Let’s face it. The longer you make images, the harder it becomes to feel creative, and that leads to boredom and sometimes sadness.
What used to send chills of excitement up your spine, now may make you feel a bit ‘meh’ about the whole thing. Ruts are just part of life and they are actually a good thing because they spur on growth. The true benefit comes when you jump over the hurdle and find the inspiration on the other side.
I have been going through a rut for the last six months or so. Life can be hard! We have home issues, work issues, life issues… and then we are supposed to create something beautiful automatically. Well, we all know that that doesn’t happen as easily as we might like.
This past six months have felt like I was steering a boat with holes in my sails, and about the time I would get one patched, another would rip open. The ideas outlined below are exactly what I did to battle through the rut, along with a few of the resulting images.
If you are feeling a bout of photographer’s melancholy setting in, you are not alone! Here a few ideas to get you started on breaking through that rut.
1. Shoot something unfamiliar YOUR way.
We pass by things everyday that we automatically cross off our list because it is…not our style, not our color palette, doesn’t resonate with us, etc. Plan a shoot to make it work for you and not against you. I am an organic shooter. I love the curves and tones of nature and rarely seek out anything that has bright colors, straight lines, or harsh angles. This image was created because I chose to see an everyday scene through my own creative lens. I have a painterly, feminine style. This was a hulking building with loud noises and harsh lighting. I was able to make it into something I loved though, and that spurred on a new hobby for me.
2. Find the unusual in the usual.
This image was created on the stairwell in our home. We use these old stairs everyday and they never make it into too many images due to the crazy lines and angles. One day, I noticed that the light was really blue upstairs and the fake candles I had on the stairway (as a nightlight) were very warm. I used this to my advantage to make an interesting scene. It is very easy to overlook inspiration that is right under your nose. Take time to study what is around you. Try to see boring things in new ways, even if it is less than fun at first.
Read about using introspection to get through a rut here.
3. Overcome your fears.
I am not much for snow and I rather dislike ice. Honestly, they send waves of fear down my spine due to memories of accidents in winter. Instead of cringing when others were rejoicing over the large flakes, I got in my truck and decided to bring my camera and see what would happen. This image is rather lousy in a lot of ways. It was out of focus because I couldn’t really see what I was doing. My headlights illuminated enough of the snow to balance out the scene and interject enough light to make an exposure in the near blackness. It is now one of my favorite images.
4. Try a new processing plug in.
My workshop, Communicating with Color and Light, encourages students to download a plug in and review it for the class. Many plug ins have trial options that are free for 15-30 days. This is a great way to experiment without the investment. This image was created with Lightroom and the help of the Topaz Labs product, Impression. This is just an ordinary house in an ordinary neighborhood, but the processing makes it into something completely different!
See some alumni images from Caroline’s workshop here.
5. Try a lens with unusual bokeh or blur.
It is no secret that I love to use Lensbaby lenses. These lenses all help to see the world in a new way. My favorite way to break out of a rut is to shoot macro, even in the winter.
6. Seek out unusual gear.
I shoot with a mirrorless system and that allows me to hunt for vintage glass that may be collecting dust in an attic somewhere. Here I used a very old vintage lens, the Canon 50mm f/0.95, to create an eerie image of my boring backyard. You also could explore this idea by borrowing some film gear. Sometimes, it just takes a day or two of playing with something out of the ordinary to get the creative juices flowing. Can’t use vintage glass on your camera? Try freelensing! It can produce amazing blur effects with your regular or vintage lenses. Blur can make old and ordinary things seem new and different. It helps me to see my environment in a more positive and creative light.
7. Study a parallel, but different art form.
Paintings and sculpture can invigorate your desire to explore photography by directing your mind away from the your usual train of thought. I have been studying famous watercolor artists this year. My goal was to choose an artist or sculpture that worked with subjects different from those I commonly seek out. I chose to study Albert Bierstadt and William Turner because I don’t often excel at landscapes in my photography. My goal was and is to study one painting each week and let that sink into my own ’sea of ideas’. Here is one painting I am studying this week. It is called Deer in a Clearing by Albert Bierstadt (this painting is in the public domain):
My favorite way to get out of a rut and beat the blues is to rent a lens I’ve never used before! I rented a wide angle for ClickAway and was blown away 🙂 So fun! And now it’s on my ever-growing want (need) list!
