Lost my love.

The Dip, yeah, I've been there.

I recall a guy on the radio a while ago, not sure what the subject was, but he mentioned a status outside his house, he walked passed it for years and eventually didn't see it anymore. He stopped one day and realised it was as beautiful as it always was, that is, it had never lost it's beauty, he's just forgotten to see its beauty

You'd be surprised what unseen beauty there is in your area that you have not seen yet.

Cheers.
 
I love photography, and portraits in particular. Not used my camera in nearly 2 months!!! Just haven't had the time. I know I'll feel better when I do use it. Bought a 2 stop nd so that I can use my 85 f1.4 with the studio lights. Excited at the prospect!!

I think there is a natural waxing and waning, probably due to everyday life.
 
I've sometimes gone months without shooting. I don't mind at all. Sometimes having to shoot when I didn't want to used to be more annoying than periods of not shooting when I don't want to now. In one way or another I've been shooting since I was a teenager so I know any slack periods are temporary now.
 
So I haven't really shot for ages (Xmas!!).

Via the power of social media, asked Peter Hurley if he'd ever lost the love and how he got back into it.

He sent a video reply and a message!! Brilliant that he replied and reassuring that it happens to more people than you think.
 
It happens to everyone. Don't worry about it. Go do something else. Forget it.
 
woody12 said:
Thanks for all the advice,it really helps. Will try the 52week challenge. My wife has subscribed to a black and white mag which I've found inspirational. Just need to feel that buzz again and rush to pick up the camera. It will happen, I just need to let it come after than forcing. Thanks again
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I find a lot of inspiration from magazines, and also, on here. I like working out how another photographer took a shot that I really like and I then want to add those skills to my hobby. Fact is, I love watching animals, wild or domestic and seeing them in their surroundings drive the passion to capture it.

I too go through periods of no motivation with the camera, but then I see an image that gives me an idea and I'm back in the game again :)
 
I think a lot of it is the weather for me. In winter, I just get fed up. :( I tend to look into the magazines or on flickr for inspiration, and wonder if I could do "that".

I love "urban" photography, but never really done it.....until last weekend! WOW!! Went with a friend who also loves photography, as I didn't fancy exploring abandoned buildings on my own, and we had a fabulous time! It needs a LOT of editing due to the poor light, and it's questionable whether when we go again, if I'd take my tripod, as it's a bit awkward with all the clambering. But we've already set a date for the next trip! :banana:

Also, when I get fed up, I've started doing digital art. It's not everybody's cup of tea, and some people would question it's merit, but it's fun.
 
Meetup.com and other Internet meetup sites do local photography meetups. The one near me go out photographing different things. It's great to force yourself to get organised and go out. Once you've made the effort it is always worth while. And you get to chat to interesting people about photography.

It's actually not the same as going out on your own. But it's good for in between your own solo trips. And you can do things you can't do alone. We did light painting one time. Where you need people to run around with lights. We even did those spinning, burning wire wool shots. Another time we did Film Noir, where we took turns at being the detective in the raincoat under the street light. Next week I'm organising a bunch going to a concentration camp. That should be a scream.
 
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ianp5a said:
Meetup.com and other Internet meetup sites do local photography meetups. The one near me go out photographing different things. It's great to force yourself to get organised and go out. Once you've made the effort it is always worth while. And you get to chat to interesting people about photography.

It's actually not the same as going out on your own. But it's good for in between your own solo trips. And you can do things you can't do alone. We did light painting one time. Where you need people to run around with lights. We even did those spinning, burning wire wool shots. Another time we did Film Noir, where we took turns at being the detective in the raincoat under the street light. Next week I'm organising a bunch going to a concentration camp. That should be a scream.
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Sounds good! I always think that these organised photo meetings involved a lot of middle-aged men showing off their 5D's and looking down their noses at other people who didn't have the best equipment. (Sorry, I've had that impression).
 
I see. Maybe you're right. Luckily we seem to get all different age groups and experiences. The organisers, half of whom are female, tend to be younger as they have all the energy to organise things. Several, including me, don't have a DSLR either.

You have to pluck up courage to go along the first time. And hopefully you'll find a friendly face.
 
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Lately, some of my best shots have been with my iPhone.
It's always there when my camera and enthusiasm are not.
 
I've certainly lost my mojo. I think part of the problem is I just don't see the shot or if I do I seem to get it wrong technically. I thought the problem may be down to equipment (envy) so upgraded my D40 to a D3200 thinking it may help but alas it seems I'm in a no-creativety rutt.

There's a lot of support in this thread which is fantastic. Lots of members who have gone through similar and given valuable advice to help kick start it all off again.

I took my camera out for the first time in ages to Whitstable at the weekend and haven't had the courage to look back at what I took in fear that i'll just reinforce what I believe, there going to be crap.

Glad I found this thread because its making me feel that I'm not alone and its encouraging with all the suggestions.

I would love to know how the OP is getting on?
 
Vantage said:
I've certainly lost my mojo. I think part of the problem is I just don't see the shot or if I do I seem to get it wrong technically. I thought the problem may be down to equipment (envy) so upgraded my D40 to a D3200 thinking it may help but alas it seems I'm in a no-creativety rutt.

There's a lot of support in this thread which is fantastic. Lots of members who have gone through similar and given valuable advice to help kick start it all off again.

I took my camera out for the first time in ages to Whitstable at the weekend and haven't had the courage to look back at what I took in fear that i'll just reinforce what I believe, there going to be crap.

