Stopped taking photos

Austerby said:
Sensible advice all. I suspect it's because I've been exceptionally busy at work - doing a new role that has proven to be both stimulating and rewarding but very demanding of my time and attention. My other leisure activity - sailing - has also suffered as I've hardly used my yacht in the past year.
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I'd not worry about not making photos but I'd also start carrying your camera and favorite lens everywhere you go. You may not have a desire to make a photograph but I'm sure there have been times in the past year that you'd wish you'd had your camera with you.
 
I go through phases of not taking any photos for months on end. I think it's just a natural process of creativity.

Whatever you do, don't sell your equipment. I've seen a couple people go nuts on the classifieds because they think if they're not using it it must be sold, only to regret it later on.

I have tons of cameras that I haven't used in ages but I know I want to keep them. Plus, they are all on a nice camera "gallery" I have in my house, so at least they are still loved.
 
Austerby said:
Sensible advice all. I suspect it's because I've been exceptionally busy at work - doing a new role that has proven to be both stimulating and rewarding but very demanding of my time and attention. My other leisure activity - sailing - has also suffered as I've hardly used my yacht in the past year.
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First thing I'd do is find a yacht club that has 'gentlemans' mid week racing. A lot of clubs around me have this in the summer, very relaxing and no fuss, plus it keeps the weekend free. It seems like such a shame to have a yacht not being used!

You've already got plenty of good advice re: photography, I've got nothing more to add here!
 
When it happened to me (>2 year hiatus) I just picked up my old gear and started shooting without any purpose, the love has been rekindled. :)
 
Listen to music.
Read something that interests you.
Look at paintings, sculpture.
Don't over think it.
 
What a pleasure to read such creative, supportive and positive responses with no trolling or negativity. Makes me feel proud to be a member of this forum.

Most of what I would recommend has already been provided but wanted to accentuate the positive messages.

ft
 
kgb144 said:
What a pleasure to read such creative, supportive and positive responses with no trolling or negativity. Makes me feel proud to be a member of this forum.

Most of what I would recommend has already been provided but wanted to accentuate the positive messages.

ft
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How true, and appreciated.

I am doing some of the things suggested, particularly looking back at photos I've taken. I've just bought a new property (which is another reason for being busy) and this is giving me a reason to look through my archive and select specific photos to be printed and framed to go on the walls. This has certainly been satisfying.

NB just to put things in perspective from an earlier comment, my yacht is a 30 yr old 24ft boat, which cost somewhat closer to a summicron than a summilux when I bought it six years ago. It's not a gin palace, but I love it.
 
Picasso used to say that the work changed when the women changed. Careful with that, though. His last years, and much of the work therein, could be considered a study in dissipation. Could be. I've been looking at it for years, nearly forty, and I can't bring myself to make the generalization.
 
What other interests do you have? Can you do a photo project around a hobby? Is there an issue that attracts you? Maybe an environmental issue you document. Projects that require you to use the camera can inspire you to make other photos.
 
Yesterday I shot 200+ photos, today I went there and the heat and humidity was too strong, I just didn't feel like taking any photos so I returned without taking many photos.

What I'm saying is if you don't feel like taking photos, don't take photos. You cannot force yourself to take photos.
 
Carry cams wherever you go and shoot. Get some projects going and shoot. I seldom shoot anymore unless it is a project. Even so, I got a 2 year backlog to look through.
 
I'm actually dealing with the same "issue" right now. I haven't felt a need to photograph anything for over 3 months.
Just yesterday I powered on my DSLR just to make sure it was still working but that's it.

My film Ms are just sitting there in my cabinet... All that glass just sitting there doing nothing...

Kind of sad but I've been dealing with health issues that are taking a toll but I'm getting there. At least I'm not getting worse now.
It's mid Winter in Australia and that's never nice. I much prefer Summer.

So fingers crossed. I'm expecting a change soon.

Just keep going and don't punish yourself.
 
Same here, starting a business is one thing, growing it to sustainability is (or "feels like") 10x harder.

I hardly have time to stop and rest, let alone to take pictures and darkroom printing.

But... I did break the spell.

Last month I forced myself to stuff a roll into my M4-P and went out on a mission, which results in 24 amazingly-perfect... duds.

Not to be daunted, I picked myself up, brush away the dust off my pants, and I stuffed another roll, this time into my Maxxum 9. And...

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I really miss shooting ... and film grain! :)
 
Get in your car drive 50 miles in any direction. Load your camera, take a roll. Come home develop it. The next day scan the negatives, and then go through each image and really try to make it your best shot. Look at them and figure what you did wrong on each one. Repeat above until you think you have something excellent.

I've never done anything that I couldn't improve on so that keeps me going. Going not for anybody but for myself.
 
grouchos_tash said:
I started taking much more photos when I switched back to developing my own films, mainly because it was cheaper and I enjoyed the process. Maybe you could focus on a project or particular theme.
Gary
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Me too. I hadn't developed my own film in 3+ years. Last weekend, i processed 10 rolls, and set things up so that my chemistry and tools are always available/handy. Those two things alone have given me a bit of a rejuvenation and some inspiration.

As Gary says, as well, it might help to think about it as a project. Make it a goal to shoot and put together a small Blurb book, on one particular subject. Doesn't have to be a Magnum-level effort. But, the single goal and being able to visualize a finished product at the end might be a nice shot in the arm.

Maybe try a new format? You said you didn't want to buy any new gear, but maybe spend a teeny bit on a Holga and try a more relaxed attitude?
 
For me.. When I get this way..there seems to be a couple of ways to get me out of my funk. But one thing for sure, I put that camera away for a while before I try any of these two things that so far has worked for me. Sometimes it's a week, other times it's been more like a month or two.

- I find looking at my prints from the past Helps, where looking at that same image from a computer screen just doesn't feel the same. It must be psychological, not sure.. Probably just me.

- Going someplace different, bring a camera, don't force yourself to take pictures, take a walk around, if it comes to u it comes, if it doesn't, well there will be other days.

This year I went through this myself for about two months. The longest ever was two and half years..about 12 years ago. Through all that time, I never sold my cameras, just stored them away knowing I would come back one day when it felt right.

Don't worry about it, just enjoy other things in your life for awhile.
Gsry
 
During a slump I try to improve on other aspects of the craft such as making prints.
 
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