fire again sometimes too, esp if there is good scenery.
good luck
Pages:  
Current Server Time: 09/09/2025 02:52:43 PM

Please log in or register to post to the forums.


Home - Challenges - Community - League - Photos - Cameras - Lenses - Learn - Help - Terms of Use - Privacy - Top ^
DPChallenge, and website content and design, Copyright © 2001-2025 Challenging Technologies, LLC.
All digital photo copyrights belong to the photographers and may not be used without permission.
Current Server Time: 09/09/2025 02:52:43 PM EDT.