Any words of advice/encouragement for someone who has lost motivation in this project? You may have noticed that I haven't posted anything in awhile. I don't know what happened but I just haven't felt like picking up my camera lately. Then the longer I don't pick it up, the harder it becomes. I know, I know, I should just jump back into it. It's a mental block I'm having, I guess.
Could be for other reasons too. Sometimes other things just get in the way that may be more important or more urgent.. Only you can answer that. I guess we all go through fads too. Maybe it was just that for you, and you moved on.
If you like to shoot, get into the mindset to just look at things that are normal "who cares" things to most, and think outside of that, and see what you see with a different eye.
I know I have seen a lot of people on here that are merely looking for positive reinforcement. If they dont get it, they become discouraged, maybe leave it. I was always taught that if you do something (as simple as holding a door open for someone) just to get a thank you or some form of congratulation, then you should re-evaluate why you did it in the first place.
Sorry for the Philosophy. Just my thoughts. Hope it helps in some way.
Umm... I guess you're entitled to your opinion. I was hoping to get some advice on getting out of a creative slump. Not sure how being called an attention-seeker who should give up photography really helps.
Sometimes life just gets in the way. This is a very disciplined project that demands your time and attention regularly, and sometimes we don't have the time. Somedays I get to about 11 pm and think, "Oh no, I haven't taken a photo today!" So I'll just find something around the house to shoot quickly.
I know that my photos aren't as creative as others and I don't necessarily have the technical skills to make wonderful photos, but I don't feel the pressure here to be great. I think of it as a photo diary of the year that I can look back on at the end of the year and remember some of the things I did and saw. But I can see that you could get despondent if you are taking snapshots and then see the beautifully creative photos that appear, sometimes with imaginative texts or poems to go with them.
It's also really hard to keep motivated every day for a whole year, and I'm sure you're not the only one going through a lack of motivation. Are you extra busy at work or have young children keeping you exhausted? Whatever is going on in your life, photography is a hobby/interest, and if you aren't motivated at the moment it could be that your interest is waning or simply that life stresses are interfering.
You can't remain at a high motivation level the whole time and there will be times when you're more or less excited by doing something, whether photography or anything else.
Maybe sitting down and prioritising things might help you. It only takes 5 minutes to take a photo and upload it, but if you can't care enough to do this, perhaps you have simply lost interest in the project. This happens, so no need to beat yourself up about it. Or perhaps a weekend where you take yourself off to a park or somewhere nice and take some shots might get you back on track again.
PS Just had a look at some of your photos and they're great! Maybe you're setting yourself a really high standard and can't always keep the creativity/inspiration going.
There will be some days when inspiration doesn't come - just allow yourself to take some ordinary shots for a while till you're feeling more creative.
Hi Jennifer. Sorry you took it that way. Wasn't necessarily referring to you. Its just something that discourages people. Didn't know where you were comign from.
Here's an idea. One day when you have a little time, brainstorm and collect a list of possible subjects around your house. Then if you are stumped one day (as we all are at some time), you can turn to your list for ready inspiration.
Your photos are beautiful! You have a knack for seeing the beauty in everyday objects. I agree with Margaret, maybe you are stressing yourself out with high standards. I know I struggle with that too. I try to be creative and interesting and learn new techniques, but some days just post snaps of my kids.
Hang in there!
I understand where just chris was coming from, on other sites i have sought the same thing as he described (in a sense anyway- i mean we post things online so that other ppl have a chance to see them, so why wouldnt we want so praise/feedback from them? )
but in saying this, and only being very new to this 365 (im finding some days hard now and im sure i will hit some massive slumps too as i have done in the past although never tried a 365 project) it would be interesting to see if others doing this project also hit a certain mark - like halfway for example and get into a rut.
i would try looking at other ppls art, try deviantArt or flickr for inspiration, look at things that are out of your genre and comfort zone.
maybe set yourself your own challenge?
is there anything/style/subject that you would love to photograph and never thought you could or would be able to pull off? maybe challenge urself to try and photograph that for a week, or even a day.
go outside at different times of the day than you normally would.
go for walks take your camera.
try some night shots.
break the rules of photography, get blurry, play with different methods, settings etc
try getting one item and photograph it for a week, but try and make each photo very different from the last ( lighting, set up, props etc )
evaluate why you started this project.
i ramble on i know
though i hope it helps in some small way.
oh and try a photographic excursion to somewhere nice (or not nice) in your local area, it'll be a day out of the house and an opportunity to get some snaps!
