2015 was a pretty quiet year for taking photos. Still not sure if I have the energy to pursue it further.
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Please don't stop. You're one of my favorite photographers.
Well thanks Dan. You're one of my favorites as well. It's mostly just that I've moved and I'm not really that great with people or very creative overall. A lot of the photos I've taken over the past year and a half have been more happenstance than anything I consciously developed and put out into the world. I feel a bit stalled, and not in the "This will pass" sort of way that everyone blogs about.
Try to be an optimist about it; get out of that mindset that tells you that you can't do this anymore or that you aren't creative (your photos have inspired me multiple times in the past, so that tells me you actually are creative and your photos are beautiful) or good enough with people. If you love photography and it brings you bliss, just try to keep taking pictures. You don't have to tell yourself that this could be the end of it all, and I think putting those words out there makes you believe they are true.
I'm sure I probably won't stop taking photos. I like the possibility of opportunity too much, even if it's in the distance. However, in terms of taking photos with the intent of putting them out there, I'm not sure I will focus that much on it. I've come to the realization that, while the photos I take and are drawn to aren't necessarily bad, they're rather forgettable, which is worse in some ways. If you take bad photos, there will be engagement at least insofar as telling how to improve. The progression is linear. However, it's much harder to satisfy the need for accomplishment when you're on a plateau with no real support network.
Photography is about the only thing I have any sort of noticeable proficiency in, so the fact that I'm where I am both technically and professionally after 7 years makes me a bit disappointed in myself.
I'm posting in this thread just because of you.
I was surprised when I saw you wrote all of this. Don't Stop!
I agree with
@DanOstergren and there are many of us here who would agree too. You're one of my favorite photographers and please don't think your images are forgettable because they're totally not!
Your images are playful and happy sometimes, sometimes nostalgic and sad but always honest and engaging. You showed that you can capture a plethora of different subjects and situations and that capturing them is so easy for you, it comes so naturally... The way you compose scenes, shoot people, the way you edit and the themes you shoot, everything... is memorable.
In a way, I understand you because I feel similar, but you are in a place (you said: "so the fact that I'm where I am both technically and professionally after 7 years makes me a bit disappointed in myself") where many of photographers who called themselves pro won't be able to reach, and I really mean that. It's good you have set your goals high because you'll only get better but don't think people are indifferent about your photography because that's impossible.
I vividly remember the portrait of your father, the dancer, even your selfie/body..and more... because they're emotional, honest, pure...
Anyways... if you need a kick in your but, I'll be happy to do it
Waiting for a stick to be thrown
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