Pixtus - Photography Forum, Photographers, Photo Tips

Silverstangs · **Ever need to step away from... -** 08-31-2007, 10:01 AM

Ever need to step away from...your photography just to reset yourself?

pixartist · 08-31-2007, 10:47 AM

All the time. Stopping is a necessary process of creativity. It means that you've come full circle in your creative process. That means you have to start the creative process all over again and not repeat what you've already done.

The alternative is quitting. Bad, really bad.

Silverstangs · 08-31-2007, 10:57 AM

I've just have not been creative lately... and the past two subject that I've attempted to shoot became a complete failure. It's all me, but for some reason, I've lost my own calibration.

windrivermaiden · 08-31-2007, 11:13 AM

I was in that rut for a while. It seemed everything I shot was yuck. I've put down my camera for a while and went back into some old files and pulled out some that caught my eye. I've been working on printing them in a different fashion than I had been.

My theory for myself is that my photography was suffering because I was feeling more like it was a chore than a joy. Trying to reframe now.

Trying to just enjoy and not worry about the money factor, which with two college freshmen, is a little hard.

pixartist · 08-31-2007, 01:49 PM

Been there doing that. I've got three in college now, one who graduated 3 years ago.

Sometimes your inspirations lies outside the boundries of photography. Get yourself over to an art museum, an art gallery, paintings, sculpture, whatever. Go to the movies once a week (or rent one), go out and play, get some crayons and color. Your well has run dry and this is a normal process: You're sick of what you're doing and you want to do something different, something new.

Write your thoughts on three pages every morning as soon as you wake up. Just let your thoughts flow. The most amazing things about yourself will surface.

imported_timothybui · 08-31-2007, 03:00 PM

Always man.. Not just because my creative mind is slowly sinking but GF and family to take care of.

pixartist · 08-31-2007, 03:08 PM

I wouldn't blame your creative output on your GF and family. The state of your creativity lies with in and you alone.

imported_timothybui · 08-31-2007, 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pixartist

I wouldn't blame your creative output on your GF and family. The state of your creativity lies with in and you alone.

Not really blaming it on them, just that taking pictures isn't really a big thing to me, yet. Don't get me wrong, I love the hobby.. But there's a lot of other situation that I have to take care of.

Abel · 10-15-2007, 12:53 PM

one thing i have done is not to necessarily step away from photography but to step away from shooting for other people and get back to shooting for me. so no weddings, engagements, sports etc. just getting in the car with lisa and going out to find something fun to shoot for us. kinda get back to my roots in regards to how i got started.

this often helps when i get stumped in creativity or may feel a little burned out.

Silverstangs · 10-15-2007, 10:56 PM

Yeah I've put down the camera and picked up a pencil and made drawings of things I want to try.

isaiahbrink · 10-16-2007, 12:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Silverstangs

Ever need to step away from...your photography just to reset yourself?

Yeah, I've felt like doing that lately myself, the smaller part being lack of creativity, and the larger portion is finding models to try it with and getting out of the creativity void known as the San Jaquin Valley.

RochinPhotography · 10-19-2007, 10:32 AM

Ever try to step outside of the box? Try something different. I started out shooting cars. As my "creative side" started to dwindle, I picked up shooting sports, models, ect. Keeping the "subject" new and different may help you get your mojo back. Good luck.

pixartist · 10-19-2007, 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Abel

one thing i have done is not to necessarily step away from photography but to step away from shooting for other people and get back to shooting for me. so no weddings, engagements, sports etc. just getting in the car with lisa and going out to find something fun to shoot for us. kinda get back to my roots in regards to how i got started.

this often helps when i get stumped in creativity or may feel a little burned out.

We treat each of our clients as a subject of our art. 9 out of 10 times they will go for what we suggest to them. It's part of the "one for thee and one for me" principal. This gives you a limitless source of art inspirations.

chrisfotos · 10-19-2007, 01:24 PM

Yes, I haven't been shooting much at all for the past 2 weeks. Halloween is coming up though, so there will be plenty to shoot.