Across all creative endeavors, discipline and routine makes a huge difference. Even if (or especially when) you're not feeling motivated, it's better to go through the motions of practice rather than waiting for inspiration to strike. There are a lot of great books about creativity--I especially like Twyla Tharp's "The Creative Habit," which applies to just about any creative medium.
It's also really important to give yourself permission to do work that's not great and not get too hung up on it.
I'd try setting yourself a small task each day, eg I will take 5 photos, even if they stink and I don't like them; or I will spend 15 minutes walking around with my camera in hand.
Personally I would not find inspiration from other people's photos--that can have the opposite effect--but from the world around you. Hold the lens finder up to your eye, looking out for things that are interesting in some way.
I don't know what camera you're using, but if it's a big one you may want to switch to a little point and shoot. For me, having the P&S means that I can carry it around easily (no excuses), and it also means that my expectations are not so high about the technical aspects of the photos.
I had a look at your profile, and the reasons you give for wanting to do a 365 project: the need to become a better photographer and move towards professionalism. Also that you have a boring day job.
Here are some (random) things for you to consider.
1. Have you got to a point where you think that maybe you won't cut it being a professional photographer, and this is your subconcious way of backing off? I can't evaluate whether you could, or could not, become professional - that's for you to decide. But if that is a challenge for you, consider doing some technical course where you are challenged to improve your photographic, or post-processing skills. The process of learning, and the steps in the activity, may help stimulate your "want". It does not have to be a paid-for course. There are stacks of free, online skills development options.
2. Another option is that with a boring day job you may have spiralled into a state of inertia about life in general, and this has impacted your interest in photography. If that's your challenge you need to find something that gets your adrenalin pumping again.
And then ... there's another option too... maybe the daily photography is not effective for you. No-one says you can't make your own rules. What about having one day a week dedicated to photos, and then loading seven from one day. Week done. Sometimes changing the rhythm is a good way to un-stuck yourself.
You posted this question because you want to do this. DO IT. just remember not every shot is going to come with a lot of "GREAT IMAGE" comments. some will be duds and others studs.
You need to sit down and focus on why you wanted to start this task and what you hoped to get out of it. For instance I want to experiment and try things I haven't before and push my talent a little further.
Just remember we can't tell you to do it or not and make it happen, but we are here to help each other out in these rough times of the project. I am sure everyone will go through the same feelings. I am only at 20% and I have had days I didn't feel like taking a picture too. I think you are feeling normal with this project. Hang in there.
Hi Jennifer. Someone suggested a "challenge". The proper "challenge" might get you in the mood - like the alphabet challenge that inspired so many. Maybe just take a week and pick a subject - your family, flowers in spring, sunsets, etc. I've had slumps, too, and have had to take a few days away. It's helped.
Just be sure whatever pictures you're taking are of things that you love and enjoy! I hope you get your mojo back, because I've enjoyed following you!
Okay um... maybe I didn't phrase my question very well.
I was hoping to get some advice on how to break through a creative mental block. Every artist faces this, so I was hoping to get some real-world experience talking w/ what y'all have done to get your creative juices flowing again.
Apparently none of you have experienced a block like this, considering most of your answers are some form of, "Well what's wrong with you? Maybe you should just quit photography." That's horrible advice, by the way.
I wasn't looking for consolation or a pat on the back or a psychological consult. I was just hoping... in general... to hear about ways that you have pulled yourself out of a creative slump. Sure I'm feeling it specifically with this project, but the problem of a creative block in general is very common and happens with all artists at some point.
I certainly hope that if/when you all have this happen to you, that no one suggests that you should just give up. Where would the world be if artists just gave up whenever they were feeling a creative block?
Actually I should say, a few of you had really good advice - more the type I was looking for here (artist-to-artist, tips on getting through a creative mental block). Alison and Natalie especially had great advice - thank you!
I found that doing the ten day challenge movtivated me (I had only just started though :P ) but towards the end I just felt like I was obliged to find things to take photos of and wasn't really doing it because I wanted to.