This is a great list to help get out of a photography rut. I especially like #7. I am currently in school persuing and Art (and Photography) degree so paint/drawing has always held another special place in my heart in the world of Art. I know when I am headed into the photo-blues (or already there) I sit at my easel and start painting… anything that comes to my head I will paint it and it helps greatly!!
As my editing knowledge grows and changes, I like to go back through my catalogs and find “lemon” and try to re-edit them! Definitely helps me get out of a rut.
Listening to music always inspires me to be creative.
When I get in a rut, I throw on my macro lens and give myself 5 minutes to shoot a certain object. I find myself looking at it in all different angles, forcing my creative juices to start flowing.
By trying something new. Like for example, today, I tried (mostly unsuccessfully) freelensing.
My favorite way to get out of a rut is to try something new and be creative wand experiment!
My favorite way is to add some bright colors!
These are the absolute perfect suggestions when boredom hits! I use freelensing to get my creative juices flowing again. It makes me slow down & work hard for just one shot. Sounds like a lot of work- – but it’s really fun for me to have to work hard for a good shot, whereas with my lenses attached to my body, it’s not as hard for me anymore. 😉 (Happy I can say that these days- wasn’t always the case).
Fantastic suggestions!
I am definitely in a rut…mostly because I have been so incredibly busy. I’d like to find ways to use my little apartment more and get creative with where I am and what I have since I don’t have time to go out and explore.
What a wonderful article! My favorite way to get out of a rut, is to read through blogs of photographers I respect, and get creative inspiration.
Thank you for the tips!
I try to shoot the similar things in a different way or light.
sometimes i just take a break for a while. I find when i go back to it i fall in love with photography all over again.
I love all these suggestions. There’s nothing like adding newness to our repertoire to ignite new passion.
It’s hard for me. I’m in a rut mostly because I’m exhausted but I want to keep my 365 going, so I’ll get up a just shoot even if I know this is not going to be a great or even a good shot.
Wonderful tips, Caroline! Winter is always a hard time for me, as the weather in the frozen north woods is a challenge to work in. I find new scenes or subjects to be very inspiring. As you mentioned, this doesn’t necessarily mean world traveling, as often new subjects can be close at hand…we just need to open our eyes and minds to new possibilities!
Wonderful ideas! Need to put these to the test. I always feel uninspired during the winter months.
It really helps me to go intentionally out of my way to a new location, or a new technique.
Definitely finding a new tutorial online and giving it a try. It gets me out of the “usual” and into a new creative flow!
I was in the worst rut after the busy season. I felt like I forgot a little why I loved photography so much. For me, starting a mobile 365 has brought back the love. I am capturing moments I don’t want to forget, but without all the pressure my big camera sometimes brings with it. It’s refreshing!
spending time with my kids and getting one great shot of them will revamp any lulls for me!
Letting my kids lead my shoot (how they want to dress, what they want to play with, where they want to play). Sometimes my son comes up with the best ideas!
I visit someone with small kids, that always makes me smile and get that gets me out of most ruts! 🙂
Fabulous tips and I am in love with that one leaf image <3
These are great suggestions to get out of a rut! I need to get my lensbaby out!!!
I have launched a 365 and am determined to make friends with these walls during winter – embrace low light, shadows and ocf. Last winter was miserable for me! This year, so much better! Loved this post.
This is a great post and very helpful! When I feel I’m in a rut, I usually join a challenge so I have to think outside of the box creatively or photograph subjects I’m more likely to steer away from. This forces my to try and show my voice/style/creativity in a way other than through the subject I am shooting.
Wonderful and inspiring!
I love to be inspired by others work! Thanks for the tips!
Wow – this would be an amazing opportunity!!! Her work is beyond stunning and I loved this article too
I find that shooting what I love helps me cure the blues. That changes depending on the day :).
I like to try new shooting techniques and styles. I also am on my second 365 project that I have themes for each day. The themes have really helped me stretch and expand my creativeness behind my photos.
