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06/15/2007 07:56:06 AM · #1 |
I am posting this hoping that someone has been through something similar and give me a bit of advice or something. I'm not really sure.
I moved to the UK last year after marrying a Brit. At first, I was really into photography. I wasn't working and I really wanted to get out there and shoot London in every possible way, angle, time of day, etc. Somehow though, I just sort of distanced myself from photography.
It has been a long time since I have had any interest in picking up my camera and shooting anything (shoe inventories don't count!). It just seems like such a chore to drag a heavy bag accross town just to take a handful of pictures. I am not motivated nor am I inspired. I am just feeling indifferent towards photography.
I have had periods of disinterest before but somehow it always came back. This is by far the longest and I don't know what to do. I used to enjoy photography, I have a lot of nice equipment including a studio set up but somehow I can't bring myself to actually doing anything with it. I have even considered selling my equipment and I think were it not for my husband,  Manic who refuses to let me do so, I would have sold it all by now. It seems like such a waste to have all this equipment just sitting there.
I much prefer to photograph people but unfortunately I have no friends here. I have no one really so there isn't much I can do about that part. I do feel like I could get out there and photography the city but like I said, every time I entertain the idea I manage to talk myself out of by thinking of all the effort, etc I'd need to put into it. Yes, I'm lazy. The sad part is, I don't work so I am home all day, it's not like I'm always tired or anything.
Well, this turned out to be much longer than I expected it to be. I don't really know what I'm trying to accomplish here but I would love to hear from those of you who have been through this before and to know how you got out of it. Any tips or ideas from anyone else will be greatly appreciated too. TIA
June
Message edited by author 2007-06-15 08:04:53.
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06/15/2007 08:06:37 AM · #2 |
 This is one of my favorites images, from your portfolio, and please don't give up.
Try and find the passion, by setting yourself little tasks, ot little challenges for yourself. If you like taking photos of people and don't know anyone, study some of our great "candid" photographers, like  nixter  sevilduvarci boysetsfire
Maybe find a street bench, or a park, and and try and take as many cancids as you can.
You also have a great archestural eye, and I also like to see you take more shots like the one I have choosen from your portfolio.
I love your sence of beauty, and please don't pressure yourself, and take it one day at a time.
Please think lomg and hard before giving up, as I really do think you have a special gift, apart from you smile, and that is photography.
Message edited by author 2007-06-15 08:12:48.
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06/15/2007 08:10:59 AM · #3 |
| Have you thought about joining a local photography club? You may meet new friends. |
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06/15/2007 08:12:17 AM · #4 |
June,
I read your thoughts and I'm really feeling for you.
I know for me I came back to photography when I signed up for the 30 day Where I live side challenge (wish you'd done it - GRIN!)
I found that by agreeing to participate I set in motion the dailyness I needed to find my way BACK to my passion.
Sadly towards the end my camera died so I didn't complete it - but HAPPILY I gained a 30D out of it and I fell in love again.
I then signed up the the 30 day Black and White challenge to force myself to 'learn' my camera and then even bigger than that I made a team with some ASTONISHING WOMEN and have entered every challenge since the DPL commenced this time.
What about if you set yourself a little goal - maybe - photograph 5 doors in my street this week.
And then next week photograph 7 interesting signs and so forth.
Don't know your temperament, but I find if I set myself tasks I will usually do them.
If you felt you needed a buddy to 'keep you honest' I'd be happy to be there for you.
I've seen your equipment list - it's BEAUTIFUL and I just KNOW you'll need them one day, so DON'T sell them.
It seems to me you've made some HUGE changes and I think perhaps you might trying being gentle with yourself. I'm sure this feeling is just a side effect from the massive life changes you've taken upon yourself in recent years.
Another way I've found to 'remotivate' is to cruise galleries on this site and find people I admire and realise that I too can create images of beauty like those idols of mine - as long as I KEEP practising my craft.
Hope you get some other great replies - meanwhile I am completely sincere in my offer to pal up with you as a support person.
Start taking baby steps - you'll do it, I'm sure.
Lisa
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06/15/2007 08:14:10 AM · #5 |
Very good advice..... A great suggestion.....
Originally posted by irisheyes:
Have you thought about joining a local photography club? You may meet new friends. |
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06/15/2007 08:15:04 AM · #6 |
Originally posted by irisheyes:
Have you thought about joining a local photography club? You may meet new friends. |
I did, but we are moving back to the US in September-October so there's no point in it now.
June
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06/15/2007 08:18:06 AM · #7 |
Just take some time and remember all the good things about photography, and don't pressure yourself.
Smell the flowers, take a walk, but take the camera with you.
I love to be your buddy.....anytime.....