So I'd say, even if you're following a theme or comp - post what you want to post. It also helps that I joined the site with a few friends so there's always encouragement there whereas if you joined by yourself then you kind of rely on encouragement from comments from users who you may not know personally and then may not comment as frequently, if that makes sense!
Try different things too like focus on macro or something ... and also make sure you leave the house to take photos sometimes or take your camera wherever you go! It helps! Goodluck!
i don' think you should give yourself such a hard time and think you're the only one. We've all been there, feeling that we're blind and there is nothing of any interested around us. I get "the fear" every time i pick up my camera , but have to ignore those negative voices and think sod it, if it doesn't work then no big deal. I think it's important to have fun. Once I shut my eyes, and took pictures in a street, and was amazed by the outcome, I didn't "see" any photo opportunities until after I saw them in my view screen. Its a little like being made to draw with your left hand (if you're right handed), it takes the fear out of the process and makes you "look" again. Anyway, whatever you try good luck and my best advice...relax.
@Jennifer.... I thought my comment was supportive to you, if you didn't feel it was I am sorry.
To get to what you were really looking for as posted by your second to last post.
Try doing the Themes posted here or on other sites. They help give me direction on what to shoot. Try the dictionary, open it up or drop it and look at the page. Pick a word and turn that into a photograph. This challenge can help pull you out of the creative slump. Hope this helps more.
i just hope it helps Jennifer, definatley dont give up! I just hope someone reminds me of my advice and ideas when i hit my slump.......i no it will definatly come!
Jennifer, I totally understand what you're saying. Instead of myself getting in a slump of not knowing what to take, I get in a slump of taking photos of the same things, day in and day out. Coming out of the winter months was hard for me, because everything was brown outside and I just couldn't find anything that inspired me or made me want to take its photo. Now that things are starting to perk up with color, I am kinda "stuck" using those things for my photos. It's hard for me to move out of my "same thing slump". And some days, like you, I just have no idea what to shoot.
Some of the suggestions here are really good. The list, the themes.. or maybe use an emotion a day. A silly day, happy, sad, reflective day, gloomy, beautiful.. etc. hopefully it will help you get through this. All the best!!
I just tried to visit your profile and it says it's not there, I hope you didn't leave and it's just a minor hiccup with the site. I'd love to see your photos!
Hi, I'm maybe going to repeat what others have said. I find the themes and challenges a good way to consider different angles....but I never feel tied to them...although completing the alphabet and the numbers 1-10 was something that kept me motivated.
One of the things that helps me is the small cluster of folk who all comment on one another's photo journeys....not always on the pictures! One of the group posed a "homework challenge" for us to write a short poem to go with a photograph. That kind of thing adds another dimension.
I love looking at different angles for pictures so the Worms Eye View theme this week appeals.
Sometimes a look at the "Popular" page can give fresh inspiration.
Just relax and take pictures of the next thing....even if it is a rubber band!
I think there are 2 kinds of people in 365. One feels they must take a photo every day as a journal of their daily life and I sure admire that level of daily discipline. The other is simply submitting a photo each day like me for the enjoyment of the viewer.
I carry my camera everywhere...church, restaurants, errands, etc., I mean everywhere! However, many days I take no photos at all because I just didn't see anything that caught my attention or I'm just not that inspirational for new material. However, there comes the day that something strikes me and I take a 100 photos. I have 2 files in my Picasa program. One is called 365 Project where I keep a copy of all photos posted here. The other is called 365 Project Pipeline where I usually have 20 photos in line for submission. Then when I upload, I set the date to the current day.
I see no reason to crawl into bed and think, "Oh no! I didn't take a photo!!!" There's no reason for that kind of pressure. I am having so much fun here and enjoy the comments left for me on the photos. In fact, this group has done nothing more for me than to help me learn how to take better photos! I love you all! Thanks for a great experience here! ENJOY!
Hi Jennifer
This worked for me - Here are a couple of books that might help The War of Art and The Artist Way (the latter i have read / did a course it and was brilliant) both you can get from amazon.