Enjoyed the article very much. The first one brought back to mind when I go on a photo-walk with my hubby. He enjoys photographing buildings and how the light hits. The first time I went with him, I thought what should I do. Well, actually it has become a great learning tool for me, because it helps me a lot with my clients when I am on portrait sessions. Who knew 🙂
I mostly shoot images of people, so when I’m in a rut, I tend to look around for images with no people. Changing my subject matter makes me look at things in a new way. GREAT article! 🙂
This is exactly what I needed! Thank you for all the inspiration!
Thank you! <3
My favorite way to get out of a rut is to take my dog and hit the woods behind my house. I always find something interesting to photograph.
My favorite way to cure the blues is to pull out my macro lens and go out shooting by myself early in the morning. It never fails!
Such AMAZING ideas here Caroline!!! I feel like I dig myself into such a rut in the winter time and it is so hard to stay inspired and creative! I will definitely be trying some of these out and would literally cry tears of joy if I won a spot in the workshop lol. <3
These are some pretty neat ideas. I like numbers 2, 5, and 7 especially.
Great ideas, Caroline! I feel a rut coming on, but I bet these same things will help to prevent that rut from getting me. 🙂
Great tips I look forward to trying. I try to go and visit a new town that I am unfamiliar with sometimes to help me get out of that funk and rut.
My favorite way to cure my blues is to just pack up and get outside. Go for a walk, try some macro and just enjoy it again.
That is my go-to too! I love macro. It is so soothing and relaxing!
Thank you for this article, Caroline! Like most others, I’d been feeling a little lost as to where to point my camera. I spent sometime yesterday following your advice!
Thank you! I saw the lovely images, Jennifer Carr!! I want them on my wall. <3
I cure the blues by learning something new! 🙂
CM classes and tutorials.
I would love a seat!
Playing around with light always gets me out of photographer blues. 🙂
The way I get out of a rut is to actually put my camera down for a while and look around at the beauty around me. When I pick my camera up at a later time, I’m excited to shoot and look through my lens with a new perspective.
Great suggestions for getting out of a rut! I find these really helpful at this time of year when daylight hours are limited! Thanks Again!
I try to think of another photo project I can run for my friends 🙂
Watching my kids and bringing my camera along wherever we go out always helps.
Photographing something different than my usual (portraits) or mastering a new skill (off camera flash) helps get me out of a rut. A really helpful post!
I pick a theme and shoot whatever comes to mind in relation to the theme. Project 365 has helped me a lot, shooting things I wasn’t used to! 🙂
One thing that helps me is just getting in my car or going for a walk to somewhere I’ve never photographed before…sometimes you just need a change of scenery!
Finding a different kind of light or subject than usual. Trying something different and unusual.
Taking classes forces me to pick up my camera and explore things I’ve never tried before!
Great article and giveaway!! Thank you! <3
GREAT ideas! To get out of a rut I usually take a course or breakout 😉 I also will try taking my camera out to new places for a new perspective.
I usually try to go somewhere new – I’m going to try to find the beauty whereever I am a bit more though!
Thanks for the give away!
I will try diferent angles and experiment with settings.
Trying something different, going somewhere new!
I pick up my camera and commit to only 10 shots…I usually end up with more.
Awesome ideas for conquering the blues, looking forward to giving them a go 🙂
I’m definitely going to have to try a plugin. I haven’t done that before!
I think a great way to get out of a rut for me is to just be spontaneous. The other day on the way home from work, I saw the gorgeous sunset and pulled in to a pretty spot to take some pictures with it and my son. Not great pictures, but it felt good to just enjoy it.
I try to beat the blues by remembering why I loved photography in the first place and shooting what makes me happy, my own art.
I felt in a rut just a few days before New Year (yeah, even with all the decoration and Christmas bokeh lights:D ) and I tried freelensing. I loved it!!!
When I’m in a rut, I noticed picking up my camera and shooting anyway seems to help. I tell myself to take at least one shot; though, it usually ends up being many more. I do more macro work when I’m in a rut too, which also seems to help me find inspiration.
To cure my ‘blues’ I trick my kids into going somewhere fun and bring my camera to catch them. Anytime I am in a slump I know I have 3 inspirations at my fingertips — and they never disappoint 😉
I will shoot macro it has been so much fun because yo can shoot anything!
Thanks for offering a giveaway!
