Creative block - how do you deal with it?

As having that sort of block is guaranteed to put me in a dark frame of mind, I try to walk away and not dwell on it. If I dwell on it and try to analyse how I got like that and worry about what to do, it just makes it worse - for me at least. What I actually do is go and do something else for a while until I feel the urge to pick up a camera again. That could be watch a few movies, read a book, basically anything that's nothing to do with photography. My life doesn't depend on it and no-one's paying me to get grouchy and kick the cat. Eventually, I'll see something that interests me or a mate will invite me out for a walk with the camera(s) and off I go again......
 
I usually express my distaste for other more sucessful photographers by complaining about their mannerisms, while professing no disrespect for their photography. It may not help my photography but it gives me a target for my frustration, and a little validation of my own, if others agree with my critique.
 
Keith if you are talking about your personal work then sometimes you just need a break. I think we have all experienced it from time to time. I say work when you have passion for it and then do it honestly. Sometimes when you are thinking the least about something thats when all the answers come flooding in. Roberts advice is sound.
 
Thanks Allen. Appreciated. I know what is causing the "doubt" or as I am feeling it, the "suspension". I've been through it before and was curious how others deal with it. I work through it. I know clearly what is causing it now, see #7.
 
kbg32 said:
Thanks Allen. Appreciated. I know what is causing the "doubt" or as I am feeling it, the "suspension". I've been through it before and was curious how others deal with it. I work through it. I know clearly what is causing it now, see #7.
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Knowing is half the battle brother.
 
kbg32 said:
Thanks Allen. Appreciated. I know what is causing the "doubt" or as I am feeling it, the "suspension". I've been through it before and was curious how others deal with it. I work through it. I know clearly what is causing it now, see #7.
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From reading #7 Keith, I'd say your block is emotional and in your work you've chosen a creative channel to convey it. Quite a difference from a creative block, IMHO.

From many events in our past, there is someone involved who either imposed injustice, or suffered from it. I have found that it helps to write a letter to those people (even if they're not alive anymore), explaining what it was like for me. Sometimes even apologise or accuse.
I never sent my letters but in sealed envelopes kept them until I felt it was time to burn them and liberate myself from their content and the burden of things past.

It got stuck emotions out of the way and allowed for progress.

Just my two cents.


Good luck with preparing your presentation!
 
Good post johannielscom

And Keith please keep us informed of your presentation. I would love to attend but probably wont be able to get to the big apple but who knows. GOOD LUCK and I'm sure it will all work out.
 
I'm not that creative of a person, I'm more doc photog with a touch of creativity. I'm more dependent on finding a great project to shoot than creative block. People block me from making a project sometimes. They wont let me shot them. People block me more than me.

I got tons of books to read. I got almost 2 years back up of pix I never went through. Got lots of things to do if I think I have nothing to do.

I'd tell any of you feeling blocked...find a great or not so great project and milk it to the max.

Koudelka..."What interest me is taking photographs to the maximum - the maximum that exists in a situation and the maximum that I myself can produce from it." Koudelka goes on to say he will re-shoot a project repeatedly "to reassure me I have in fact achieved the maximum."

Jay Maisel also give some important advice. "If your out there shooting, things will happen for you. If your not out there, you'll only hear about it."

Many times the pix is presented to you. All you have to do is press the button.

http://rangefindercamera2.tumblr.com/image/110813121862

http://rangefindercamera2.tumblr.com/image/110895717222

http://rangefindercamera.tumblr.com/image/108385807039

http://fc07.deviantart.net/fs70/i/2...1_daniel_d_teoli_jr_by_ilovemycam-d8cy31h.jpg

...providing you have the basics down pat.
 
johannielscom said:
From reading #7 Keith, I'd say your block is emotional and in your work you've chosen a creative channel to convey it. Quite a difference from a creative block, IMHO.

From many events in our past, there is someone involved who either imposed injustice, or suffered from it. I have found that it helps to write a letter to those people (even if they're not alive anymore), explaining what it was like for me. Sometimes even apologise or accuse.
I never sent my letters but in sealed envelopes kept them until I felt it was time to burn them and liberate myself from their content and the burden of things past.

