It happens to all artists, and can happen to even the best photographers: You find yourself taking the same pictures over and over and over, or you no longer find the joy you used to in the creative and photographic processes, or you’re even dreading going to take pictures. Not only is this a disservice to your customers, it’s also a disservice to yourself. When you get in a rut, you stop growing as a photographer. Here are six things to do to get out of the rut and get your passion back.
Follow our 30 day photography challenge
By taking just one extra photo a day, you can expand your practice and kick start your creativity again. This challenge can be as easy or as hard as you’d like to make it. You can find our photography challenge here.
Volunteer at your local animal shelter
Good photos of adoptable animals can be all the difference in their finding a loving home, but shelters often don’t have the resources to invest in a quality pet photographer. Most pictures of the animals are done quickly by overworked staff when they’re able to, and often when the animal is afraid or scared and not showing its best side. Black animals are often at a disadvantage since their adorable features are often indistinguishable in hastily shot photos without careful lighting. Do a good deed and offer your services to the shelter and get in some loving animal snuggles. It’s good for your photography and for your soul. Remember, what goes around, comes around.
Mentor someone
Maybe there’s someone in your community who’s just starting as a family photographer or wants to and doesn’t know where to start. It can be extremely rewarding to help someone along in their journey. Plus seeing someone at their beginning of their journey can remind you of when you were at the same place and the dreams and ambitions you had and how far you have come and how much you’ve learned. Remember, pay it forward.
Do the shoot you’ve always put off
I’ve always kept a wish list of sorts of photography shoots I’ve wanted to do. I’d be very excited when the opportunity came to do one of the things on my wish list but because there never seemed to be enough time or resources I didn’t necessarily seek it out and make it happen. A good way to kick start your inspiration and creativity is to make one of the things on your list happen. Maybe you’ve always wanted to try newborn photography, or maybe you’ve always dreamed of doing a sunset session with a model in a long flowing dress caught in the wind. Now’s the time. Remember, there’s no time like the present. That’s why it’s a gift.
Remember why you started
I have yet to meet anyone who got into photography because they hated it. When a photographer first starts, it’s because they love it and what it makes them feel and how they can make others feel. Over time you can lose that feeling as you focus more on the business side of things instead of the art creation side of things. You can look over some of the first pictures you took and remember how you felt when you took them. Maybe you can even re-edit them knowing the things you know now. You can make a list of the reasons you got into photography and hang it by your work station or someplace else where you’ll see it every day. As you’re reminded of your past goals and your future goals it can reinvigorate your current drive. Remember, just remember.
Take a break
Sometimes more is not the answer. Sometimes you just need to take a break and recharge to combat burnout. Put the camera down and set away for a week or two. Breathe. Relax. When you’re ready, the camera will be right where you left it. Remember, sometimes less is more, more or less.
You don’t have to let a rut suck away all the joy and fun you used to find in photography. You can find your inspiration again. You can continue to grow as a photographer. Happy shooting.
Did these steps work for you or have you successfully battled burnout a different way? We want to know! Leave us a comment below.
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