Problems with motivation, inspiration and artistic self-esteem

[epp_b]

I've been having a few problems that seem to be putting up walls in my photography lately.

First, I've been having trouble getting myself motivated and inspired. I see great lighting and cloud conditions outside and decide that I'm too tired to go out or that I can't possibly find anything within biking distance that I haven't already seen; or that I'm just not able to be creative and original enough with it. Maybe it's the winter blues, I don't know; but it didn't happen to me last winter.

I guess it's partly that I feel I'm aimless. I don't really have a specific set of goals and, even if I decide to make some, I don't really know what I even want. Do I want to try and make money doing this? Am I even good enough to make money doing this? I don't know.

All this segways to further conversation of upgrading my gear as well. I can easily afford to do so at the moment, but I can't make myself do it; I'm not exactly making any real amount of money doing this that I can figure, "well, I made this much, so can I spend this much".

My biggest barrier is a financial justification. I can, in fact, afford it comfortably and I'd having no problem grasping the extra functionality, but I can't bring myself to spend a few thousand dollars on what is just a hobby from which I generate no real amount of income.

The next reason is, of course, how can I think I deserve this if I'm even doing well, artistically?

I'm not really sure what my question is other than... any suggestions as to how I can get back on track?

 

[pcacj]

Wow....don't know if someone else can make that diagnosis for you. Only you can motivate yourself. Sounds like several issues. Most people go through ups and downs with their hobbies, interests, relationships and occupations. I think you have identified a couple of factors that might be part of the issue. You may have the winter blues....very common up North. My wife and two of my children suffer from this to the point that they take medication. You state that you have no photography goals. You rely on a bike for transportation, which is absolutely a drag in the North. You lack confidence in your skills but are you doing anything to improve them? Do you read the books that teach photography? Do you try to recreate awesome photos? Have you enrolled in a class at the local tech school? Do you belong to the local photography club? Are you challenging yourself? Are you the type that prefers to sit and sigh about your doldrums rather than get up and do something?

Start a 365 day project or put advertising on Craigslist offering free portraits on Wednesdays (or whatever day you want). If you are a minor, target your school friends as models. Hone those portrait skills until you are good enough to charge. Create your own calendar theme (the girls of True North). Advertise for models willing to trade modeling for exposure and portfolio images. Again, only you can motivate yourself.

 

[matfoster]

research something - a place an activity an aspect of society or environment. then go and lift the lid on it. maybe over a period of time. or maybe use some of your cash to travel there..and do that. doesn't have to be a commercial assignment. could be for a library expo or blog.


probably some worthwhile charities and needy issues in your locality that could benefit from some exposure and attention. help them as a photographer.

 

[epp_b]

You rely on a bike for transportation, which is absolutely a drag in the North.

Well, I have no problem biking on cleared roads in winter... just bundle up :mrgreen:

You lack confidence in your skills but are you doing anything to improve them?

It's not the skill I'm having difficulty improving. The technical side of photography is very easy for me to understand; it's just math and some basic physics.

Coming up with original ideas is what I'm finding more and more challenging.

Do you read the books that teach photography?

"Photography" books are generally about this rule and that rule. No thanks.

Do you try to recreate awesome photos?

Do you mean photos of mine that I think are awesome or do you mean others' awesome photos? If it's the latter, then, no. I prefer to try to be original. Afterall, being copycatting isn't really art, is it?

I will try to take inspiration from them, but I really want to avoid copying them too much.

Have you enrolled in a class at the local tech school? Do you belong to the local photography club?

Nah, I'm a loner (I prefer to work alone, unless it's with someone whom I know really well and feel is talented)

Are you challenging yourself?

I think that's what I'm having trouble coming up with; how would I go about challenging myself?

 

[Josh66]

Are you challenging yourself?

I think that's what I'm having trouble coming up with; how would I go about challenging myself?

Try something you haven't tried, or try to improve on something you're not good at.





I know what you're dealing with though... Except for the part about being able to afford better gear, lol. I think I'm more or less set there though - for now. (Still want a good wide angle lens though - I don't have anything wider than 50mm... :er

The 'NSFW' thread I posted a few weeks ago was the last time I took a picture ... not counting Fight Club.

I guess I can't really tell you how to get out of it, since I'm still in it, lol.

 

[icassell]

I know you say you're a loner, but joining a group (formal or informal) is a good way to overcome all three issues -- motivation, inspiration, and self-esteem. You might reconsider it!

