whats wrong with me Arhh [Archive] - AusPhotography:: Australia's Premier Photography Forum::

Tommo1965

24-02-2013, 1:07pm

am I alone....Ive $1000s worth of gear..I love having it and thinking photos...but lately.. every-time I consider going out into the world and taking images..I find a reason not too..or just cant be arsed.... what's wrong with me..I don't have a temperature..or a rash anywhere...but trawling through loads of images and culling, then PP-ing what's left fills me with dread..am I over photography?..do we need a support group on AP to talk people like me off the ledge?:D

how many others in my predicament..i was on AP a lot..but purposely kept away as I was experiencing burnout..perhaps a camera club might help...?

what do you do if the adventure wanes and your looking for reasons not to sell your gear ???? .

ive fantastic equipment..some knowledge....what am I doing wrong :lol2:

ricktas

24-02-2013, 1:39pm

I think it is something we all go through. Whether it be photography, our job, our relationships, sometimes we just question it. Nothing wrong with that at all.

Lurchorama

24-02-2013, 1:48pm

I can completely, completely understand. I recently went through the same thing. I was even about to sell all my gear and replace it with new gear as a 'fix'. Something to bring a spark back to my photography.
In the end I didn't.
What I did do though is to try something new.
I went and spent a few bucks on some bits and pieces from Bunnings. Set up a space in my office to shoot some close-quarters "studio"-ish stuff. Something I'd never tried before.
It served two purposes; It allowed me to try something new, and it also allowed me to do some photography work without actually having to go anywhere (I'm a lazy bugger).

My point being; go try something new with your gear. Macro, Abstract (I'm not creative enough for this), or whatever?
Just a thought anyway.....

CherylK

24-02-2013, 2:04pm

I agree with Lurchorama, try something new. I sometime suffer from 'it's all too hard', I've used up all the excuses, too hot, too cold, too wet, too windy. But then I remember that feeling of self satisfaction when you get a shot that's better than the rest you've taken. I'm trying something new now, nothing good enough to post here on AP yet but it's giving me a little more spark. I don't think I would ever sell my gear though. I think it's a bit of a cycle we all go through at some stage. Maybe a bit of burnout? A camera club might help, I'm thinking of joining our local one here this year. Some new faces, new ideas... could help?

ameerat42

24-02-2013, 2:31pm

What are you doing right?
Posting your problem here.

(Sorry I can't be of more assistance.)
Am.

extraball

24-02-2013, 2:53pm

I have put a hobby pretty much on the back-burner to take-up photography, it's a good thing change.

fillum

24-02-2013, 3:07pm

whats wrong with me Arhh
For starters, I think you might be turning into a pirate :D...

I think anyone who's trying to produce something artistic goes through the "I suck" phase at some point, often after they've got to a reasonably competent level and tend to plateau out a bit.

The obvious strength of digital photography is the ability to shoot easily and cheaply, but I think this can sometimes be a disadvantage as well. Because often we will shoot a whole range of things and I think we can lose direction and forget what we were passionate about in the first place. At least that's what I think has happened in my own case. What I find most helpful when I need a kick along is to look at the type of images I'd like to make. The internet is an obvious source for this (a favourite of mine is LENSCRATCH (http://www.lenscratch.com/)for finding new work), but occasionally I'll pull out some old magazines (such as B&W) or photo books to look for inspiration.

I think getting together with other photographers is a good idea (either camera club or otherwise) as it helps to get you out and keep shooting and will hopefully keep you going till you get your mojo back.

Good luck...

arthurking83

24-02-2013, 3:10pm

Same 'ere too! :(

Haven't really used the D800 as I thought it might have inspired me too.

I got a couple of lenses I'll be getting in the next couple of months too, and now I'm questioning as to whether this is a good idea(ATM).

Work has been a bit more difficult, basically with the same level of enthusiasm as you Tommo ... most of my free weekends have been sitting at home chilling with the same couldn't be 'arsed attitude.

In the past two years I reckon I've only gone out three or four times on a photographic outing .. and really brought back not much at all.

