I've lost my 'eye' and inspiration

[Marcel]

I'm having real problems lately.

I've always found it quite difficult to 'see' photos and to have the inspiration and imagination to think of something.
Ive managed in the past because I've just been somehow 'switched on' at the time.

Lately though Ive found myself in that 'switched on' mood much much less, and I find myself really lacking in inspiration.

I walk around, looking everywhere and think "mm, meh :|".
Any clicking I do is usually token snapping without really enjoying the 'buzz' I used to get, thinking "oooh yeah I like that photo....*click*".

I've always had a problem when taking photos that I find it hard to enjoy what I've taken......from the moment I click the shutter, I want to move on to something else, and because I've seen the 'scene' in real life, the photo I produced, doesnt really do anything for me, unless its months later, when I dont remember the scene. (Does that make sense?)

Anyway, to cut a long story short, I have no photomojo, how can I git me some?

 

[Joe T]

Maybe move away from Manchester? I'm sure that cant be helping! :shrug:

 

[busterboy]

Anyway, to cut a long story short, I have no photomojo, how can I git me some?

Come with us to Elvington next weekend mate, Take lots of shots while taking the mickey out of each other.

You'll enjoy the day immensely.

 

[Yv]

:nono: Joe!!!

I would stop worrying Marcel.... enjoy some time without the camera, you'll soon want it back.

 

[Marcel]

Elvington? Wossat. If its *next* weekend I might be able to...Consigned to garden duty this weekend

 

[Les McLean]

Go with the flow, we all go through peaks and troughs of inspiration.

 

[Marcel]

@ Joe...

:nono: Joe!!!

I would stop worrying Marcel.... enjoy some time without the camera, you'll soon want it back.

Thats the thing, Im finding it harder to pick up. I really WANT to pick it up. I read photo mags and get really inspired, but its like as soon as it comes to the crunch, my head just goes as flat as a pancake, and my inspiration follows suit.....

 

[Venomator]

I'm having real problems lately.

Anyway, to cut a long story short, I have no photomojo, how can I git me some?

Try giving it a rest m8 ... ... and not trying so hard all the time ... gives you brain ache and you start to fret ...

Your stuff is good and we all bear witness to that ... ... but we all need to re-charge our photographic eye occasionally ...

 

[busterboy]

Elvington? Wossat. If its *next* weekend I might be able to...Consigned to garden duty this weekend

You might just be lucky..

Linky here

 

[Keltic Ice Man]

I go through the self same problem Bod. I take pics, then look at them and they look rubbish by comparison with what the real life was like. I often take pics and then "think" I'm too busy to process them, but infact am scared of the results not being up to scratch.

My advice. Stick with it, have a day without the camera like I did today - really useful day. Then give yourself a small assignment to get back up and going again.

 

[Joe T]

occasionally ...

With you it's a bit more than "occasionally"! Aint that right, Ven?!

 

[Brains]

Get yourself over here Marcel....North Wales....not too far and LOADS to photograph: countryside, castles, beaches, old mines, old(er) folk (well, it is a pensioners haven in Llandudno!), boats (sailing regatta on at moment), wildlife etc etc.

 

[dod]

when I'm not in the humour I keep taking pics in the full knowledge they'll likely be deleted. Then something "clicks" again and off you go

 

[Venomator]

With you it's a bit more than "occasionally"! Aint that right, Ven?!

... You been talking to Jill ...

 

[..MD..]

Come with us to Elvington next weekend mate, Take lots of shots while taking the mickey out of each other.

You'll enjoy the day immensely.

now thats my kinda day out...

 

[digitalfailure]

Marcel

Welcome to my world......although I didn't see your name on the admittance list.

I must have packed any photographic talent and inspiration in the box for the Fuji 602 I sold about a decade ago by mistake

It's been a long time since I've looked back on an image i've captured and thought .......WOW

I keep buying new cameras hoping that ones going to have a talent mode......no luck yet!

 

[Ewan]

Shoot something interesting like birds

 

[eosuser]

I know what you mean... my job has killed my inspiration. I'm here photographing products in a boring manner... the whiter the background the better etc.... Ocassionally I get a real nice shot of a cubic zirconia ring (the fire in the stone) or a close up of some gorgeous art glass and I get that buzz , that wow factor... but only ocassionally. And it never happens outside my studio anymore.

