Burnt out on photography.

Have trouble finding the motivation or will to pick up your camera and take photos? You're not alone. Many photographers go through periods of not wanting to take pictures. We talk about the reasons we lose motivation and how to get your photo mojo back!

[rmclark]

I get it. I'm nearly 70 and it's not easy to get out of bed for a glass of water....but what I've found now is that the photography is secondary to just getting out and moving. Walking in a nature preserve on a lovely day with my camera and enjoying that moment and that time outdoors and if by chance I get a good photo(s) then that's the bonus. I've found that if I go out to just take photos, I sometimes come back disappointed. If I go out to enjoy being out in a beautiful place then that's good enough. And most of the times I also get some really fun photos too.

[iVisual.sambonkowski]

So authentic. So realistic. So believable. So honest. Not pretentious at all….

[africanwidow]

Hi. I love it when Chelsea talks about things like this: "Yea, I think their solution is actually what they call reframing in psychology" and then goes on to elaborate on this point. That was so good. Not only for photography, but so many areas in life in general that it could apply to. just need Chelsea to keep talking about mental approaches to things, like in business, photography, relationships, marriage, strategies on life things. More. More. More. : )

[felixbelanger]

5:00 Great advice Chelsea! That's exactly what I do now, instead of going out to "get the shot" I bring my camera along with no expectation

[PMCN]

That was one of the BEST VLOGS you have ever done, simple and real! I've hardly taken a photo since going to Lofoten in 2020 before the global pandemic. Back injuries gave me the excuse NOT to go out and take photos. You have given me new hope to get out there and just enjoy the experience as I used to. I still want to travel to some locations but It's not really necessary is it? The back is better, but will never be great, I have a good set of gear, just need to get out the door. Thanks you so much for this episode !!

[ebofraterman]

Thanks, inspiring video, I worked 35 years as an international advertising photographer, now 67 and feel a bit burnt out, thanks you gave me some new inspiration!

[stuartschaffner]

Here are a few ideas that have helped me over the years. First, treat photography like it's just one particular medium for two-dimensional art. Then, learn more about other media that could in theory be used to represent the scenes you like. Since this is a self-growth exercise, don't worry that your learning attempts do not in themselves meet professional standards for those other media. In particular, there's a tight triangle between photography, painting, and drawing. Many painters use a smart phone or simple camera to take reference photographs for new paintings. Virtually all paintings start with sketches, drawn from either real life or from a reference photo or a reference painting.

Second, treat your camera like a musical instrument. If you spend $6000 on a flute, you expect to spend thousands of hours learning how to become even minimally competent at using it. People spend $6000 on a high-end camera, then get frustrated when they have to spend 20 hours setting it up and learning where the buttons are. Several good wildlife photographers share how they set up their cameras so they can do photography without taking their eyes off the viewfinder. It takes hours and hours of practice, but a lot less than it takes for someone to learn how to play a guitar without staring at the fretboard.

Finally, assume that all good photographs, or at least all photographable scenes, contain a boundless series of other good photographs. So many people consider it a bad mistake to have to crop an image. At least for a while sometimes, assume that even your best composition contains at least one smaller composition inside it that is better and simpler.

[dougcarr]

Chelsea and Tony: Thank you for an outstanding discussion about burnout - you are so right. Your relevant and informative presentation is a must-see for all photographers! Every day, there are photographic opportunities waiting for us. Never stop exploring. Life is out there: your family, friends, home, hometown, events of all kinds, the environment, nature, weather, architecture, sports, music, dance, digital technology, forms and shapes. For 50 years, I've realized that being a photographer is a gift. Making images for ourselves and others is a wonderful responsibility.

[lindaleesees]

The most important photos I've taken are the ones of my family and friends. There's only one set of sweet engagement photos, of a long-awaited baby birth, of four generations of strong men with the same nose. Those are the photos that will live on long after my published work is forgotten. When I get burned out or discouraged, those are the photos that make me smile and work harder on new skills.

[matthewjeffres]

50 years of cameras in my hands. Mostly for fun, sometimes for business, but always trying to tell a story. I tend to shoot in sets of three and five shots. I shoot for my peace not others' likes. No matter where you drop me in I look for the story that is there waiting to be found. I might take 100 photos to get my three but they will tell the story and do it well. Photography is an ever-changing pursuit of joy in living.

[allEPCs]

I've been like this so today, Saturday, Sunday and Monday i have taken off! Already feeling much better and now relaxing. Being burnt out causes poor shoots, when properly rested you become more creative and rediscover the love for photography! Keep up the good work love your videos!

[slewisgreen]

thank you again; just watching the two of you interact is blissful...just like you're here in my living room. Love you both.

[keithholt]

I’m just a hobbyist and only take photos for myself. I’m retired and now have more time to spend on the hobby. Watching both of you allows me to learn to be a better photographer. I also bought some of your books and watch your videos. Thank you for the service that you are providing.

[common_sense]

I love it when Tony talks about real life relatable things for people in this hobby! It’s great! Thank you for sharing! More podcast type content please! 😀

[LarryFasnacht]

The last two minutes was the best advise. Thank you Chelsea. And thank you Tony for being courageous enough to lay it out there.

[jacephotos]

Same here Tony. My health hasn't been great lately. I'm 67 now so not getting out much, most of my shots are drive by shooting. Hubby has been great at getting me out but he is not so good at stopping for "the" shot. The days of hiking through a forest are currently off the plate. Hopefully the hip replacement will improve it. BUT... I've been moving from event and landscape to studio work.
Swapping up my challenges has been a great motivator and I'm excited again. Small space studio work is challenging and fun.

[OwenEDell]

I'd like to appreciate you both for your steadfast generosity and for all you have done for the photography community. Your work is important and cherished by many. I have been in a photography slump lately too, and it helps to hear what you have to say. Thank you!

[ianbenn]

I like this lots. I had a bad injury in 1983 and re learning photography again. Also trying to re decorate my home. Limited for time I got the R5 2 years ago and finding it hard due to lack of practice time, so I was losing interest. But this has motivated me to just go and enjoy and learn more each day.... Thanks Chelsea and Tony.

[martin]

I started a new Facebook Group dealing with local photography. The friendships that have been developed in our valley and the images shared by so many have been impressive and inspirational. We've learned so much more about our valley and all the beauty that surrounds us and have gotten connected with other local photographers. It's been very fulfilling for everyone!

[steven]

I think some form of challenge can re-inspire. For me it was using film cameras. Specifically, all manual cameras around the 1970's or earlier. There's a ton to challenge from from film usage to developing. It's been years now and I'm still searching for my perfect combinations and learning all the time.