I don't reckon you're doing anything wrong .. it's just a waiting game for when you end up feeling more enthusiastic about getting out again
(well that's what I've been telling myself for these past two years :p)

peterking

24-02-2013, 3:21pm

A Camera Club is not the answer. I went there and whilst it offers a number of options it's still the same people with the same camera gear, just different personalities.
My way was to get involved with some of the other WA members. Suggest a meet, and it doesn't have to involve photography. It can be purely social.

I have a different problem at present in that I want to get out with my gear but can't drive or pick up my camera. I'm told in time it will heal.

MarkChap

24-02-2013, 3:23pm

etherial

24-02-2013, 3:58pm

Sad to say I'm in the same boat. Couldn't be bothered with it all at the moment. I bought a 5D3 last year and have barely used it! I've been offered a great opportunity to shoot in Sydney but I'm wondering if I have the motivation to go for it :(

Tommo1965

24-02-2013, 4:19pm

I must admit...even though I've never meet any of you and we are all strangers ....talking about it (writing) is helping...and knowing others face my dilemma is also reassuring in a twisted way.

I think that Im seeing the whole process of capturing, processing and posting the results all quite laborious..the PP in particular is stressful (read."Pain in arse" ) :)...I really admire wedding togs..as I just couldn't do that.. wading through 100's of images would turn my brain to mush .

I thought the D800 would be my nirvana and get me out more..but like Arthur..its not had that affect.....

I shoot a mean focus chart though...( bloody AF testing ) arrh ...wheres me parrot ...LMAO Phil

I need a coffee :nlogo:

Wayne

24-02-2013, 8:54pm

I share your pain Steve. I have more gear than most and plenty of it is exotic, which would maybe make you think that it motivates me more to get out and use it. I have been so lazy I often have the best intentions to get out with the camera, but simply talk myself out of it for no apparent reason other than I cannot be bothered or just simply don't bother.
I even took on a studio that is costing me quite a bit of cash each week and at best I'm only home 50% of the time to use it given my work roster, the other 50% I'm home one would think I make the most of it but I don't, I maybe visit the studio 1-2 times a week for a couple of hours, more to just get out of the house than anything. I will sit there and just browse the internet, doing nothing photo related.

I am really struggling for motivation and have considered a number of times just selling it all and moving on, but I like the gear and I know if I sold it I would want it back, but I also know that if I sold it I wouldn't want to spend all the cash to get it back again. Like you I just hate the trawl of culling through hundreds of images, and then doing all the processing, I lose interest after about a half dozen images and I have stacks of unedited images going back 2 years that I will realistically never get to touching. I think if I had more advanced pp skills, it would allow me to be a little more creative and thus interest me more, but I'm not sure...

Believe it or not I actually enjoy holding my beginners workshops and teaching others about the gear, the techniques etc more than I enjoy going and shooting the images myself and using all of my wonderful gear.

I will be at Avalon this weekend, so I'm motivated for that but things that interest me on that level are very few and far between. I was thinking the motivation will return in time, like it is cyclic, but the truth is I haven't been motivated for quite some time and I don't know if that will change.

Epoc

24-02-2013, 10:26pm

I get cheesed of with the whole PP thing myself, especially when my work sometimes involves 8-10 hours on a PC with a fair amount of PP. What I have found helps is when I shoot for fun, I only take limited images. Very rarely do I now come home with more than 50 images from a days shooting. When the good ones are weeded out, PP becomes not so involved. I also try new PP all the time. Keeps the interest there.

Bear Dale

24-02-2013, 11:01pm

Tommo blame Nikon.......you should have bought Canon :flowersnap:

<joke>

Mark L

24-02-2013, 11:05pm

I thought the D800 would be my nirvana and get me out more..but like Arthur..its not had that affect.....

Expect a lot, be disappoint. Expect nothing ...., expectation exceeded. :)
Anyway, I haven't had much motivation lately. This is to do with life and carries over to my photography. However I do wish to use my camera and have some sort of thought process happening. So, at the moment the members challenge gives me a reason to go and get some sort of photo each week .... http://www.ausphotography.net.au/forum/forumdisplay.php?181-Member-Challenges-52-2013 :confused013

The world turns slowly Steve.

Tommo1965

25-02-2013, 3:54am

Crikey...so many of us in the same boat...I had no idea...