 

[moomike]

I think I agree with Dod - although I find that going out photographing with a friend usually works really well too. Mark (one of my friends) came to the Brouhaha parade with PeteMc & me & I lend him my 10D as he was interested in having a play - his images were excellent & he had a really fresh take on things as he wasn't confined by too many (read: any) photography rules (they're there to be broken after all )
I'll be posting up some of his pics soon as he is interested in what everyone thinks
Meeting up with like minded peeps is always good too as so many different ideas & styles get bounced around & it's easy to pick up on the enthusiasm IMO

I'd be up for a trip down (?!?) to Manchester though if you fancy meeting up sometime soon mate, not photographed around there before

 

[eosuser]

I think maybe a change of place would be good. I am off tomorrow to the Welsh coast to visit some family so I'll be taking along my 400D. It is still quite new but I haven't done much with it yet.

 

[redhed17]

Sadly I have had exactly the same feeling for a while.

I've travelled to a couple of tourist attractions in the North West over the last couple of weeks, and come back with nothing. I went to the Brouhaha Parade in Liverpool last week, and again, nothing of any note. And it is not helped by all the great pics Pete Carr and others got at the same event. Seriously, it emphasizes that I don't have the the eye for a shot at the moment (if I ever did). It is all not helped by the fact that I have not got faith in my equipment at the moment, but that is just a side issue.

The challenges at Fujimugs have helped with inspiration in the past, but I haven't been able to get enthused about the recent challenge subjects.

I'm at a loss to know how to get out of this blue period at the moment. :shrug:

Maybe the next pic will break the cycle. Fingers crossed.

 

[HIMUPNORTH]

Chin up Marcel.

I think every photographer gets this from time to time. Letting it get "large" in your head however is not a good thing. Either take a complete break and return only when you have a desire that dictates that you must pick the camera up or work through it and not kick yourself that the delete button is pushed as much as the shutter release.

Having a go at photography outside your normal preferences is a good thing for re-discovering your mojo hence why monthly comps/themes are so popular with many.

Now pull yourself together!

 

[PaulBoy]

Not wishing to hijack Marcel's thread or anything but I found myself in the same boat recently - I took all my gear to ROI & NI last month (remember the "oh sh!t I left all my camera gear in the hire car" incident :embarrassed
I took about 20 pics on that trip mainly as it hosed down most of the time :bonk:
But a month after I got back I realised I hadn't used or wanted to use the camera :shrug:
My solution (rather drastic I know) was to assess whether I could justify a D200 & a bag of other kit (no) - So I sold the D200 & have no camera - I do intend to get another (when I spot a bargain somewhere) - Probably a D80 as I have kept my 70-300mmVR - Hopefully my inspiration will return (after less than a week with no camera I must say I feel this building already)
Sorry about the waffle / better do some work now ... Paul

 

[Chuckurbarla]

Marcel I can't help with the feeling of not being in the mood for photography but 'seeing' pictures is another matter.

There's a book called 'Drawing on the right side of the brain' which a lady artist wrote to help art students, she then wrote a sequel called 'Drawing on the artist within', get the second one and do the exercises. You'll start understanding more about pictures (photographs, paintings and line drawings) than you ever imagined possible.

A lot about art (and really that's what photography is) is learned, not an innate capability in most people.

And keep your chin up, a lot of us people here reckon you produce excdellent stuff.

Chris

 

[woadrage]

I'm having real problems lately.

I've always found it quite difficult to 'see' photos and to have the inspiration and imagination to think of something.
Ive managed in the past because I've just been somehow 'switched on' at the time.

Lately though Ive found myself in that 'switched on' mood much much less, and I find myself really lacking in inspiration.

I have the same problem myself at present. When I first took up photography, in the very early 1980s, inspiration was everywhere and in almost everything I could afford the kit to snap. After many years of intensive study for professional exams, particularly accountancy papers (for some reason everyone gets rather edgy at the thought of creativity and accountancy mixing), I feel as though I've hit a creative blank wall.

Believe me - I want to take photographs. I wake up in the morning at weekends wanting to go out and take pictures but somehow I can't or don't.

