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10/02/2006 04:49:13 PM · #1 |
I have tried and tried to get out of this 'slump.' I just don't feel like taking pictures, yet whenever I am out I always come across something I would like to have had the camera for. Yet, I never go back for the shot.
When I do take the camera with me with every intention of shooting, nothing inspires me to actually take it out of the bag.
Any suggestions / home remedies to get out of a funk like this? |
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10/02/2006 04:56:42 PM · #2 |
Maybe try taking the camera with you at all times? I don't know about others but most of the time I'll shoot something and then later wonder why I even made the trip.
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10/02/2006 04:57:30 PM · #3 |
Been there, and it sucks. My fix has been a rather expensive one...I really wanted to get more into glamour/fashion/portrait photography, but with no place to shoot but outdoors, and the weather never seeming to cooperate with me when I had the time to shoot, I decided that I needed to make myself a place where I can shoot any time.
On came the basement studio, which started its construction this past week :)
I've been putting money into Alien Bee lighting and different light modifiers, as well as some backdrops, but its an expensive process. Yet, I think its a wise decision on my part, I spent all this money on photo gear, why not spend some more in order to be able to do what I bought all this gear for in the first place.
Basically, you need to find a style of photography that makes you want to work at it to become better, and then start making the moves to make that happen. When I was shooting anything and everything I lost the drive like you have, simply because I didn't feel like I was shooting anything of importance to me, just what I thought someone else might enjoy, now shooting models which I have always wanted to do, I love it and when I am not shooting I get itchy for the next session :) The small basement studio has become my crack :)
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10/03/2006 08:37:22 AM · #4 |
Originally posted by Alienyst:
I have tried and tried to get out of this 'slump.' I just don't feel like taking pictures, yet whenever I am out I always come across something I would like to have had the camera for. Yet, I never go back for the shot.
When I do take the camera with me with every intention of shooting, nothing inspires me to actually take it out of the bag.
Any suggestions / home remedies to get out of a funk like this? |
Give yourself an assignement and shoot for that. Challenges can be good for this, but if you're not motivated by challenges, just pick and idea and go after it. I personally like "assignments" that have a longitudinal aspect - they take a long time. Ex. shooting a single tree 4 times during the year, once each season. I've got 2 or 3 pet projects like this going all the time. They're a little off the beaten track and make for some interesting outings.
Another idea, find a local high school and contact the office and offer to shoot some senior portraits for kids who can't afford them. |
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10/03/2006 08:50:22 AM · #5 |
Perhaps making a more personal challenge rather than the more general ones the site is offering?
Team up with someone and challenge each other in a sort of rivalry. One person challenges the other to create a specific image or using a specific technique/subject, then its the other person's turn.
Adding some competitive spirit that's a little bit more personal might spice things up and give your motivation a boost.
:)
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10/03/2006 09:08:17 AM · #6 |
You need to evaluate why you take photographs. Are you keeping memories, are you using it to view the world, do you see beauty in everything and want to capture it? What is motivating the slump? Have you put expectations on yourself to come up with good photographs and failed and so you are not even trying anymore?
You cant force it.
Seek out what is causing the slump and you'll have a solution. If you are unsatisfied with your photography then you need to seek out something that will satisfy you. As other people have mentioned, a personal project.
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