Mathy

25-02-2013, 10:23am

For me, I'm waiting for the cooler more interesting days of Autumn :D Seems that whenever I've wanted to go take some photos, it's been a furnace outside :eek: I see you live in WA, perhaps you'll feel more inspired in a few weeks, cheers Deb

Redback200

25-02-2013, 10:51am

Hi Steve,

I was having a bit of a similar issue. I was only taking a few shots of nothing really inspiring. My solution happened on the weekend. A mate is going away and we all went down to the gold coast and got drunk. I didn't even take my camera out of the car at first. Until he asked if anyone had anything better to take pictures than a phone. I went down and got my camera. The results were 250 shots of people and the area (different from the usual place) and of people progressively getting more drunk.

Most are just crap from a serious photography point of view. But damn it was fun. Just do something that brings back the fun into it.

Ionica

25-02-2013, 11:05am

I am going through this phase at the moment, and have before, and found ( for me anyway ) it best not to force myself, but let the urge return. This has happened when eg out walking or in the car, and I see something that interests and motivates me, and it just happens from there. Maybe try something different, and just enjoy the experience.

Speedway

25-02-2013, 11:19am

I am another who is going through a low in photography at the moment due to a lot of problems lately starting with seizing the engine in my car at Christmas to my son being in hospital for the last 6 weeks restricting my photography. I have kept myself motivated by putting in more time here and other online photo groups, hopefully that will all change next month with the Dirt Go Kart season getting underway and me setting myself a goal getting more articles published in magazines over the racing season.
Cheers
Keith.

Tommo1965

25-02-2013, 12:01pm

I understand that point Redback...I too have basically left my gear at home if the occasion called for "non serious" photography..and left that to the PS crowd...but last night I took some advice from this thread....it was a birthday for my 18 year old niece and father in law combined ..shot in Basic Jpeg..the images wont see the light of day here on AP..but it was nice just getting the camera out and taking photos..I doubt any will see a iota of PP..but my wife no doubt will love them.....the family were amazed I didn't need a flash in such low light...LOL

perhaps on a path back to enjoying just taking photos and not worrying if they are prize winners .

some great advice here...Ionica I think your right...not to force the issue..but rather let it emerge when your ready...its hard sometimes thinking that all the gear is going to waste..and the dollar value could be used elsewhere in your life..

yes Deb..its been very very hot here and that has stopped me a bit ...but the morning and evening are not too bad

Ionica

25-02-2013, 12:35pm

" perhaps on a path back to enjoying just taking photos and not worrying if they are prize winners ."
Which to me is the best way.

"-...its hard sometimes thinking that all the gear is going to waste..and the dollar value could be used elsewhere in your life.."
Yet when it does it will be worth it. I have been looking at some images I took late last year that give me a lot of pleasure because of ( to me ) the beautiful subject, and still do; they may not compare to some of the images on here, but mean a lot to me.

Rattus79

25-02-2013, 1:27pm

Ask yourself what made you pick up a camera in the first place?

Remember the drive and the excitement from seeing the first decent image pop up on the LCD (and the subsequent dissapointment when you saw it on the PC) then going out and doing it all over again. Getting excited when you see that second decent image on the LCD and the subsequent excitment when it's decent on the PC too!

Remember the first time, you got the exposure so perfect, that everything you did in Lightroom only made it worse!

Remember the first time waiting the 30+ seconds (for me on the k10 it was a minute to process 1 30 second exposure) for your first long exposure seascape to come up on the LCD and the anticipation!

Remember the first thread you posted up that only got WOW replies!

These are all reasons I love to shoot! Unfortunately, sometimes life gets in the road of getting out there. It happens to us all.

kanesmadness

25-02-2013, 3:59pm

Oh man does this thread ring true for me.

Last year i went out of a huge photo trip in arnhem land and got some nice photos...then came along time for PP, i grabbed my self a beer, sat down in front of the old (going on 4 years now) macbook pro and it was like i was hit by a car. The motivation stoped, creativity dried up and just the general motivation ended. Last year while in sydney a mate offered me a new D4 to rewire his home studio and while i accpeted the trade im yet to take a single frame with it.

