Do you take break from photography?

[tecboy]

I think I got tired of photography. I got very exhausted. I going to take a break, but I have no idea how long I'm going back to photography.

Do you take break from photography and how long?

 

[TheStunch]

no. it pretty much occupies my time. though I do admit that sometimes i change the subject matter or shooting style im using to mix up my perceptions, and get the creative mojo going. im on a black and white kick, particularly birds, for some reason.

Stunchwerx - est. 2014 - Blog - sometimes i put up tips i use to stay fresh on my blog, might check it out, other wise, it can be good for a laugh. if you take a break, make sure you have a plan to get going again, like, maybe plan a photo walk/shoot/party in a month or so, that way your mind starts looking for ways to make new photos before the event, and in the mean time, you dont even pick up a camera. I've had times where i didn't have a camera, a few months once, and that's how i got started again.

 

[480sparky40 39]

I took about a 15 - year hiatus when I never even looked at a camera let alone use one.

 

[waday]

I absolutely do. Photography for me is a hobby. Sometimes the breaks are because of work. Sometimes the breaks are because I just don't want to pick up a camera.

I took a 3-year break because my family kept pestering me to take photos at birthday parties and whatnot. It couldn't be with my camera, it had to be with their camera. And, forget about taking one photo and sharing it. No, it had to be with 4 different cameras, because, you know, it's impossible to share digital files.

ETA: I guess I should have answered your questions. My breaks are usually a month or two. Until I feel that itch to get started again.

My motivation is usually either looking through my photos and wanting to get better or looking at others' photos and wanting to be able to shoot like them.

 

[Nevermore1]

I've taken breaks but they have usually been caused by either being too busy with work, like the past 4 months, or because I get into a slump where I just lack any motivation to do anything or don't have the desire to go out (aka off and on depression/PTSD symptoms). If it weren't for those things i think I would be out amost every day.

 

[Wizard15001]

I took a break from photography that lasted 27 years....just now getting back to it, changing the theme of what I want shoot....

 

[twocolor]

Whenever I feel the need to take a break, it means I'm working too hard and having fun less and less. That's when it's time to revitalize. Last week we gathered about 6 local photographers, hired a make-up artist and did a whole morning of head-shot swaps. We laughed so hard and shot because we wanted to, not because we had to.

When I'm working too hard, it's also time to start charging more so that my work load lessens. I tend to lose on average 2 clients/week for about 4 months when I increase prices. It gives me a good break!

Good luck, go step out of your box and shoot something fun... for you and no one else!

 

[Gary A.]

When I had kids I took a decade ana half break. (Family snaps isn't photography.)

 

[vintagesnaps]

I've been a photographer so long I could just about take pictures in my sleep... not really but it feels that way. But over the years there were times I wasn't doing much with it, it's not the only thing I do so it depends on what else I've had going on.

It's like riding a bike coming back to it. Take a break and re-energize and when you're ready to pick up your camera again you'll probably know.

 

[hamlet]

I do when i have periods when i feel like i'm obsessed with getting projects done, that is when the fun factor is gone. So yeah, i do take breaks when it is no longer fun to do and it stresses me out more than anything else. But the majority of time i love photographing, because i'm making things. The way i keep things interesting is to always keep moving into different lanes. I almost never do the same thing twice, unless it is to grow as a photographer. Photography is such a big hobby, there is an incredible amount to discover, both on the field and in post.

 

[Stradawhovious]

I rotate between shiny objects. Sometimes objects shine longer than others, and sometimes the are dull for long periods of time.

Right now my camera is moderately shiny, for the last couple years it wasn't.

 

[Fred Berg]

Yes, I take breaks from all my hobbies and interests from time to time otherwise they become stale. Chocolate being the exception.

 

[JerryVenz]

As a profesional photographer and an artist I can't take a break. Just as a concert violinist must continually practice, to stay at the top of his game, I am ALWAYS planning some personal project or art piece ( around my client's portrait sessions, of course ) that can be my next display print or addition to my portfolio.
In addition I've resumed entering into PPA International print competitions. I had quit these competitions after I earned my PPA Masters Degree twelve years ago. Now, with the goal of earning my PPA Craftsman's Degree with the Merits from International Print Competition and teaching, I've found new inspiration.

We're also now doing hybrid videos ( stills edited over videos ) as a new product line for our clients.
This has been a challenge in many areas--researching and buying the right equipment (high quality sound as well as what new camera), learning editing, buying and testing continuous lighting units, new camera support (fluid head), and then putting together first-rate video presentations to make the sale to our clients.

So, there is No taking a break FROM photography any time soon for us!

 

[crusheddiced]

No because i enjoyed what i am doing, I'll never get tired of it it's my passion.

 

[bribrius]

took years off for a break. just bored and busy with other life things. started again a couple years ago, then just took a break for a month or so.
It would help if it paid more that might give me more ambition....
I still have fun with it sometimes and if gives me something to do when I feel like it.
I have a habit of taking things "too seriously" sometimes and suffer burnout.