Creative photography when you can't get out.

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AndyG123

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Hi all, so photography for me isn't a job, it's just a release and I absolutely love it. To a point when I'm unable to take photos it makes me think about them and I miss it.

Some days I'm sat at work and I look at the fog and it just gets me down feeling I'm missing out on an opportunity to be creative.

Or it will be a stunning sunset and life commitments prevent me from my creative outlet...

What do you guys do when a busy life prevents you from taking photos? How do you deal with this creative rut?
 
TBH I get mightily cheesed off and frustrated. But some people on here were inspired by enforced lockdowns and being furloughed to come up with some good ideas for at-home togging; in particular I was struck by people getting into macro around the house and garden (something I am definitely planning to emulate soon), and setting up micro-studios for shooting product type photographs and still life; I think some have been doing pets and family portraits. However if landscapes are your thing and little else appeals, there have been a few examples of excellent work from people exploring their local environment more diligently on their allowed exercise.

But I agree, when work and domestic commitments get in the way most of the time, it's a real struggle. Same here.
 
If it means so much for you, can you find a spot for it in your job? Or do you prefer the separation? In my case it’s become a part of my working life. In terms of weather / night sky dependent opportunities I try to plan ahead so if conditions are good I can go out. That still doesn’t mean I can head out at every creative opportunity though. I don’t know anyone who has that luxury.
 
I used to feel like I was missing out, when work, home and other things got in the way if my photography. But then one day, I just thought to myself, I've got the whole rest of my life (I'm not sure how long that is, but I'm working on the assumption that I'll live to an average age) to take photos. As much as I enjoy photography, I realize it's not my job or line of work, it's a hobby and therefore is done in my spare time.
 
When I get like that I just log off the work computer, grab my camera and head off to the local nature reserve. Of course it helps to be semi-retired, working at home and only committed to working 24 hours a week at times to suit myself :)
 
TimHughes said:
If it means so much for you, can you find a spot for it in your job? Or do you prefer the separation? In my case it’s become a part of my working life. In terms of weather / night sky dependent opportunities I try to plan ahead so if conditions are good I can go out. That still doesn’t mean I can head out at every creative opportunity though. I don’t know anyone who has that luxury.
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Its always a juggling act at the moment. I'm working from home which is great. But I do work a full 8-5 as my day job (not photography related by the way)
I've also got a 2 year old daughter and a 4 year old son.
As soon as my day job ends from 5 till 8 is my few hours family time with my kids.

My window for photography previously between 8.00 and 9.00 when the kids fell asleep, this was great for sunset, or 6.00am for sunrise... Now sunrise cuts into my working day, and sunset cuts into family time. (or getting kids to sleep time) It makes this so difficult to juggle.
 
Nostromo said:
I used to feel like I was missing out, when work, home and other things got in the way if my photography. But then one day, I just thought to myself, I've got the whole rest of my life (I'm not sure how long that is, but I'm working on the assumption that I'll live to an average age) to take photos. As much as I enjoy photography, I realize it's not my job or line of work, it's a hobby and therefore is done in my spare time.
Click to expand...
This is how I feel at the moment, and I always think 'there's always the next time'
I have found though getting into a routine of trying to get out, you are able to get out more, but as soon as that routine stops its so hard to get back into.
 
Is your 8-5 working day a rigid time slot or can you do some sort of flexitiming?
 
When you're immersed in life, it's easy to forget that naturally life tends to go in phases - acknowledging that can take the pressure off a bit ...
 
Nostromo said:
I used to feel like I was missing out, when work, home and other things got in the way if my photography. But then one day, I just thought to myself, I've got the whole rest of my life (I'm not sure how long that is, but I'm working on the assumption that I'll live to an average age) to take photos. As much as I enjoy photography, I realize it's not my job or line of work, it's a hobby and therefore is done in my spare time.
Click to expand...
Same here. My main job takes a lot of time thus leaving me with little to zero chances to spend time learning something new or going out with the camera. I do it in my free time because otherwise I'd have to constantly pick up a slack at my main job. Not very motivating or inspiring for sure but that's about prioritizing and hobbies do not go first for me.
 
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I've digitized a lot of transparencies to be printed, and checked the magnification ratios with many lens and extension tube combinations. Also experimented with various close-up and macro lighting. I still want to photograph all my camera gear. Not exactly creative, but at least I've still been involved with photography.
 
Nod said:
Is your 8-5 working day a rigid time slot or can you do some sort of flexitiming?
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I actually work from home, so I do have flexiblity with working, however my work ethic in working from home says i should be available between the hours of 8 and 5.
So if I do work through lunch one day I will finish work at 4.00pm however I will still stay at home for the last hour.
Its a blessing working from home but can also be a burden with the fact that if I do get a flyer it's not like an in work flyer.
 
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