Need some inspiration? Try something new: Shoot a different subject or buy some new gear
Don’t feel alone or embarrassed, it happens to all of us. Every once in awhile, you get into a photographic rut. The unfortunate side affects are loss of creativity and enthusiasm for your surroundings, and decreased desire to pick up your camera. Maybe you’re stuck under a week of solid gray skies, or you feel that you’ve already photographed all the really cool stuff around your neighborhood.
Have no fear, there’s always a way out. All it takes is a little brainstorming. I know that you’re already struggling with your creativity, so to save you the time and trouble, I’ll do it for you. Hopefully at least one of these ideas will peak your interest and make fall in love with your camera again.
Go somewhere new. This is an easy one. Hike a new trail. Visit a new town. Take a trip around the world. Exposing yourself to any kind of new scenery is the best way to jump start your creativity and inspire your photography.
Read a photography magazine or visit a photo blog. Hey, that’s what you’re doing now. Good job! Hopefully you’ll find some interesting articles here that pique your interest and make you want to get out there with your camera.
Buy a new piece of gear. This one works like a charm. I recently bought a new camera body and have been excited ever since. In the past, I’ve been equally motivated after buying new lenses, filters, tripods, lighting kits. Pretty much every time you spend money on photography, it gets you excited to make pictures again.
Write about photography. Start your own blog and jot down some thoughts, ideas and reflections about the artistry or craft of photography, or recount your own experiences and share with you’ve learned with others. See, it’s already working for me!
Take a photography class. The mere act of finding and signing up for a photography class, either online or in person, should get your creative juices flowing again. You’re guaranteed to learn something new, and anytime you explore the world of photography from a new angle, you’re likely to want to start shooting again.
Try something different. Put on your least used lens and photograph subjects or angles that you don’t normally shoot. If you usually shoot nature scenics, try shooting people. If you often find yourself shooting far away subject with your telephoto, try shooting some close ups. Anytime your break your routine, you’re likely to come up with something new.
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Dan Bailey is a professional adventure, outdoor and travel photographer based in Anchorage, Alaska. Follow his own blog at danbaileyphoto.com/blog and see his daily updates at facebook.com/danbaileyphoto.
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