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How to like photography again

January 22, 2020 in journal

A few tips for those who might feel stuck in their photography.

 

Switch it up

Try a different camera; if you use zoom lenses, try a prime, if you use prime lenses, try using a zoom; shoot with your phone; if you only have a phone, download a new camera app; change the aspect ratio: if you shoot square, try panorama, if you shoot 3x2, try square; try color, monochrome, or even some of those crazy filters that might come built-in in your camera.

Don't limit yourself to camera gear: go to a new neighborhood, or a new forest, a new beach, a new hill. If you shoot landscapes, try street photography; if you shoot portraits, try wildlife.

 

Look at someone else's work

Be it on a book or a website. Take your time on every image, appreciate the details and how all the pieces come together. Ideally it's a photographer with a different style / subject matter to yours.

 

Read

Buy a non-fiction book about a topic you know very little about. I've been enjoying books about philosophy, nutrition and fitness.

 

Walk

I can't overstate the importance of walking: it's good for the body and the mind, and if you bring your camera with you, good for your photography. Get out before dawn and see the world wake up, or do it at night and find it sleeping. You can read while walking (audiobooks) and even do some work (maybe placing some calls at that time).

New ideas might come to you while walking, but don't force it if they don't. The goal is to clear your mind, to breathe some fresh air and to get your body going. They'll come, eventually.

 

Ask mother nature

This one never fails me whenever I feel like I'm stuck: I ask mother nature for help. I like to get myself lost in a forest where there's no one else and enjoy the silence. A hard hike to the top of a mountain. Or a simple walk with the dogs.

Nature helps me put things in perspective and shows me what matters and what doesn't.

 

Never stop

The key to most things in life is consistency, and photography isn't any different. Do it all the time and never stop shooting.

Tags: photography, motivation, tips and tricks
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