Shooting for the sake of shooting

[kh_42]

I'm currently on holiday in Prince Edward Island and have really not taken anywhere near as many photographs as I intended. Its been a mixture of reasons, including the fact that I'm here with the in-laws and we're trolling around everywhere in a 7-seater, which renders me unable to meander around snapping as I'd like.

However, the other problem I've had is that when we have gone to locations I thought would be nice to shoot I haven't really seen an opportunity that works for me, or I'm unable to see a way to capture the type of image I had planned in my mind. I know that common wisdom is to get the camera to your eye and see how it looks then, but in this instance I have genuinely felt as though there is nothing there worth the effort.

Perhaps a part of that is because when I do just shoot I end up ditching pretty much everything as being below-par - which I find relatively demoralising.

Does that happen to anyone else? Am I overthinking it and in doing so missing out on the simple pleasure of just taking photographs? Have I lost my mojo - and have you seen it?!

K.

 

[dcash29]

Its happens to most people. Dont let it ruin your holiday. Take you camera out as secondary and see if that helps

Dave

 

[photosensitive]

I can't say i ever really plan an image in my head i see something i would like to take a picture of and its just an organic process that happens through the lens. If it does not feel right through the lens i don't bother trying to make it work for me 'You got to know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em'

Try a bit of abstract photography. Just take pictures of interesting shapes it could be anything but try to take it in such a way that it does not look like the original object. its always good to keep yourself shooting if there is nothing that relay catches your eye it could even be in the car that is if your not driving.

 

[evilonion]

Maybe take a break.
forget about trying to find something to photograph, just go out and enjoy your day, have the camera about just in case and if you happen to see something that catches your eye, take a few pics.

Personally i blame in the in-laws being there

 

[desantnik]

Well, think of it this way, you've obeyed the golden rule of if the shot isn't there, don't take the shot.

Saves using the (poor) excuse "well i know its a rubbish shot but..."

 

[Photodiva]

I think you've hit the nail on the head with the mention of group trips with the family. It almost never works when you want to do some 'serious' photography. Wrong time of day (very early or very late is often best), stopping by the roadside (and there's never a suitable layby when you spot a good location), the rest getting fidgetty while you fumble about setting up, taking the pic, putting it away.

I had a recent trip to a Greek island. Found that where we were staying wasn't particularly photogenic, and we couldn't hire a car. I ended up focusing on the small things, like flowers, colours, etc once I'd taken the obligatory bay pic, got up at an ungodly hour to take a sunrise etc. I thought I'd come back with a whole portfolio of pics. May be next time. Don't fret it.

 

[mr_pants]

Well, think of it this way, you've obeyed the golden rule of if the shot isn't there, don't take the shot.

Saves using the (poor) excuse "well i know its a rubbish shot but..."

Exactly. I would say that if you can't previsualise a good shot, then just enjoy being there.

Your keeper ratio will improve drastically, too