It hacks me off to look back at boxes of slides I took on Orwochrome (anyone remember that?) in the first few years of snapping and wonder why I don't take shots like those any more.

 

[scoff]

drink more...and take drugs...won't make your photography better or inspire you, but it will take the seriousness out of it...
I think mixing photography with a forum such as this, changes a perceptive, adds pressure and sometimes removes the FUN element.
go out and take some STUPID pictures...have fun...the inspiration will follow.
however if you are into photography for the gear and gadgets...it will never happen.
finally I agree with joe lol

 

[ConfusedChicca]

drink more...and take drugs...won't make your photography better or inspire you, but it will take the seriousness out of it...
I think mixing photography with a forum such as this, changes a perceptive, adds pressure and sometimes removes the FUN element.
go out and take some STUPID pictures...have fun...the inspiration will follow.
however if you are into photography for the gear and gadgets...it will never happen.
finally I agree with joe lol

Well I go to all night club events.. raves to some people lol, and I LOVE taking pictures all nights, so many amazing lights and people that just beg to be snapped.
Try it!
x

 

[AndyBorzi]

I think mixing photography with a forum such as this, changes a perceptive, adds pressure and sometimes removes the FUN element.
go out and take some STUPID pictures...have fun...the inspiration will follow.
however if you are into photography for the gear and gadgets...it will never happen.

I think you have hit the nail on the head, certainly for me. I find myself NOT taking the picture because I don't think it will be good enough rather than actually taking it because I want to....if that makes sense.

Reading these forums is great for inspiration etc but you do need to follow your own style and take pictures cos you enjoy it rather than trying to compete with other photographers.

I think I also try too hard to conform to the 'rules' of photography, i.e rule of thirds etc which I think is preventing me from taking the picture.

I'm not sure a break from photography is the way forward, just a break from conformity (sp?) and just take pictures of things that you like.

I'm drivelling...hope it made sense!! :shrug:

 

[barryj]

I think that just maybe need to get a weekend away to somewhere that'll inspire you - Rome, Venice, Paris or maybe just somewhere you could drive to in the car. Or try doing shot that you wouldn't normally do (bugs etc).

I took about 20 pics on that trip mainly as it hosed down most of the time :bonk:

Doesn't surprise me Paul, I've never known anywhere on earth (ROI/NI) where people have a snorkel in their winter wardrobe - I'm moving to NI in 4 weeks from the south east and I know I'll be saying goodbye to the sun.

 

[Jonnyreb]

A little camera holiday is my answer Bod - I've picked up mine twice in the last fortnight and thats just cos i was nagged to do a couple of 'snap' portraits.

I'm now more inclined to take it to the country for a play and with Big Cats day and Dungeness coming up I'm sure my mojo will come back. In the meantime i'll keep reading and learning

 

[photostar_1]

I think mixing photography with a forum such as this, changes a perceptive, adds pressure and sometimes removes the FUN element.

I agree with this....I used to enjoy taking photos, mostly for me and mine to look at. Then I started to get more serious about photography as a hobby. I read all the mags, bought books, did a short course, joined here, got a decent camera and glass and started to post up images. Then I realised mine were rubbish compared to the likes of........well, some of the others on here....and it's actually put me off rather than inspiring me.

My trip to Spain really had me wanting to get good pics, but the pressure of being on a coach tour meant I couldn't spend as much time searching out locations as I would have liked and had to grab what presented in front of me. Mum liked them all (about 600) ......but then, she would, wouldn't she, as they are her memories to treasure rather than "photos of merit".

I'm hoping my trip next week to Slovenia will be more relaxed and give me time to get on my chip, what I see in my mind.


Marcel, I'm sure you will get over this dry patch..........so many people here have been through similar periods and have come out the other side ok. Relax for a while and don't worry about being "perfect"........ just grab for fun.

 

[I Simonius]

I'm having real problems lately.


Anyway, to cut a long story short, I have no photomojo, how can I git me some?

you have to git maaaaaad!:nuts:
like me...
http://i-simonius.blogspot.com/2007/03/what-is-to-be-discovered-cannot-yet-be.html

Seriously though, what mood are you in when you go out? Sit in front of the TV kinda mood? Do a spot of window shoppng kinda mood? Phew got free from work , could have a ciggy but don't smoke anymore, go take a snap instead, kinda mood? Erm, Im a photographer am I not, I should take photos, should I not, kinda mood?