Thank you for this! I have been in a bit of a winter-blues slump myself. I will have to give some of your ideas a try! Also thank you for the chance to win a SA seat in your class! I think that would really help to beat back the winter blues! 🙂
Great tips. I’ve been challenging myself to shoot every night in low light given the dark hours, finding that I’m learning more about light by doing this since I’m having to take advantage of what light I can direct and capture.
I’m doing a 365 right now, and days when I don’t feel inspired, I try to watch my little girl and find inspiration in capturing whatever she is doing!
I try to shoot daily, but if I can’t then I also try to re-read some previously taken workshops. I love learning new things!
I am doing a 365 project so it will keep me motivated and try new things. I also my my 1 & 3 year old niece and nephew to make things interesting.
I am mini ruts but I take my camera with me everyday. I always end up taking one photo of something I want to capture….or if I don’t eventually after a few days, I get inspired by something I read and it’s easier to implement when I already have my camera on me every day. Thanks for these tips! They will be most helpful to keep me going when I have my mini ruts! 🙂
Honestly, I just photograph EVERYTHING. Things in my kitchen, things outside, random items in my house. I just photograph everything I can, but try to change it up a bit. If I usually photograph my dog, why not try a different angle this time? If I usually photograph a flower, why not try to make it a macro shot? Just change it up! Different perspective, basically. 🙂
Great post! I think what helps me get out of the “blues” is to just get out and shoot, perhaps in a location I haven’t tried before.
Sometimes the only way for me to get out of a rut is to make myself pick up the camera and just shoot whatever is happening around me. Otherwise I’ll just avoid it!
Shooting with my olloclip macro usually gets me out of a rut and finding a subject that’s not my child to photograph helps too.
I just start shooting and try something new (new angle, new light, etc) and it really really helps! Even if its just shooting with my iPhone 🙂
Thank you for sharing your ideas Caroline! This couldn’t have come at a better time for me as I’ve been in a bit of a winter funk too! I am excited to use my old film lens to free lens – what a great idea!
Thanks Caroline for these suggestions. Winter is always harder to find inspiration, for me anyway!
Mastering a new skill
Th is was the perfect article to read in the winter when everything is bland and the natural light is minimal. Thanks for the timely article and the inspiration!
I go somewhere new–I explore when I get in a rut.
I put down the camera and start knitting for a while. Or some other creative output.
I so needed this! thank you!
I usually just try to push through a rut but sometimes I have to put my camera down and take a break. Thanks for the tips.
Usually my photography ruts come when I have stress in other parts of my life. So a lot of sleep and some me-time are usually the first step. I also have an ongoing list of ideas, so I just browse through it and decide on one idea to execute. Whether it’s photographing a certain kind of food, a concept I choose to bring to life with a TFP model or getting in front of the camera myself – at one point the spark is there again 🙂
I give myself an assignment….like toilet paper or shoes or shadow or whatever. The list from the cmglimpse could help with that. Then give myself a week to think…lighting,composition, lens, etc and then to shoot it. No pressure to even show anyone the images. Sometimes that can help although sometimes that pressure can be very helpful too.
thank you for the opportunity, I love the class and can use a creative impulse,
Looking through other photographer’s pictures gives me great ideas! Even more, watching my kids play. There is almost always an opportunity for a cute picture in there!
I find it helpful to give myself a break once in awhile and just enjoy the moment, not focusing on how best to capture it. Other times I just shoot even when I don’t feel like it and wind up with a shot I love and wouldn’t otherwise have.
Just. Keep. Shooting. Just keep shooting. ~ Dori
my son, he is always so different and full of emotions!
I like to look through older photos of my kids. It reminds me how thankful I am that I took them and inspires me to take more.
I will look at Instagram and other photographers work for inspiration. Sometimes it will trigger a new way of shooting a object or subject.
To cure the winter blues, i find inspiration in simple things…like exploring my surrounding froma different angle, taking walks down to the park!
Sometimes a nice little break helps
Awesome article. I am going to go out into the dark and try at least one of these tips tonight.
Photographing my everyday with my 4 kiddos or going out on nature walks with them and taking my camera along.
Fantastic giveaway! Thanks for the opportunity.
I don’t have the winter blues! Winter is the best time of year in Miami 🙂 To cure the summer blues, I shoot indoors where the AC keeps me nice and cool.
