5 Most Effective Ways To Renew Your Inspiration
There are two types of photographers: those who have already lost inspiration for photography, and those who will. Like many of us, there comes a point in a photographer’s journey when we hit a wall that halts our enthusiasm to pick up our camera. Don’t panic! It happens to the best of us.
I asked some of the most talented photographers I know if they run into this situation and if so, how they deal with it. To no surprise, they have lost their motivation numerous times in the past and probably will again. But before we get into how they deal with it, let’s answer the questions of how and why it happens. There are many possible reasons why we lose motivation and it really depends on the photographer. More often than not, it occurs because you feel like you’re not growing. You feel stagnant by overusing the same techniques, going to the same locations, or trying to perfect the same photo that doesn’t seem to look any better despite the numerous hours spent editing. In return, you get bored and sick of the same process.
How do we overcome this feeling of apathy and get the fire back? Here’s what the pros had to say:
"I think inspiration comes and goes and that’s a good thing because it allows me to evolve as a photographer. I feel that when shooting a certain subject becomes too easy, I naturally lose the excitement so I look for new things to do.” – Felipe Silva | @TheLostCoast
Portrait taken by Abel Lares | @abelinsane
“I think what makes me lose my inspiration is when I see no growth within myself. Whenever I lose my inspiration, I have to take a few weeks off of shooting and spend a day just finding photos I love from other photographers. Then, I make a list of ideas I want to shoot and surround myself with inspiring people in the photography community. I lose my inspiration every so often. But I think it’s important because every time I lose it, I come back more determined to get better!” - Erika Heath | @ItsErikaChristine
Portrait taken by Sarah Sands | @sandysarah
As you can see, it happens to some of the most talented photographers. But it comes down to you if you want to do something positive about it or sell your gear and buy some fancy record player.
1. Find a partner or community.
According to a study performed at the University of Aberdeen last year, Researchers found that finding a new exercise companion increased the amount of exercise a person would complete. This was increased even more when the new partner was emotionally supportive. This principle can apply to photography as well. By having a friend that has the same photo interests as you, you will be more prone to being inspired by each other and possibly shooting more than you ever have.
2. Get critiqued.
Constructive criticism can be vital to your growth as a photographer. Finding someone with a lot more experience than you and asking them how you can improve a certain photo is an immediate step to getting better. Keep in mind that photography is subjective and everyone has their own style so be sure to find someone who has a style you admire and trust.
3. Learn new techniques or shoot in a new location.
Nothing generates more exhilaration for me than having new things to try in photography. There are so many different techniques to learn that it’s improbable that you’ve tried them all. Exploring new locations that you’ve never been to is an adventure in itself!
4. Take a break.
Taking a break doesn’t mean you’re done. It just means you’ve been working so hard that it started to wear on you. Take a step back, put your camera down, and go out with your friends. Don’t worry. Your camera will still be there and your inspiration will come back when it wants to. It always does.
5. Stop comparing yourself to others.
This is the most important advice I can give you. If you’re constantly thinking about why you’re not better than another photographer or how come you don’t have as many ‘likes’ or followers as someone else on social media, then you’re using a camera for the wrong reasons. That mindset is the poison in the well and it takes away all of the enjoyment out of any art form. Take photos because you genuinely enjoy it and want to get better; not because you want approval from the masses. Every experienced artist has their own style and creates pieces of work to express themselves. Photography is so subjective that there’s no right or wrong in the photography world. Don’t let anybody tell you that your photos suck. It’s most likely someone who has already lost their inspiration and is trying to take yours. That’s why their account is marked Private.