The artist way basically is for creatives who are blocked and to sum it up you have to do 2 things. Each day, write 3 sides of A4 paper of what ver is in your head - dont think just write - put it away and dont read it. The other part is to go on an artist date for min of 2 hours every week and has to be on your own - doing something you love. eg having a massage, making cakes, colouring in - anything like that. The idea is that these 2 activities unlock what ever block you have going on. I wasnt blocked but wanted to expand my creativity and it really worked. The others on my course all found it very good too at unblocking. If that seems like too much work just try the artist date ;-) only rule is it has to be something fun you want to do
For the record, you guys had some great advice from the very beginning. She apparently didn't hear what she wanted. Those who suggested advice, don't be discouraged that your words were bashed.
Ok, I've come late to this drama so don't want to comment on any negatives but for anyone out there...www.dailyshoot.com has great ideas for a daily challenge. Right now I"m taking a break from that to try the alphabet, but am going to go back to the Daily Shoot when I'm finally through with the alphabet.
I am happy that some have found the words meaningful. I don't know why she had taken it any other way except for helpful. It could be that is part of her motivational block. Something else has her attention. only good thoughts go out to her and hopefully whatever it is gets behind her soon.
The thing is about this place that someone takes notice in some way. Look at all the help that was offered, shame. It's like life...it can't be 'up' all the time. you have to have the lows to appreciate the highs!
Jennifer - if you ever come back, my advice is to try not to think about how many days you've missed and just take it one day, one photo at a time. Don't be afraid to post a "bad" photo. All artists have good days and bad days. Perhaps you are just being too critical of yourself.
I have to add that 365 is the most artistically supportive place I've ever encountered. I don't see whereas anyone here was saying what you interpreted them as saying. I hope you return with the assurance that no one I've encountered here would suggest that anyone quit photography.
I don't think there was anything anyone could have said that would have helped Jennifer. Every time anyone said anything to be of "help", which is, after all, what she requested, it was not 'what she was looking for' OR was not considered in the spirit that it was intended. Sometimes there is no one who can help one's self, but one's own self. Life, and art, can be like that.
THANK YOU!!!!! to Diane for bringing to our attention the daily shoot.com website for photo ideas. Totally awesome. Aside for feeling blah this week I have been struggling with ideas and beginning to feel like quitting, but the website has lots of wonderful ideas to keep me going. thanks i really appreciate it.
I like the various personal themes I see people doing.
We've had Louise's squirrels, Lauren's Charlie, Lydia's Yotsuba, Chris' ceramic cats and HDR, as well as the community-based themes. I'm doing an "invisible companions" theme this week. Other people's themes are ripe pickin's for inspiration.
I've always felt inspiration to be highly personal. Some of us are motivated by the carrot, others by the stick. Some are deadline driven. Some need a great deal of time to daydream and get our thoughts in order before we start a project.
I would have said that she needed to figure out where the block was strongest (creativity? energy? desire to continue? something else in her life?) and deal with that first. I probably would have been accused of being an amateur psychologist.
Oh well.
Some great ideas here. I'll be looking back on this in the days/months/weeks to come.
I just want to say thank you to all of you. I gave up this project a couple weeks ago I guess and clicked on this link just for the heck of it. I check back here almost daily just to comment on peoples pictures, I really love the sense of community here. Oddly I still shoot every day, for work mostly, not my 'journal'. But I think you guys might have inspired me to come back. Thank you. I don't care what Jennifer said, she was way off base and unnecessarily rude. You guys are wonderful. =)
Tweets ahoy!
Join the Group
Pin With Me
If you like to shoot, get into the mindset to just look at things that are normal "who cares" things to most, and think outside of that, and see what you see with a different eye.
I know I have seen a lot of people on here that are merely looking for positive reinforcement. If they dont get it, they become discouraged, maybe leave it. I was always taught that if you do something (as simple as holding a door open for someone) just to get a thank you or some form of congratulation, then you should re-evaluate why you did it in the first place.
Sorry for the Philosophy. Just my thoughts. Hope it helps in some way.
I know that my photos aren't as creative as others and I don't necessarily have the technical skills to make wonderful photos, but I don't feel the pressure here to be great. I think of it as a photo diary of the year that I can look back on at the end of the year and remember some of the things I did and saw. But I can see that you could get despondent if you are taking snapshots and then see the beautifully creative photos that appear, sometimes with imaginative texts or poems to go with them.