Take a photography course 🙂 or learn something new by myself 🙂 but I have a lot to learn!
It helps me to search for new places that inspire me. I also try to look at some of my own favorite work to remind me that I’m not completely awful.
Take a class, or visit a new place!
Being a SAHM, winter can be tough, especially when it is too cold to go outside. So I’ll try to photograph a room or object under a different light or angle…..and if all else fails, I’ll ask my 3-year-old what can we photograph today? He’ll usually answer his stuffed animals but sometimes, he’ll say something totally unexpected which will rack us up!
*crack us up
I just get out and shoot. Its the best way to get over it!
If trying new angles, etc., doesn’t help then I step away from it for a few days until I see light or a moment that I can’t resist. Sometimes I think I step away for too long though. Breakouts are great, too! Thanks for the chance, Caroline!
To break a rut, I like to watch other photographers edit their shots or do things like shoot out of focus all day. I also feel like off camera flash is my mortal enemy sometimes so shooting with that and finding success, even if it is only 1 our of 25 shots, can give me a boost.
I search on the Internet and take a look to my favorite photographer’s pictures. That usually drives me on the road again!
Focusing on a specific thing/subject for a week or more!
I try to put away some time each and every day to shoot. I’m on my second 365-day challenge, and have shot 500 days straight. Some days sure are easier than others, but it makes me get creative right where I am.
Renting a new lens brings renewed energy and enjoyment for me!
I take myself on a field trip — either to downtown Denver, or on a new hike in the mountains.
I go out and photograph my kids. It’s the one sure fire way to make the spark come back
I try to shoot every day. If it is not my dslr I will use my iphone. It can be anything, my kids or what I see around when I go for a walk with my dog
I love looking at 500px or Flickr for inspiration. It helps me get motivated and refreshes me.
I’m always inspired by changing my lens. Sometimes to something super artsy like my lensbaby, but sometimes just revisiting a different length sparks something new.
I find that a simple change of scenery can bring new prospective. If I have been taking the bulk of my photos in open natural landscapes, I might change things up by taking a road trip to a local city and exploring the lines and shapes of the architecture and man made scenery.
not taking it too seriously and expecting perfection. I have started using my phone a lot and love it!!
I start bringing my camera with me all the time so I find moments that I want to photograph and normally wouldn’t be equipped. I need to start doing this again. 🙂
Getting out and doing something new reignites my passion for the craft! I also like to rent a new lens or try a new technique to mix things up and gain new perspective!
Getting out with photog friends!!
I take out the camera and start taking pictures of the kids playing. usually that will kick start me again.
I start browsing through 500px and other photography websites to get my creative juices flowing. I also will branch out and try different styles or subjects that I would generally shy away from. Thanks for the fun giveaway!!
A walk outside with my camera. Sometimes using a different lens, like one of my LensBabies does the trick.
To take mu Fuji rangefinder or slr and lens baby and just roam aimlessly, with a goal of taking unexpected shots. And focusing on light!
Sometime trying something new helps, or taking a break or viewing the first photographs I ever shoot and see how far I’ve come.
I am fortunate to have 4 subjects right at hand a good deal of the time. Two are human, two are canine! Everyday life intrigues me and drives my photography, so I just have to let them get settled into an activity )or inactivity) long enough to forget I am there and then I study them and take my shot.
I’m always looking for new ways to change things up. Nothing is worse then being stuck in a rut.
Great article! I am guilty of experiencing the photographer blues often. Especially during Michigan winters. I will give some of these a try!
To heal my photography blues I do love to chat with my photog friends
i sometimes try to not make every image perfection and also bring along my iphone instead of my big camera. it helps me focus on the moment at hand.
What’s your favorite way to help cure your photography blues?
I grab a lens that is getting dusty and shoot food. I have no idea why, but it give me such a rush to make food look so inviting with a lens that hasn’t been used in a while. new and exciting.
I get together with one of my best friends for a photog play date. It’s so fun and the kids are easy to photograph when left to be silly and play.
My kids, they inspire me daily. Along with instagram, and my favorite photographers Facebook pages.
I love taking a workshop to push me to try new things and see the world differently!
I look through Pinterest for new ideas to try
I will either take a break or shoot from another angle (with sports, for example).