I figured i needed to get over this hump and enroled in a course with International Career Institue and it has helped a little in the motivation department everytime i sit down in front of the computer the motivation just leaves the body. Sadly i think my trusty laptop might be what is sucking the motivational juice from me (i havent updated my blog or anything for ages either come to think about it) so i think once my Xmas bonus turns up a new computer might just be on the cards.... quickly followed by another adventure to really get me going

JasonR

25-02-2013, 4:32pm

I'm in the same boat. Hopefully a new lens helps me.

Last year while in sydney a mate offered me a new D4 to rewire his home studio and while i accpeted the trade im yet to take a single frame with it.

Does he need anything else required? Ill do it for a D4.

Mark L

25-02-2013, 9:00pm

^ be careful about the karma Jason

Last year while in sydney a mate offered me a new D4 to rewire his home studio and while i accpeted the trade im yet to take a single frame with it.

The house was lost in a fire. Fire investigation found it was cause be undetermined electrical fault. :lol2:
Sorry!

Wayne

25-02-2013, 9:38pm

I went to Chinese new year celebrations in Sydney last weekend, big parade, big fireworks. I had the D4, 24-70/2.8, the 70-200/2.8VR and an SB-900 in my ThinkTank Retrospective shoulder bag. I carried around the city most of the afternoon and night, and I didn't once take any of it out of the bag. Carried it all for nothing, and halfway through the night, I was wishing I left it at the hotel. That is how unmotivated I am.

I also shoot very selectively these days, no machine gunning and I try not to take ver similar sequences in order to save PP.
With Avalon, I mix my photography and aviation interests in one event so I am keen to get the gear out, but at most all other times, I just find I cannot be bothered.

Tommo1965

25-02-2013, 11:36pm

its starting to sound like a epidemic ..LOL

I think the whole PP thing gets people down..I know its given the photographer back the creative control...but digital with the computer side of things is a lot more work than just getting your film printed the chemist...

is the PP putting people off taking pictures ?...

some images I like to work on..but Im shooting a lot more Jpeg of the more mundane stuff and calling that good enough..but I do have the raws on the other card just in case one image is a blinder and deserves more work....but its getting out there and just getting images that's the trouble too..I dunno the answer ..

Mathy

26-02-2013, 2:01am

I was pondering this thread today and I wondered how many people print out a few images in the old 4"x6" format? I've got a cork board in my kitchen and I've printed out my favourite photos and pinned them up. These are images that I really like because I achieved something with them, eg., great focus on a fast moving dog, photo with nice composition, a couple of pics I've entered in comps that have made the final, and some total failures, etc. Everyday, I look at them and I get an inner smile. I take a lot of pics that I really like because I wanted to try something out. I don't feel the need to post them here for CC, because I like them, they may not be compositionally correct etc. and I'm well aware of that and it doesn't matter.

I wonder whether leaving the images on the 'puter and not actually having them available in real form makes the quest a little unreal? Just a thought, cheers Deb

MattNQ

26-02-2013, 3:35am

Crikey...so many of us in the same boat...I had no idea...

He he. Looks like you are unique...just like the rest of us! :D

One thing I sometimes I do during my "who am I kidding with this photography thing" periods is to grab a camera, pick one lens only (A wideish prime is perfect - wides are always more fun and a prime forces you to think about your composition a bit more) , and pick a location you don't normally go to, try angles you wouldn't normally bother with. See how abstract or unusual you can get. Just have fun without the pressure to nail that perfect shot. Doesn't matter if you have 15 shots of a wheelie bin from different angles. Don't even bother processing any of them unless there is a standout.

Shelley

26-02-2013, 8:54am

Tommo, clubs are a good thing especially here in wa, affiliated with the WAPF. They have many outings to get you motivated. I am going to there Manjimup weekend, sounds like fun with stuff planned.

I also love just wandering around by myself pushing my camera to the limits with the light at the estuary. I aim to do very little pp and don't do a lot of pp work. I do with my people shots, but not my passion for the birds.

Look at different genres, use your phone when out for ideas when you don't have your camera gear.

