Hi Luvs! Today I want to write about losing your interest in photography- specifically when you feel really bored. You know when you’ve visited the same places a million times and you are sick and tired of it? You might find yourself going back determined to find a new amazing angle that nobody on this planet ever knew about, only to walk away with mediocre photos? And as you throw your bag in the car and you are driving away you are thinking, “I’ve totally lost my mojo.”
Well I’m here to tell you I feel that way ALL the time. And I know many others who do. I’ve had conversation with friends and we sit there envying the very lucky travel photographers who get paid to travel to all parts of the world to take photos. Pfffff! Well if that was my job, I would never get tired of photography either!
This hobby is like anything else in life. I compare it to when you start going to the gym or you have a new lover- you are all gong ho, you do it every day, you obsess about it and you think that crazy passion and fire will last forever. But it too shall fizzle out cause we humans get easily bored with routine. Our attention span is pretty much well non-existent.
But I’m here to tell you not to despair! Here my 5 tips to stoking those fizzling flames to hopefully get that crazy obsession with photography going all over again!
SHOOTING SOMETHING TOTALLY NEW AND DIFFERENT:
When you are fantastic at a specific type of photography, whether it be landscapes or portraits, it is so easy to stay in your comfort zone. You probably might also be trying to build a reputation as a professional photographer in a specific field. There is nothing wrong with that. But if you are bored, there is nothing better than to get out of your comfort zone and learn how to shoot something totally different. It is honestly like starting out in photography all over again. I also believe the more versatile you are, the more paid opportunities you will get. If all you post are cityscapes, someone going through your social media might never consider to hire you for family portraits.
I have begun taking people and pets to the same places I have visited and incorporating them in my photos. I find taking portraits a lot more challenging and stressful than landscapes simply because their opinions matter more than yours. I can’t tell you what a nervous wreck I was shooting my first portrait. Now that I am frequently shooting portraits, I enjoy them and have started investing in flashes, courses, learning new editing styles and more. It keeps it fresh and interesting…and also profitable.
INCORPORATING PROPS:
What do I mean by props? Crystal balls for refraction, string lights, lanterns, flashlights for light painting, steel wool, miniature vintage cars, barbie dolls. Yeah I get it, you think it’s gimmicky. Well so did I! But then I began following a lot of cool accounts that offer diverse photography and some of the coolest photos added props that made the photos memorable and unique. Some of them you can even set up in the comfort of your own home. Adding string lights can create awesome bokehs for portraits, and lanterns can add a very magical and mystical feel to a photo. I finally learned how to shoot steel wool and I can’t tell you how exciting that was cause I had seen it on other people’s accounts and I wondered how in the hell they did that. If you need some inspiration- follow @girlscreating and @depthobsessed on Instagram.
GO SHOOTING WITH FRIENDS:
Many times I prefer to go shooting alone simply because it is therapeutic for me, nobody is rushing me and I can take my time and get really inspired. But when I feel BLAH, I love going out with a group of friends simply because now it is not just about the photography. It is also about enjoying the company and creating memories with fellow photographers who share the same passion. It is so much fun exchanging ideas and stories of places we’ve been to, or even better- other photographers we’ve met and finding out whether they are cool people, dirt bags, or have erectile dysfunctions, (lol!) Sorta kidding about that last one. But we always end up getting so riled up that we plan 10 more trips after that trip. Even if the photos you took weren’t that great by your personal standards, guaranteed you had fun, met people and formed deeper bonds with your friends.
TRAVEL:
Ok, going back to that travel photographer. If you have the means, travel. Maybe it doesn’t have to be far and exotic. You don’t have to go to New Zealand, Iceland or Norway. Not many people can afford the $5,000 – $10,000 price tag. But you could try saving a little money and going to local towns- Jasper, Waterton, Drumheller. You can fly down to California for $300 or Vancouver. You can go to Cuba and stay at an all inclusive for under $2000 for an entire week and take photos. Visiting developing countries in Latin America offer a great opportunity to not only photograph stunning landscapes, but the cultural difference is amazing for photojournalistic opportunities as well. If you have friends and family that live abroad, go online to see what you can photograph and fly down and visit. I am going to the Cayman Islands in March to visit a friend. Round trip ticket is $700. Now the Cayman Islands is not known as a photography destination as it is known for hiding rich people’s money. But, my photographer’s eye will find things to photograph I promise you that. Sometimes you just need a change of scenery to rekindle that passion. Have a vision board and choose 2 – 3 brand new destinations you will visit every year and work your little butt off to make it happen.
TAKE A BREAK:
Maybe you are really burnt out. Maybe you have been so obsessive over photography that you have missed out on other important aspects of your life. I know it sounds crazy that it can be that consuming. It is only photography for god sakes. However, depending on what type of photography you do, it might require a lot of time away from your family and friends. Plus the time you take to edit your photos and engage in your social media. I have been terribly guilty of this. I am now trying to be very mindful that when I go out with my family, I don’t ignore them for photography. I am also less engaging in my social networks. I used to sit there hours commenting and liking on other people’s photos so that they could return the favour. Now I literally scroll and unless something truly compels me, I don’t comment. I want to play with my little boy and watch Keeping Up with The Kardashians. And lately, I’ve even considered going radio silent for a while and getting back into my health and fitness and reading books. I am not saying QUIT. I am saying if you need to take a step back, do it. If it is starting to feel like work and you are stressing yourself out, seriously take a break. This is supposed to be FUN. This is what hobbies and art are supposed to be. Take a breather and come back when you are excited about it.
Anyhow! Those are my 5 tips. I’m sorry I have abandoned you. I don’t want to write posts unless it is a topic that truly inspires me and that I feel will be able to help you in some small way become a better photographer.
Whoever you are taking the time to read this, I hope you found it useful. Please share any tips that you have to get over the hump. I’d love to read about it!
Keep shooting and sharing!
Robin