See where Im going with this? (Dons German 1st WW helmet and tokes on a cigar before turning to camera to say ' Yah, vere are you going vis zis?'). You know what great photographers say about photography, stuff like 'everymans photography is a portrait of himself' etc. they say this cos it's true.

What we react to out there is dependent on what's in here (points to own chest). i.e. what we notice outside is a reflection of what's inside. Poo of the Bull you say?: Remember the last time you were in a really bad mood - remember how everyone else was out for a fight that day?

So what to do about it?

Two things
- change your mood
- get inspiration

How to change your mood?
- Try talking to someone, anyone, strike up a conversation at random with the intent of changing your mood, i.e. interact.
- Listen to music, put your iPod (or whatever) on , play something that affects your mood, get into it.
- Just photograph intently for a long time.
-concentrate on being on your own. Eliminate everyone around you from your awareness, feel alone concentrate on it.
- you're looking for inspiration, instead try listening for it. See what sounds are out there that you are not hearing. e.g don't listen to converstaions of te people that pass but just to the sound of their voices. e.g. Don't lsten to the sounds of the car engines but listen the tyres on the road.


How to get inspiration?
-Go to the local bookshop and look at photographs. Do it before you go out not after, otherwise you'll just get upset at all the great shots you now realise you missed!
-Ask yourself what it is that you are actually trying to achieve, what do you want your photographs to be like, i.e. what would you like to see in a book on the shelf in that bookstore of your photographs?
- Check out some techniques you like, try and emulate them

Evetually you'll shift awareness or some great oportunity will finally present itself and you 'll get in 'the zone'. i.e. you'll become hyper aware and really spontaneous.

The thing to remember is that you photograph according to your awareness at the time.

Practice being aware of the quality of your awareness; ask yourself if that is the quality of awareness you want to have at this moment, then from that practice finding ways to conciously change it if it's not what you want. If it is - enjoy it - and hey why not take a snap as you have a camera in your hand?

 

[Yv]

Again, I also have to agree with scoff. I have got more careful of the pics I take, trying to get the right composition, etc, and after a while, you weary of it, and can't be bothered. I had more fun taking those pics of the dog in the back garden with the hosepipe than anything else I had done recently. So, coming up here to yorkshire, and just going out to totally new places with a friend that also does photography has been a breath of fresh air, because in an effort to help her improve, I have found my own enthusiasm bumped right up again and I know I have got some great shots...and when you get a few good ones, it easier to 'want' to get get out and get some more.

Now all I have to do is go through them....and that I am not looking forward to

 

[jhob]

I've recommended it before and will do so again - check out my friend Andy's blog 'The Creative Instinct'. It really is superb and his latest post '7 Tips to Shock You Out of Your Creative Rut' seems particularly relevant to your situation.

I really can't overstate how great I think his blog is, I can identify with so much of what Andy says and it really has helped me in the past.

 

[Marcel]

Some absolutely brilliant posts everyone, thanks!

I have to agree with pretty much all of you.

Something I was thinking about last night, and something I've been quite aware of for a while. I got to a point a while ago, where I wasn't even thinking, and just 'snapping'. Then came the point that everyone comes across. Where they have to force themselves to slow down, to learn more, and progress. To take LESS pictures, but to think about them more.

This worked for a while, but now I've swung in the opposite direction. I'm too analytic I think. I try and think of the 'rules' all the time. Leadin lines, ROT. not having lines go from corner to corner, that sort of thing. And while I suppose it technically helps with the particulars of the things I shoot, I've ended up only taking shots that can confirm to the rules. I know its part of my downfall.

Dont get my wrong, I haven't lost the will to go out shooting, far from it. Im constantly chomping at the bit, even more so lately. I look at other photos and it really inspires me to get out that and do some. But when it comes to the crunch, I just think ":|". Kinda like that feeling most people get when they browse through their images straight from a whole days shoot (those people who prefer to leave their shots for a few days if you know what I mean).

