Getting out of a rut
So I'm coming up on 100 days here (and a few thousand pictures on my camera in that time), and am looking for some tips. Not tips on better pictures, that's a different issue but one I can work through. But rather tips on getting through a rut. Starting this, I was so excited - learning, exploring, growing. Now, between the combination of running out of ideas, the newness wearing off, and some things going on in my work and personal life, there are more and more days I find myself in the evening going "oh dang.. I need a picture for today" and putting in a half-attempt at something that I'm not really proud of. I still keep forcing myself through, hoping I come out on the other side and find the spark again. Has anyone gone through this? Any tips on how you made it work for you? Were you able to regain the excitement you had in the early days?
Shenandoah Interesting article, I'll have to give that some more thought. Thanks.
Shenandoah That sounds like a fun idea. I'll have to give it a try!
Marcin Chęciński I experienced creative blocks for few weeks. I even though I lost the "eye" for capturing pictures. At the moment I just get into the car and go with the flow, exploring the coast line :)
Ian Prince And that's definitely working, I find your latest photos quite superb :)
Osvaldo Pontes i think the worst is not lack of criativity, this is very common, the problem is to take a photo of something you don´t want to just to keep track of the project... i mean, i´d rather have photos of things that matter to me...
Paweł Kadysz But a 365 project with photo number 287 missing is not a 365 project, is it? So I think it's better to take a pic of anything than not take any at all.
Osvaldo Pontes for sure!
Ian Prince Yep, that's where I am right now, somewhat stuck for time, but if I'm totally honest, also lacking in inspiration.
But I'm not going to stop now, even if means one below-average photo after the other. At least the ones after are going to look good in comparison :)
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Paweł Kadysz Literally EVERYONE gets to that point sooner or later. Some get to that on day 3. Some get blocked on day 360. I experienced weeks of creative block. And then, all of a sudden it goes away. Just like that. For no particular reason. And you're back on track and feel proud of your pics again.
The important thing is not to give up. It would be a shame if you gave up and 3 days later got creative again, right?
For me, the best way to get the good pics is to go to a place I've never been before. Or go out at a time I would normally spend at home (in bed) or at the office.
Anyway, you're not alone. We've all gone through this. And yes, it feels really, really bad. But once it's over - the joy of taking pics comes back.