It's also really hard to keep motivated every day for a whole year, and I'm sure you're not the only one going through a lack of motivation. Are you extra busy at work or have young children keeping you exhausted? Whatever is going on in your life, photography is a hobby/interest, and if you aren't motivated at the moment it could be that your interest is waning or simply that life stresses are interfering.
You can't remain at a high motivation level the whole time and there will be times when you're more or less excited by doing something, whether photography or anything else.
Maybe sitting down and prioritising things might help you. It only takes 5 minutes to take a photo and upload it, but if you can't care enough to do this, perhaps you have simply lost interest in the project. This happens, so no need to beat yourself up about it. Or perhaps a weekend where you take yourself off to a park or somewhere nice and take some shots might get you back on track again.
Whatever you decide, good luck!
There will be some days when inspiration doesn't come - just allow yourself to take some ordinary shots for a while till you're feeling more creative.
Hang in there!
but in saying this, and only being very new to this 365 (im finding some days hard now and im sure i will hit some massive slumps too as i have done in the past although never tried a 365 project) it would be interesting to see if others doing this project also hit a certain mark - like halfway for example and get into a rut.
i would try looking at other ppls art, try deviantArt or flickr for inspiration, look at things that are out of your genre and comfort zone.
maybe set yourself your own challenge?
is there anything/style/subject that you would love to photograph and never thought you could or would be able to pull off? maybe challenge urself to try and photograph that for a week, or even a day.
go outside at different times of the day than you normally would.
go for walks take your camera.
try some night shots.
break the rules of photography, get blurry, play with different methods, settings etc
try getting one item and photograph it for a week, but try and make each photo very different from the last ( lighting, set up, props etc )
evaluate why you started this project.
i ramble on i know
though i hope it helps in some small way.
It's also really important to give yourself permission to do work that's not great and not get too hung up on it.
I'd try setting yourself a small task each day, eg I will take 5 photos, even if they stink and I don't like them; or I will spend 15 minutes walking around with my camera in hand.
Personally I would not find inspiration from other people's photos--that can have the opposite effect--but from the world around you. Hold the lens finder up to your eye, looking out for things that are interesting in some way.
I don't know what camera you're using, but if it's a big one you may want to switch to a little point and shoot. For me, having the P&S means that I can carry it around easily (no excuses), and it also means that my expectations are not so high about the technical aspects of the photos.
Here are some (random) things for you to consider.
1. Have you got to a point where you think that maybe you won't cut it being a professional photographer, and this is your subconcious way of backing off? I can't evaluate whether you could, or could not, become professional - that's for you to decide. But if that is a challenge for you, consider doing some technical course where you are challenged to improve your photographic, or post-processing skills. The process of learning, and the steps in the activity, may help stimulate your "want". It does not have to be a paid-for course. There are stacks of free, online skills development options.
2. Another option is that with a boring day job you may have spiralled into a state of inertia about life in general, and this has impacted your interest in photography. If that's your challenge you need to find something that gets your adrenalin pumping again.
And then ... there's another option too... maybe the daily photography is not effective for you. No-one says you can't make your own rules. What about having one day a week dedicated to photos, and then loading seven from one day. Week done. Sometimes changing the rhythm is a good way to un-stuck yourself.
Hope that triggers some action for you.
You posted this question because you want to do this. DO IT. just remember not every shot is going to come with a lot of "GREAT IMAGE" comments. some will be duds and others studs.
You need to sit down and focus on why you wanted to start this task and what you hoped to get out of it. For instance I want to experiment and try things I haven't before and push my talent a little further.
Just remember we can't tell you to do it or not and make it happen, but we are here to help each other out in these rough times of the project. I am sure everyone will go through the same feelings. I am only at 20% and I have had days I didn't feel like taking a picture too. I think you are feeling normal with this project. Hang in there.
Your support team ;)
Just be sure whatever pictures you're taking are of things that you love and enjoy! I hope you get your mojo back, because I've enjoyed following you!
Okay um... maybe I didn't phrase my question very well.
I was hoping to get some advice on how to break through a creative mental block. Every artist faces this, so I was hoping to get some real-world experience talking w/ what y'all have done to get your creative juices flowing again.