Glad I found this thread because its making me feel that I'm not alone and its encouraging with all the suggestions.

I would love to know how the OP is getting on?
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There is always a lot of crap on my card! The key is to quickly go through your images and pick out the ones you like, and then have a think about why you like them, what worked on a compositional level, what worked on a technical level. Then use this new found info the next time you shoot. And repeat!
 
I am going through a phase of less interest in my kit. I bought a D7100 a few months ago, tried it, was pretty happy with it, (particularly the autofocus) and just put it back in the bag. Since then I have just been mucking about with my Ricoh GR and Sony RX100 and when even that is too much effort, my iphone 6 seems to take very fair pics(as in snaps) It seems that the days when I was happy to lug around a DSLR and a big bag of glass have gone. :sulk:
 
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What about limiting yourself to one lens? (Assuming you have a selection) Perhaps an ultra wide lens to give you a completely different perspective on your photos. It will make you think more.
 
woody12 said:
Good evening all, really struggling here, after a couple of years of enjoying as a pastime, hobby I have lost my love of taking photos. Does anybody go through periods that they lose inspiration? Really want to go out but keep finding excuses, the weather, the cost of petrol to travel, I've shot my area to death
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Find another hobby!

If you've lost your love why try to force it and get stressed about it - you'll return soon enough when you find something you want to take photographs of...
 
I think it's only natural for your interest in anything to peak and trough at various times. I wouldn't get too disheartened.

The advice about ust going for a walk is great though. I regularly joke about taking the camera for a walk, for it's a great experience. Sometimes the camera never comes out of the bag, other times it's never out of my hand, but regular walks in various locations can provide inspiration (as well as exercise!)
 
Thanks guys, I have just bought the Leica X Vario to see if it makes me think a bit more about my photography. First impressions are great, just learning to deal with a relatively slow zoom lens but delighted with the lens quality.
 
KavKav said:
Thanks guys, I have just bought the Leica X Vario to see if it makes me think a bit more about my photography. First impressions are great, just learning to deal with a relatively slow zoom lens but delighted with the lens quality.
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I hope you don't mind me saying Tom, but that speaks volumes to me about perhaps where your photography is at.
Its a trap many fall into in thinking that buying a new piece of gear will somehow manage to bring your mojo back. In some cases I think it may do just that but I don't think in the majority of cases it would.
You are still looking for something to point a camera at, be that a leica, Nikon or otherwise.

This is just my observations from your post. Not meant to be critical :)
 
KavKav said:
Thanks guys, I have just bought the Leica X Vario to see if it makes me think a bit more about my photography. First impressions are great, just learning to deal with a relatively slow zoom lens but delighted with the lens quality.
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That's an expensive gamble if it doesn't work out!
 
I found I came back to it after a few months off because I was trying something new. It peaked my interest and I'm still keen - feel like I've been reunited with an old friend.
 
Thanks for your comments guys, the reasons for the XV are as follows:-

I have always wanted a real Leica, not a rebadged or w plastic version
 
Thanks for your comments guys. The reason for the Leica is that I have fancied one for years but buying into the system was more than I ever wanted to spend.
This X-Vario has what I felt was the 'real' Leica build quality and Leica zoom glass at what I felt was a bargain price at £1,300. The only downside is the relatively slow lens (albeit mitigated by the fact that it can deliver great quality up to ISO 1600 although I dislike going over 400) and that is the key as I felt it would make me THINK about my photography a bit more and help to rekindle the interest. My eldest daughters wedding is in August and without getting in the way of the tog at any stage, I want to take plenty of pics. Wanting it all ways, I do not really want to lump around all day with a DSLR with winder and a fat lens, equally I feel my Ricoh GR whilst perfect for the pocket and takes great pics is a tad limiting at 28mm. My RX100 is a no-go as to my surprise, my wife borrowed it when we were in Berlin last month and she had decided she likes it and suddenly it has become hers! I am delighted with that as she has hitherto shown little interest in photography.
Rambling on, I have not forgotten that good pics come from the guy behind the camera, not the kit, but hell, I like my toys and I want to 'work' with this Leica to rekindle and improve. So far I am enjoying the familiarisation curve very much, it is a VERY tactile camera and I am enjoying composing pictures with it.
 
Another thing the OP could do is consider going after a distinction from either the RPS or the PAGB… certainly helped me develop as well as giving me a focus.
 
blakester said:
I hope you don't mind me saying Tom, but that speaks volumes to me about perhaps where your photography is at.
Its a trap many fall into in thinking that buying a new piece of gear will somehow manage to bring your mojo back. In some cases I think it may do just that but I don't think in the majority of cases it would.
You are still looking for something to point a camera at, be that a leica, Nikon or otherwise.

This is just my observations from your post. Not meant to be critical :)
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I agree. Sounds like your hobby is Cameras rather than Photography (which isn't necessarily a bad thing).

To me photography is more about exploring the world and recording what I find with my camera.

There is an element of creativity (although some might disagree) whereby I don't record what I find as I see it: I try and present it in a way that is generally more pleasing (mainly through composition, but sometimes with processing etc.)

Although I too enjoy trying different bits of kit, it's more to try and find ways to improve on the end result (and with value for money in mind). It doesn't stop me lusting after the latest gear of course, but if you can see the camera just as a tool it doesn't really matter what you shoot with. You just need to find something you love doing that you can incorporate your camera hobby into. That may be easier said than done so sorry if this hasn't been any help at all!
 
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