I shoot something completely different from what I do normally.
Go to a beautiful location and start shooting.
I like to take mental pictures and not pick up my phone or camera. A day of looking for pictures and not taking them gives me inspiration.
I stop thinking about perfectionism. I take a break to sit and look around me and then try to see the world from a different angle.
I choose one camera, one lens, one subject and one time of day (not the typical “golden hour”) and a brief period of time (15 minutes) and attempt to capture the individual and scene in the most unique ways possible. Quite a challenge and typically end up with some of my favorite images. 🙂
I love JMW Turner! What a great idea to study various artists! Such a wonderful inspiration! I think January brings with it all sorts of inspiration in the newness of the year. But, living in the south (FL and formerly NM) leaves no shortage of inspiration seasonally :-). Great article!
I just have to make myself get out there and shoot something. It helps to find something I really like or am interested in learning about.
I force myself to stick with one lens and go for a walk. When something catches my eye, I stop and shoot it from as many angles as possible. I often see something I never would have before.
Wonderful post, Caroline! I usually will take a break for a day or two then come back and shoot something that interests me–and shoot it from every possible angle until I find the image that clicks. Then I’m hooked again! It’s addictive!
Each time I find myself overwhelmed and sad with photography it is because I have overworked myself with the camera and editing. I find getting outside, exercising, visiting with friends and sight seeing, all without the camera in hand, helps engage all my senses and reminds me what life is about. Once my mind is back in balance, shooting becomes enjoyable again.
Wow! Really interesting images! This workshop is on my short list!
Making time to shoot helps me battle my photography blues! Looking back at moments I’ve captured along the way also helps when I’m feeling down.
My favorite way to get out of a photographic funk is to take a little bit of time away and then pick up the camera and just shoot.
I love the idea of shooting a way that is not familiar to ME 🙂 I am now thinking I need some landscapes and f22…
I like to get out of the house and shoot something challenging to capture.
To bust out of a rut, I will put a new lens on my camera and take it in the backyard 🙂
I love Macro for curing those photographer blues!
I am trying to get out of a rut. I really don’t have a favorite way out because I have been stuck for so long. I love the ideas shared though!
Finding beautiful landscapes and lighting gets me out of a rut!
I started a 365 back in Nov and though some days are more difficult than others, it’s definitely made me more creative. I’m starting to see things I otherwise wouldn’t have seen, capture moments I otherwise wouldn’t think would “photograph well” and experiment with new techniques (like freelensing!!).
Reading a photography book and finding new light.
I try shooting photos of mundane, every day things, and try to find interesting new angles or light.
I find that unplugging from social media helps me. When I’m feeling unmotivated I perpetuate it by comparing myself to others and then feel like there’s nothing left to say visually.
get outside! always helps
I will have to keep some of these in mind for the future. In October I participated in a 5 day b&w photo challenge. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and realized that I wanted to try a 365 project this year. It’s been rough trying to capture unique images when we are cooped up inside all day from bad weather. However I have found myself thinking more creatively about angles, and have noticed I am able to relax and enjoy taking more lifestyle images of my kids.
I first snuggle my dogs a bit, get some puppy kisses, and then look for new ways to photograph them. They are always willing subjects and I love to practice on them. Lately I’ve been practicing going to “the dark side”, embracing grain, high ISOs and darkness in my photographs, totally inspired by the great work I see on CM.
Thanks for these great ideas! This week when I was stuck I pulled out some of my children’s stuffed animals and set up a photo shoot! Thanks for the giveaway!
Deleting photos that didn’t work! Nothing makes me feel more creative than earing out my photography clutter
I try to keep shooting! If I’m persistent I’ll be able to work through it
My macro lens is my go to for getting rid of the blues!
When I am in a rut I really focus on creativity, it seems that when I am able to plan out, execute and brainstorm a creative session my passion is reignited, and I feel I am just shooting for me! I decided last year to be sure to allow time for at least a couple of these a year!
I try and look at past images and then start a little project to make me feel confident- maybe sewing or making something.
I re-read a breakout.
This was so inspiring! This has been the hardest January to get motivated to shoot, I’m definitely gonna be trying some of these ideas!