Originally posted by Chiqui:
Originally posted by irisheyes:
Have you thought about joining a local photography club? You may meet new friends. |
I did, but we are moving back to the US in September-October so there's no point in it now.
June |
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06/15/2007 08:28:51 AM · #8 |
Don't quit, you have a great portfolio, I'm desperate here to develop my photography to a level anywhere close to yours, please don't give up. It would be such a waste of a great talent.
Jan.
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06/15/2007 08:35:31 AM · #9 |
You may be leaving in September/October, but that gives you the summer to be in a camera club and meet some shooting buddies. Trust me, I wish I had taken more shots when I lived overseas. This is a rare opportunity to shoot London that most of us would give anything to have. I am so hoping you do not have that regret in the years to come.
edited to add, You also have a husband who enjoys photography. Ask him to go with you to some of the best photo spots in London. I bet he would be thrilled.
Message edited by author 2007-06-15 08:39:43. |
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06/15/2007 08:51:33 AM · #10 |
June, I agree with Barb. Join up with the local club and make some new shooting buddies. You'll be able to keep in touch once you've moved, compare shots, show them the other side of the world. I've never had a chance to travel ..... the internet and the people I've met there have introduced me to places, though I'll never see, I've come to know and love.
Other thought is if you have a studio, advertise at the local tech for models and start to build your portfolio ...... not sure if you're interested in stock photography, but you can do that where ever you are.
*big hugs*
sue |
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06/15/2007 09:09:15 AM · #11 |
Hi June,
Have you got time to sort out another GTG?
I disagree with you that not working means you have more time. I took a few weeks off earlier this year when moving jobs thinking I would get loads done - photography-wise and DIY. I barely took a single shot, did nothing to my website, and only painted a couple of rooms. Being off work saps all your energy for doing things (I can see how it easily turns into a downhill spiral). As they say, give something to a busy man if you want it to get done.
Have you got time/money for a break away? I find that a break from my surroundings is what is required for photography to resurface periodically.
Good luck
Matthew
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06/15/2007 09:09:56 AM · #12 |
Contact Laurie ( L1) about this.
Not so long ago, she went through this and sold her gear because
the need for having a whole bag full of accessories, lenses, this
& that became too much and pushed her away from the desire to click.
Maybe you could try something similar, and find a decent all in one
camera, with a decent range on the focal length/zoom, and grab one
camera instead, and see if lightening the load changes your outlook.
I find having to carry everything I might need to be a hindrance also,
and often find myself popping the 50mm f/1.4 on and heading out the door
more often than not. It changes things. I see things differently.
I feel more challenged to make the camera more of an extension of my
day and my eyes, and not getting all technical by switching lenses, etc.
Try grabbing your camera, put your 50mm f/1.8 on and leave
the rest behind and see if it doesn't change things for you as well.
I was going to say try the 24-70mm, but it's heavy and bigger. The
50mm f/1.8 will be more like having the bulk of an all-in-one
camera like your G1, but obviously much better.
Just a thought anyway.
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06/15/2007 09:33:37 AM · #13 |
Thank you all for the kind words, advice and encouragement!
June
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06/15/2007 09:33:43 AM · #14 |
Hi June,
Don’t give up –
Read the article from //www.radiantvista.com/archive/articles/1/
I read different opinions from dpc friends. I have one more option to offer. Why don’t you just go to a local studio and apply for a photographer job? It may be easy to get one if you are ready to take the job just for pleasure. I read that you are planning to come back to the US. Hope you can start your own studio in a small town somewhere here.
Visit as many photography sites and that will bring you back .
My last week’s inspiration was //www.flickr.com/photos/maiasuvi/
regards
romy
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06/15/2007 09:45:06 AM · #15 |
i think all photographers go thorough this. in my third year of my photo degree, i just stopped shooting for about a month. i'm a little slow right now. these things happen.
i agree completely with the shove a basic lens on and go out and snap, and also with the 30 day challenge idea. they can both jumpstart you out of your slump. i was a pure person shooter all through university - candid street stuff.
then, i couldn't afford it any more, so for years i took very ewell composed snapshots.
digital came in, and i'm back doing what i love, but now doing lnadscapes and still lives and stuff - and portraits (ARGH!). so, there are waves and troughs, just ride it out, you'll be fine.
don't sell your gear, unless you're going to upgrade. you'll really regret it.
Message edited by author 2007-06-15 09:45:26.
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06/15/2007 09:50:12 AM · #16 |
| Get a point an shoot? Put aside the gear for a bit and just be silly? |
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06/15/2007 10:05:05 AM · #17 |
In my experience, periods of disinterest correlate directly with the lack of a tangible goal - even for hobbies. Maintaining goals helps you focus your efforts and prevents you from feeling that you are fluttering about expending energy on nothing.