 

[matfoster]

how would I go about challenging myself?

travel through arabic countries, waving at people with your left hand and photographing their womenfolk.

 

[epp_b]

travel through arabic countries, waving at people with your left hand and photographing their womenfolk.

Something about that sounds like a bad idea

All joking aside; for medical reasons, travel is not really an option for me.

 

[AlbertoDeRoma]

While new gear is always a temptation, it's usually a short term fix (I'm sure you can tell how I know.)

I often think I've exhausted the photo options for my local areas and regular walks and then I notice something I've never noticed before and get a shot I am very happy with. To wit, I've walked by the trees below dozens of time and never noticed them. Then, one day, I stopped for some reason and saw a very good and different (for me at least) shot waiting to be taken (see below.) This hasn't happened once. It tends to happen almost every time. I remember someone saying something along the lines that there are at least 3 things worth photographing within a few feet of where you are standing.

Alberto

P.S. Winter will also do that to your mood. I would not do anything drastic until spring.

 

[craig]

Checked out your website and I have to say you have an amazing eye and the tech is on point. After looking at your work I know exactly where your at because I have been there as well.

Here is what I did. Put down the camera and get physical. Not sure where you are at physically, but it does not matter. Wear your self down daily through physical activity. This will clear your mind and build self confidence. After a couple of weeks of that I looked at art. Mostly paintings and other mediums beside photography. Then break down your photography by shooting with a Holga or a disposable camera.

In a nutshell; get back to the elements that excited you about photography.

Love & Bass

 

[KenC]

I have gone through much the same at times, with the exception of wondering about going commercial. The day job is pretty good and I'd rather just shoot and print what I like than try to convince anyone else it is worth money to them. What I usually do is just commit myself to going out with camera(s) and try to remember to stop frequently and assess everything I could shoot from that spot. This stops me from being in constant motion, both physical and mental. Once my mind starts running in the directions you described, or any others, I walk fast and forget to look, which of course guarantees that I won't shoot anything.

 

[fwellers]

I just noticed this new book coming out. Sounds kind of cool. I definitely need help with the creative side. Been trying to do a 365 project and I've hit the wall numerous times. Boring same thing over and over, I need to break through into a modicum of creativity.
That is one good thing about this project. It will spur growth for me both technical and creative. ( It better )
So I took a chance and ordered it.

 

[matfoster]

travel through arabic countries, waving at people with your left hand and photographing their womenfolk.

Something about that sounds like a bad idea

All joking aside; for medical reasons, travel is not really an option for me.

only joking. 'how' you challenge yourself ..your own comfort zone is so very personal, it's hard to give a sensible or specific suggestion.

somehow, identify what you avoid doing with photography (but secretly wish you had to the nerve to do) and try to make it something you've now tried. maybe it's something right outside your own front door - ask a person in the street if you can make their picture.

 

[Overread]

Checked out your website and I have to say you have an amazing eye and the tech is on point. After looking at your work I know exactly where your at because I have been there as well.

Here is what I did. Put down the camera and get physical. Not sure where you are at physically, but it does not matter. Wear your self down daily through physical activity. This will clear your mind and build self confidence. After a couple of weeks of that I looked at art. Mostly paintings and other mediums beside photography. Then break down your photography by shooting with a Holga or a disposable camera.

In a nutshell; get back to the elements that excited you about photography.

Love & Bass

^^^ +1 to this

Try to force yourself to be creative is a dead end most times as the mood you are in will mean that even when do get good photographs you will view them with a massivly negative eye and discount them quickly - which will just build on your feeling that you are failing.

Putting the camera down and not worrying about it is part of getting back to where things were fun - when it was about picking it up and shooting and not worrying. Physical exercise also helps to focus your mind, once its all exhausted from running/weights etc... it can't be bothered to overthink and run yourself in circles that just go round and round (and generally down and down).


Another idea is to dig through the past and see if there are any specific projects you can take up - even if its not artistic. Myself I am getting ready to start a moth trapping project - trapping - shooting record shots (this part alone is turing out to be a learning curve as I try to perfect a working method of getting record shots where accuracy of colours and lighting is key) - and heck whilst I'm at it shoot some pretty shots as well.
The whole thing is doing something slightly different but which is constructive and involves moving into a slightly new area (moths) whilst building off my current interest and hobby.

Ps whilst I fully encourage people to discover the wonders of hte night butterfly this might not quite be the right solution for yourself.

 

[maxcreigs]

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