It got stuck emotions out of the way and allowed for progress.

Just my two cents.


Good luck with preparing your presentation!
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That's worth more than two cents Johan. Thank you.
 
Ranchu said:
I usually express my distaste for other more sucessful photographers by complaining about their mannerisms, while professing no disrespect for their photography. It may not help my photography but it gives me a target for my frustration, and a little validation of my own, if others agree with my critique.
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Distaste is reserved for those who find it easy to throw punches anonymously Ranchu. I guess you're a model of perfection and respect. One whose example we should all follow. Be it as it may, I stand behind my critique, not looking for any sort of validation, in spite of the criticisms.

Anything more you need to say, you can PM me. Anonymously as you prefer.
 
Whatever, man. I bet you're pretty anonymous to Meyerowitz, right? If you recall, the only thing I asked was how's the weather outside. I will suggest, shooting film instead of digital is very freeing. You can take pictures in any light instead of looking around trying to find somewhere that won't blow your sensor to smithereens. It's quite helpful.

http://120studio.com/dynamic-range.htm

:)
 
"Whatever" Ranchu? FYI - I've posted comments on Joel's blog, and others, using my real name. See, it's right there below my name "Keith". I have nothing to hide or anything to be embarrassed about. Being involved in something one loves, is hoping to find those one can have a meaningful exchange of thoughts, ideas, as well as criticisms. That's why I'm a member of RFF. Maybe you asked "how's the weather" in that thread, but your previous post here, as that one, contributed nothing but an anonymous, sarcastic slap to the face.
 
Keith,

I am not 100% sure how this applies to you, but personally I've found three things very useful:

1. Keeping my inputs up high, and consuming lots of ideas from other people. Reading books about anything of interest (philosophy, business, the dreaded 'self-help' genre, photography), looking in Photobooks, and places like www.burnmagazine.com

2. Stopping to collect my thoughts helps too. Somewhat like meditation, I like to brain dump what ever is in my mind on to paper. Also I've found if I am particularly stuck on something I write down as many questions as I can, based on what is going around in my head before going to bed. Then first thing in the morning, (only going to the toilet and having some food goes before. No phone, no email nothing to kill that morning mind) go answer all the questions as fast as you can.

3. Ask yourself, what is the worst that can happen if I do A or B. I personally have to remind myself all the time, that avoiding the choice is still a choice.

I can't remember who said it, somewhere I read about the idea of that a person's success can usually be measured by the number of uncomfortable conversations he or she is willing to have.... I think it was Tim Ferriss. Anyway, I think that can be applied to uncomfortable situations, choices, and conversations with yourself.

Hope this helps, and good luck.

Peter
 
Ranchu said:
I usually express my distaste for other more sucessful photographers by complaining about their mannerisms, while professing no disrespect for their photography. It may not help my photography but it gives me a target for my frustration, and a little validation of my own, if others agree with my critique.
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understatement said:
Keith,

I am not 100% sure how this applies to you, but personally I've found three things very useful:

1. Keeping my inputs up high, and consuming lots of ideas from other people. Reading books about anything of interest (philosophy, business, the dreaded 'self-help' genre, photography), looking in Photobooks, and places like www.burnmagazine.com

2. Stopping to collect my thoughts helps too. Somewhat like meditation, I like to brain dump what ever is in my mind on to paper. Also I've found if I am particularly stuck on something I write down as many questions as I can, based on what is going around in my head before going to bed. Then first thing in the morning, (only going to the toilet and having some food goes before. No phone, no email nothing to kill that morning mind) go answer all the questions as fast as you can.

3. Ask yourself, what is the worst that can happen if I do A or B. I personally have to remind myself all the time, that avoiding the choice is still a choice.

I can't remember who said it, somewhere I read about the idea of that a person's success can usually be measured by the number of uncomfortable conversations he or she is willing to have.... I think it was Tim Ferriss. Anyway, I think that can be applied to uncomfortable situations, choices, and conversations with yourself.

Hope this helps, and good luck.

Peter
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Thank you Peter.
 
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