I look through images from my favorite photographers. It always inspires me to pick up my camera 🙂
looks at pictures online. learn something new online
For me, learning new editing and processing techniques really help to get me energized and ready to create. Thanks for sharing Caroline!
All I have to do is grab my camera and watch 1 or all 5 of my beautiful grand children in action! Their faces, movements, expressions are my favorite blues buster/pick me up! They are so used to me behind the camera they continue whatever they are doing and we float along together. Works everytime!
Oh man! I would say my favorite way to cure my photography blues is starting the Project 52. It forces me to get my camera out and use it. The more I use the more I learn and the better I get.
Picking up my X100S 🙂
I head out on the trails and start looking for nature to help cure my blues! 🙂
Visit your website for some inspiration!
Thank you for this – I’m suffering from the blues big time, and you’ve given me something else on which to focus…
Start a new project, read a book, take a class. Last year I did two year-long projects and the other ladies helped me out of several ruts 🙂
I have been in such a rut! Hoping it ends soon!
I find practicing macro work gets me outta photography blues!
I like to learn new thing everyday to feel reinvented!
I just returned from a weekend photo school and now I am so ready to get out there and apply what I learned. A lot of it was basic but much of it was like a V8 moment – “how could I have been doing this all along?!”
I don’t really know, but I need to figure it out soon. I’ve been caring for my ill mom for 8 months and my camera needs me. I need my camera!
I HAVE to get outdoors when this happens. There is something about the fresh air, greenery, and nature that calms me. I feel like the pressure to get the “perfect shot” is off, therefore, allowing me to watch, look, observe, breathe, feel and relax. This is usually when I take my favorite shots. 🙂
I try a couple of things. I think small – I look for around for small interesting objects and try to find a way to photograph them in a new way. It also helps to just get out of the house and go some place new. I also love to seek out inspiration from the Daily Project! 🙂
I like to find some quiet time away from kids and play with my macro lens. Which reminds me… I have to do that again!! 🙂
I like to take a step back and give myself a break and then jump back in with a clear head and creative mind! Thanks!
I try to look around for anything interesting. Patterns of light, toys laying out, what the dog is doing. Just walk around until I find something. Then try it from different angles.
I just try to learn new things… and keep clickin’
My project 52 has really helped me out of ruts and cure my blues. If I start to feel like all my images are looking the same or I am bored I try something new! Even if it bombs… I tried it! 🙂
I like to have “photo fun days” with friends and family. It’s kind of an impromptu session but way informal and just fun. We try different lighting or go somewhere. I also love hitting up the zoo. Animals are always photogenic. 😉
I like to cure my photography blues by taking a class! It always motivates me and gets me out of the rut! I love learning new things! My goal is to take 5 classes in 2015 🙂
Marcie
Try something new just for me helps me beat the blues.
I go to the park with my children and that always makes me want to pick up my camera 🙂
Looking at the work of dead people and career photographers on the history of photography!
I did a “passion” project this year by asking a friend if I could take photos of her son dressed as Max from Where the Wild things are. Was a ton of fun and got my creative juices turned on high! Now I need the next project like that…
I think catching a natural smile from one of my kids (their posed shots are always SOOO unnatural), or a new expression always gets me excited to shoot again!
Great tips!
Buy a new gadget 🙂
Thank you for this opportunity! I find that taking a little break can help my creativity and passion. Also getting new equipment helps 😉
I try to do something different when I have the ‘blues’
Awesome tips and LOVE your photos!!
When I get the photo blues, I just put my macro lens on the camera and try and find something new to photograph. Thanks for this informative post.
My favourite way to find inspiration is a change of scenery. Half hour, one hour trip and I’m somewhere new and inspiring.
I buy flowers and photograph them!
Taking my big girl camera with me on family day trips usually allows me to get out of my usual rut. Thank you for the opportunity!
I take some time to focus on different subjects. Rather than portraiture, I focus on landscapes and abandoned buildings to get some creative juices flowing.
I started a 365 project this year and that has helped me out of a rut!
I needed this. I find myself going to my old tricks over and over again. I think I’m going to have to hunt down some old glass. Thank you for writing and sharing!
These are so inspirational and beautiful! Thank you for sharing insightful ways of creating new art that is uniquely your own!
Your words have a way of uplifting my spirits and restoring my faith in humanity.