Try setting some goals. Sell 10 prints by years end. Assemble a series of photographs to present as a show with a theme, even if just to friends. Anything that gives you something to work towards.
Blaming disinterest on the amount of gear being lugged around is about the same as giving credit for excellent photographs to the camera and not the photographer.
Message edited by author 2007-06-15 10:05:47. |
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06/15/2007 10:10:15 AM · #18 |
dear June, please stay, don't give up!
you take really wonderful photos!
i think i understand, i think i've just come over a similar period.
please do not feel you are alone and please go out
this is the best thing i've learnt for myself
go out
i moved to norway 3 years ago and still don't have any good friends. i feel like i would betray my old russian friends.
this is not true. anyway,
i started going out alone - and wow! how many wonderful and interesting people there are there, in the city!
do you like driving? well, driving in london is obviously not the same as driving in the idyllic norwegian suburb, but you can discover wonderful places!
i liked the advice to have only one camera and one lens, i use d50 and 50mm 1.4 lens for my city shots. it is light and easy to put in a small bag.
you said you don't work, do you have other hobbies except photography?
i've been really and only into photgraphy the last half a year - it is not good, it made me too narrow-minded and i lost creativity.
diversity is the best thing ever
the more you go out and try different things the more chances you get to find your way further, some goals.
:) please, cheer up! you will get up very soon
it will go over! |
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06/15/2007 10:14:22 AM · #19 |
Originally posted by Chiqui:
It just seems like such a chore to drag a heavy bag accross town just to take a handful of pictures. |
so try and take a small bag ... just the camera and 1 lens ... if you're moving back to the US this fall, don't you want to get as many awesome shots as possible to remember your time in London?
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06/15/2007 10:16:29 AM · #20 |
Originally posted by Matthew:
Hi June,
Have you got time to sort out another GTG?
Good luck
Matthew |
Yes!!! let's have a big GTG before you go back to the US ;) it might get you started.
Ivan |
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06/15/2007 10:19:47 AM · #21 |
i'd recommend going to the city on sunday, and really explore. there are some wonderful places buried deep within the stone of the City. start at st paul's and walk east. take the whole day, and really explore. there are (used not to be, it's been a while since i was there) few people there at all on a sunday, so you can forget about not being able to shoot them, and look at the amazing angles, shadows, textures, signs, etc. in the city. and, any people you do meet will be more likely to talk anyway, as it's quiet.
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06/15/2007 10:19:54 AM · #22 |
June,
I think Lisa iamwoman has given you some good suggestions. It's sometimes great "having" to get a shot a day done and it would get you back into the old routine.
I love your work and I'd love to see more of it.
All the best,
Irene
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06/15/2007 10:25:49 AM · #23 |
Hey June...
I understand what you are going through. When my Dad was ill, I put down my camera, for a long time. Not sure if it was because I didn't have time or the ambition to pick it up. For a while I didn't enter any challenges. Then after he passed away, I took at long walk down the Columbus Arts Festival 2 years ago and spoke to several photogs. I got some great advise from them so I reinvested in myself that I had the talent to be a photographer (I'm still working on that). So I bought the new Oly E500 and it became an extension of my arm now. I shoot anything and everything. It really helped me get back to being creative. If its just sitting at the wetland area near my home to catch the Red Wing Blackbird (which dern him, he's a devil to hold still) or do a photoshoot for a client, I'm glad I didn't stop what I love to do. I have looked at your portfolio...its wonderful!!! Not sure where you are moving to here in the states but if you are near Ohio, a gtg could be in order! You have some great support here and Manic is right, don't sell your equipment.
Peace,
g
PS...I was just in London in March, love love love the city.
Message edited by author 2007-06-15 10:27:42.
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06/15/2007 10:31:08 AM · #24 |
I once considered a kind of personal side-challenge involving candids.
I don't know a whole lot of people myself, and I've been fighting with an kind of extreme shyness for a long time now. The idea was to go out every day, or every second day, or just once a week, take a candid picture of someone, anyone, then go up and introduce myself to them. Ask them if it's ok to use the picture, work it into a conversation.
Sure you may not be there for much longer, but that shouldn't stop you from making new friends and contacts. And it's a practice that you can carry back across the sea with you. |
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06/15/2007 10:36:56 AM · #25 |
similar to what brad said, if you don't want to lug all your equipment, don't. I bought a little bitty pns last summer, and sometimes I'll pull it out and take it along, just for the heck of it. A couple of times, I've even returned to the "scene" to recapture something with my rebel.
hang in there.
I also agree with still pursuing things despite knowing you are moving in a few months. I tend to be like that, too. But, I've found that while it may not be "permanent," there is still a lot of time to do things. AND, then you will have friends on both sides of the ocean. :) |
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