Apparently none of you have experienced a block like this, considering most of your answers are some form of, "Well what's wrong with you? Maybe you should just quit photography." That's horrible advice, by the way.
I wasn't looking for consolation or a pat on the back or a psychological consult. I was just hoping... in general... to hear about ways that you have pulled yourself out of a creative slump. Sure I'm feeling it specifically with this project, but the problem of a creative block in general is very common and happens with all artists at some point.
I certainly hope that if/when you all have this happen to you, that no one suggests that you should just give up. Where would the world be if artists just gave up whenever they were feeling a creative block?
So I'd say, even if you're following a theme or comp - post what you want to post. It also helps that I joined the site with a few friends so there's always encouragement there whereas if you joined by yourself then you kind of rely on encouragement from comments from users who you may not know personally and then may not comment as frequently, if that makes sense!
Try different things too like focus on macro or something ... and also make sure you leave the house to take photos sometimes or take your camera wherever you go! It helps! Goodluck!
To get to what you were really looking for as posted by your second to last post.
Try doing the Themes posted here or on other sites. They help give me direction on what to shoot. Try the dictionary, open it up or drop it and look at the page. Pick a word and turn that into a photograph. This challenge can help pull you out of the creative slump. Hope this helps more.
Some of the suggestions here are really good. The list, the themes.. or maybe use an emotion a day. A silly day, happy, sad, reflective day, gloomy, beautiful.. etc. hopefully it will help you get through this. All the best!!
I just tried to visit your profile and it says it's not there, I hope you didn't leave and it's just a minor hiccup with the site. I'd love to see your photos!
One of the things that helps me is the small cluster of folk who all comment on one another's photo journeys....not always on the pictures! One of the group posed a "homework challenge" for us to write a short poem to go with a photograph. That kind of thing adds another dimension.
I love looking at different angles for pictures so the Worms Eye View theme this week appeals.
Sometimes a look at the "Popular" page can give fresh inspiration.
Just relax and take pictures of the next thing....even if it is a rubber band!
I carry my camera everywhere...church, restaurants, errands, etc., I mean everywhere! However, many days I take no photos at all because I just didn't see anything that caught my attention or I'm just not that inspirational for new material. However, there comes the day that something strikes me and I take a 100 photos. I have 2 files in my Picasa program. One is called 365 Project where I keep a copy of all photos posted here. The other is called 365 Project Pipeline where I usually have 20 photos in line for submission. Then when I upload, I set the date to the current day.
I see no reason to crawl into bed and think, "Oh no! I didn't take a photo!!!" There's no reason for that kind of pressure. I am having so much fun here and enjoy the comments left for me on the photos. In fact, this group has done nothing more for me than to help me learn how to take better photos! I love you all! Thanks for a great experience here! ENJOY!
This worked for me - Here are a couple of books that might help The War of Art and The Artist Way (the latter i have read / did a course it and was brilliant) both you can get from amazon.
The artist way basically is for creatives who are blocked and to sum it up you have to do 2 things. Each day, write 3 sides of A4 paper of what ver is in your head - dont think just write - put it away and dont read it. The other part is to go on an artist date for min of 2 hours every week and has to be on your own - doing something you love. eg having a massage, making cakes, colouring in - anything like that. The idea is that these 2 activities unlock what ever block you have going on. I wasnt blocked but wanted to expand my creativity and it really worked. The others on my course all found it very good too at unblocking. If that seems like too much work just try the artist date ;-) only rule is it has to be something fun you want to do
enjoy
fotogirl
I have to add that 365 is the most artistically supportive place I've ever encountered. I don't see whereas anyone here was saying what you interpreted them as saying. I hope you return with the assurance that no one I've encountered here would suggest that anyone quit photography.
We've had Louise's squirrels, Lauren's Charlie, Lydia's Yotsuba, Chris' ceramic cats and HDR, as well as the community-based themes. I'm doing an "invisible companions" theme this week. Other people's themes are ripe pickin's for inspiration.
I would have said that she needed to figure out where the block was strongest (creativity? energy? desire to continue? something else in her life?) and deal with that first. I probably would have been accused of being an amateur psychologist.
Oh well.
Some great ideas here. I'll be looking back on this in the days/months/weeks to come.