Rattus79

26-02-2013, 3:05pm

I wondered how many people print out a few images

There is not a square inch of my fridge that isn't covered in my favourite works. The fridge changes on a month to month basis. It helps to have access to a decent wide format printer, and a pile of half decent a3 glossy paper from the printshop that closed down next door at work....

I think we all go through a pieriod when we wonder if we're good enough, or why we're bothering. Like all things, pracice makes perfect.

I've heard that your first 10,000 photos are your worst, personally, I think it's closer to 100,000

Sometimes you just need to listen to your mother when she tells you how amazing you are.

Alandme

26-02-2013, 9:45pm

You can add me to the list. I take my camera out and don't use it. Too much gear and heavy so I try to plan what I am taking and take what I need. Sometimes I wish I had a point and shoot camera, take it out of the pocket and take photos no one cares. You take the good gear out and people get paranoid. So I'm now restoring an old Pongrass Surfmaster boat. However, I won't be selling my gear, I couldn't replace it.

mikew09

26-02-2013, 10:28pm

Been there at least a couple of times myself. I normally google photographer sites and soon enough something inspires me and off I go again.

sunny6teen

26-02-2013, 11:02pm

bored with photography? ...or bored with your photography?
the latter is easily remedied.

Tommo1965

27-02-2013, 1:11am

bored with photography? ...or bored with your photography?
the latter is easily remedied.

How to the latter ?

- - - Updated - - -

bored with photography? ...or bored with your photography?
the latter is easily remedied.

How to the latter ?

Belly

27-02-2013, 1:57am

Hi Steve,

My condolences mate, but I don't reckon your doing anything wrong maybe just look at what your doing and find a strategy that works for you; here's what works for me...

I have adopted an operating discipline that enables me to "SURVIVE". Without it I'd be on the rubbish heap next to the pile of offal.

I shot a rodeo recently and took just over 2500 shots. Once home and a few days later I set the time aside to go through each shot. I don't know about you but when I'm wading through workflow I know the shots that have merit or potential and I just cull them into a keepers folder without second guessing myself. About two hours later I had 45 shots of the 2.5k in a folder ready for PP. I backed everything up onto two hardrives and then shut everything down.

A day or two later I processed the 45 shots and then the twelve best ones I made a 2013 calendar through Momento. I got about 15 Calendars printed kept one for myself and the others were all christmas gifts. It gives me great pleasure in showcasing my work and gives me a reason to do photography. And I think that's the key, you must have a reason to do something or you may become stale, at worst the boredom sets in and you end up with feeling nothing but despair and doing something like selling all your gear and then regreting that you did that. There has to be direction.
A mate and I have a firendly competition with our calendars and get them judged by someone independant and the prize is a carton of your favourite poison. Adds a bit of fun to it.
My Keepers folder on my desktop is for me an impressive story of my photo journey to date and I love browsing through it, they are all PP'd. One day I will produce a photo book for the coffe table. Each time I go out I think about that book, that calendar, that box of beer!!

So mate, get that operating discipline into gear. Get, be and stay organised, challenge someone to a calendar shootout, produce a coffee table book. But whatever you do don't give up and don't sell your gear! Do something!!

Cheers, BELLY:D

Tommo1965

27-02-2013, 8:40am

thats great advice Belly...thanks for posting...

i've a family shoot coming up..and I'm really looking forward to it..three sisters..one being my wife....so yes with a goal in mind I'm excited again...you have hit the nail on the head for me I think

Lance B

27-02-2013, 11:34am

I think it is something we all go through. Whether it be photography, our job, our relationships, sometimes we just question it. Nothing wrong with that at all.

I think this sums it up succinctly, Rick. The photography "blues" happen to me quite regularly.

livio

27-02-2013, 1:35pm

Hi Steve, Judging from the comments thus far it seems that everyone goes through this, I hit a wall about a month ago where I was finding other things to do than taking shots and spending time in front of a computer. So I had to reflect on that for a while and I came up with a few thoughts that maybe we can identify with.

1) If you are shooting photos for a living and you get a good variety of shoots, people, products, web, real-estate, tourism, fashion, sporting events etc you may get a little jaded but the cycle turns around quickly when you get that next wow shot.