Ive always had a problem taking photos, in that, when I've taken a photo, I want to move on, it's like my attention span has gone "That's it, I'm off to find another photo now...and I don't care if you got it right or not....too late now" lol

Ive tried analysing it and I think it's because I've seen the photo with my own eyes. I can look at other peoples photos of places Ive never been and think WOW, and can even do the same with photos of people Ive been stood next to, and think "WOW", because I've not taken it. I've never "seen" it. It sounds wierd, and I'm waffling, but I know what I mean...lol
I think I can best sum it up in that I always find my OWN shots boring.

I'll try that art book, great recommendation, thanks. I'll see if the library have it in stock in a mo.

Mike, that's a great suggestion. Ive often found myself much much more 'in the mood' when I'm with other photographers, even if its just wandering round town or something. As I've said in threads in the past, I'm much more of a social photographer if I'm being honest. I prefer shooting with like minded people.

I used to enjoy nipping out with an old photography buddy on jolly jaunts before he emigrated.
So mike, I would definitely take you up on that offer , Same for you Tim.

Once again, thanks for the replies. I love you all Knew I could count on the mighty fine members of TP to help me get my head around this dry spell

 

[Marcel]

I've recommended it before and will do so again - check out my friend Andy's blog 'The Creative Instinct'. It really is superb and his latest post '7 Tips to Shock You Out of Your Creative Rut' seems particularly relevant to your situation.

I really can't overstate how great I think his blog is, I can identify with so much of what Andy says and it really has helped me in the past.

Thanks John, I'll have a read of his blog and add it to my RSS reader too.

 

[digitalfailure]

Dont get my wrong, I haven't lost the will to go out shooting, far from it. Im constantly chomping at the bit, even more so lately.


I think I can best sum it up in that I always find my OWN shots boring.

Mike, that's a great suggestion. Ive often found myself much much more 'in the mood' when I'm with other photographers, . As I've said in threads in the past, I'm much more of a social photographer if I'm being honest. I prefer shooting with like minded people.

I used to enjoy nipping out with an old photography buddy on jolly jaunts before he emigrated.
So mike, I would definitely take you up on that offer , Same for you Tim.

Lies.......Lies lies I tell thee


I bring before the jury an account of an MSN conversation from Monday night...............

Marcel........We need to get out snapping again
DF..............Aye m8, I have thursday free
Marcel.........It'll have to be after 2pm when the Boss gets in
Df...............No probs m8

Since then....nothing, nada,zip


I offer to the members of the Jury that Marcel had both motive and desire for a trip out with a like minded soul...(he never said anything about it being a mentaly stable like minded soul)

I can only recommend to the court that he be taken from this room and burnt as a witch !!!!!

 

[J Gordon]

Hi Marcel,
It's a weird one losing the inspiration for the first time, especially as we take it for granted. It's a bit like a tide, it comes and goes and different times. The important thin is not give up meanwhile.
I often find time reflecting on older work interesting and useful, returning to images I didn't rate at the time but suddenly finding something special in them, helps.
There's also the old adage of not trying to hard which can just compound frustrations. So dont try and force it. Keep the faith and you will be enjoying it again soon.

 

[petemc]

:nono: Joe!!!

I would stop worrying Marcel.... enjoy some time without the camera, you'll soon want it back.

Thats what I was going to suggest too. I take a break from something and let it build up till I just have to rush out and do it. Like I'm planning on redesigning my website. I could start right now, but I would prefer to let the idea simmer in my head till its just right. I'll then sit down and get it done in a day. I've taken a break from HDR for the same reason. However, if as you say the inspiration goes as soon as you get out there I'm not sure what to say. Get back to basics? Find what originally inspired you to take up the camera? Try something completely different even if it doesn't work?

 

[Marcel]

Yeah..TBH I cant remember what inspired me when I started.

I can remember the first time I picked up a digital camera to take a proper 'photo'. It was over at OcUK, and it was a thread discussing light trails, and I saw Piggymon's attempt, and it just kinda spurred me on from there.

Took a while before I took the hobby more seriously though.
I can still remember the feeling of being 'out and about' with a few mates taking photos, and the feeling I got while taking the photos, and feeling inspired...tis a nice feeling.