2) If you are taking photos because you want to further your knowledge and have a hobby/aspiration to make a few bucks along the way but not doing it for a living then you are the most vulnerable because you run out of ideas, you start to doubt your real worth and realise that making a living from taking photos is the same as most other businesses you have to work really hard for modest gains. The cycle starts to feel repetitive and as you get better at taking photos and seeing what is / is not going to make a good photo you become a little more choosy about what you take photos of and you get jaded fairly quickly. I feel at my best when I'm being engaged to do a shoot, as this does not happen that often because I am gainfully employed in another area I often feel the cycle of not today I can't be bothered taking a photo because I just don't feel for it right now. I have also learned that this is fairly normal and if it goes on for to long I go out and take some shots at the speedway with a friend of mine. If not the speedway then something else that I have not done before. Examples are playing with perspectives (man stepping on building), speed photography with a water balloon and just your own reflexes to fire the flash. Some product photography like a booze bottle, and trying to set up a photo that tells a story. The more mentally challenging it is to set up the photo the more satisfaction you get and the faster you move your cycle.

3) Enthusiasts who take photos to suite themselves, people who have a particular interest for example macros, birds, landscapes. Some just love to take photos of what they see and frequently have a camera at the ready or at least at short distance. These are the people who are generally well organised and passionate about their photo taking and don't really care what others think. They strive to get better for their own enjoyment and not driven by others perceptions. They too go through this cycle but really quickly.

The bottom line I think is we all go through these stages and we emerge being enthused and always learning and adapting technology to better our craft. It has been very interesting to see just how many people on this forum go through the same thing, and I'm sure it is a reflection of the wider population.

Kind Regards
Livio

kaiser

27-02-2013, 2:14pm

I've found that I go through periods like this where I generally just take a break and focus on something different for a while, whether that be a sport or another hobby. I used to quite enjoy sitting down at the computer and doing some post processing - however not so much lately. I'm in the process of downsizing my gear - after honestly evaluating what I like to shoot - I've realised that I don't really need the ultra fast AF of a DSLR -as I am much more of a slow and deliberate shooter these days. I also don't appreciate the extra weight with me when I travel. Also, while it's great to have a whole bunch of different awesome lenses to choose from - I often found this got in the way of my enjoyment - I would stress about which lenses I was going to take on my trip of out for the day. Once at my destination I would fret about which focal length to use.

So I'm selling my DSLR system and making do with the Fuji X100S. Small, one focal length - something I'm much more likely to take everywhere with me.

I'll also keep my medium format film stuff and lights for when I'd still like to do some studio portraits and landscapes. Ive been shooting a bit of medium format film stuff recently- which has a been a refreshing change. While it doesn't release you from the task of PP'ing (scanning colour film correctly is even harder and more time consuming than PP'ing digital files), it does slow you down and provide a different way of doing things.

To completely avoid PP I even got a polaroid back and have been adorning my fridge with some of my favourite shots - instant results without the computer :)

sunny6teen

28-02-2013, 12:40am

there's been loads of ideas already mentioned. essentially, you need to create a project...a series of shots with a similar story.
your job isn't only to press the shutter. build your photograph.

How to the latter ?

- - - Updated - - -

How to the latter ?

geecee

28-02-2013, 2:44am

Being an old(ish) fart I've been going through this on and off for nearly 40 years. I change hobbies from time to time but the one I keep coming back to is photography.

bricat

28-02-2013, 6:39am

I used to fish on days ending in "Y". Work(business),familly etc got in the way and after 18 months of non use I sold my boat. I had the boat for 12 years putting all the components together from the hull,motor,trailer and all the bits so it was a joy to "build" Now I have retired I want my boat back!!!! I never sell anything anymore and the cost to do the boat again would be about $80 grand. I have been obsessed with renovating a house for my son over the past 6 months so photography and even getting on the net has been put on the back burner. It is just a phase that we go through and priorities change throughout our life. If photography is not your job, put it away for a couple of months, don't do anything associated with it so you have a complete break. Take up gardening,walking,surfing etc and rekindle your enthusiasim. It won't be long before you want to take a few shots again. cheers Brian

Redback200

05-03-2013, 1:30pm