Have you ever been in a creative rut? Or other creative block? I was definitely in a photography downer late summer. A slump.
If it’s happened to you, or you’re in the throes of one, this blog’s for you! We’re here to get you out of it!
We live in a scenic and awesome area, with nature around us. Yet, the energy level for shooting just didn’t feel the same.
Nine months ago, I was taking about global travel. Today, well here we are.
Awareness of the Creative Rut
I don’t think I realized how our current state impacted me mentally or creatively. That is, until we decided to take a quick few days and explore some new territory for us.
At the last minute, my hubby and I said ‘game on’ to driving up to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Our plans? Hiking, running, exploring. And, naturally, photography.
Our experiences, outcomes and awesome memories continue to surprise us both weeks after our return. I always say that travel enriches the spirit. In this case, travel revitalized our spirits and my work. Looking back, there were clear signs I was out of my normal groove.
Signs of a Creative Rut
Sadly for my hubby, I don’t need an alarm clock when it comes to rising and shining. Bring on the sunrise, the light, the colors. When the light shifts to early, early dawn I’m awake.
While pretending to sleep, my mind wanders. Thoughts of ‘what’s the light doing right now’, ‘what does TPE (The Photographer’s Ephemeris) say about the sunrise’, ‘what does our personal outdoor weather station say’ dance the like hustle in my head.
That stopped. Well, dwindled a bit. Looking back, the list below reflects my creative rut signs. In talking with a few photography friends, they agreed and added a couple to the list below.
Tell Tale Signs – My Top 3
- What motivated me to get up in the mornings didn’t! In August, my routine shifted to sleeping in.
- Instagram and Facebook feeds irritate versus inspire. My impressions of other photographers work were similar to a) here’s another shot of a sunrise at the same location or b) that’s so awesome, I’ll never be able to be that good or c) self-anger that I’m not out there.
- Having the optimal lens and tools and not using them. While I’m a believer that the best lens is the one in your hands, if you have a better tool at your disposal, use it. Live example: When the light calls for a neutral density filter and you’re not motivated to go back to your car and get it? Ouch! That’s one ugly creative rut with a way over exposed sky!
Other Signs
- While out shooting, my feet remain stagnate. Instead of moving around (a lot) to find the best angle for the lens on my camera, I took a few snaps and moved on. Robotic, not inspiring.
- Not trying any new post processing techniques. Seriously, between Lightroom, Photoshop, Topaz – I use best in class editing tools. Yet, my processing of images with these tools took a quick, ‘get it done’ vs caring about the details. My thirst of learning declined.
- Returning to the same places and shooting the same subject. Arg! Yes, there’s benefits in returning and photographing the same subjects. That is, if you’re seeing creatively. Finding new angles, shadows, use of light. In this case, it was going to familiar locations and leaving with very little diverse content or nothing at all.
- Reliance on the light versus the total creative process. Instead of exploring subjects at varying times of day, time narrowed to prime ‘light’ times only. Golden hour, blue hour. This also equates to less time behind the camera.
- Not giving myself time to fall in love with the moment. When I’m behind the lens, my best work happens with connection. A love of the color, the light, the mood. That’s not always a love at first sight situation.
“A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions.”
Oliver Wendall Holmes
Travel: Escape from the Creative Rut
How does travel improve your photography? Something happens when you get away from the routine. We’re more likely to:
- Relax
- Move to a present, in the moment, state of mind
- Open our eyes to possibilities
- Keep our camera in our hands versus the camera bag (or worse, at home!)
- Explore
- Get Lost in the moment
Now that You’re On the Road, Remember:
You Don’t Have to Go Far: Our drive from Northport, Michigan to our starting point in the UP (Upper Peninsula) is about four hours. Along the drive? In addition to brilliant fall colors, new sights and ideas emerged. Within two hours, energy levels elevate and the shooting bug takes over.
There’s No Set Agenda: Instead of a timed travel agenda with specific sights, we opted for a freedom ride. No set schedule. We drove dirt roads and interesting side streets appearing out of nowhere. We stopped at campgrounds to look for potential places to camp when we return next year. (see my last blog: Buying a Small Camper for Lifetime Adventures: Photography Travel Journal).
The creative rut starts to disappear.
You Can Always Turn Around: When you see a moment stop. If you pass a site and there was something about it? Turn around and go back. Some of my favorite shots are the ones I safely executed a U-turn for. If it catches your eye, give it a whirl. So what if it doesn’t turn out! Exploring, shooting new subjects elevates our creative juices.
Shoot Video Too: As much as I though I was a photography-only purist, there’s a plus in shooting a short video if there’s movement, impact, sounds and colors that pull you in. Replaying videos of special locations is another way to relive the moment.
Walk, Hike, Run – DIVE IN: We’re not about sitting in the car or camper! Embrace the moment, the surroundings. Walk beside (not on!) old railroad tracks, hike the woods, walk or run on the local biking/walking paths that carry you through the local sites. Try opening the senses to what’s around you. Embrace the tourist factor. (For my idea list on outdoor gear, check out my Amazon Page/Storefront Outdoor Idea List)
Take a selfie….of you in your moment: As someone who doesn’t ‘do’ selfies, I did one. It wasn’t a pose and give a smile. Instead, as I looked at the colors, tall trees, I wanted to explore and go deeper into the woods. I put the self timer on (tripod was steady and no wind) and headed into the woods (see Buying a Small Camper for Lifetime Adventures: Photography Travel Journal for image). It’s now one of my favorite photos from the trip and will soon be on my wall.
Take a Break – Even on a photo vacation, a break from our camera does our eyes and senses some good. It’s a-ok to just give it a rest and embrace all that’s around you. It’s also another way of seeing for future photo moments. You can always retrace your steps!
Your Eye, Your Emotion
When subjects capture our attention, there’s a reason. Maybe it was the color, lines, history or just something outside of your norm. When back in post processing, don’t forget to take the same creative liberties with your images that you did in the field.
Getting lost in the travel moments doesn’t have to stop when you return. The renewed mindset taken on vacation works when you’re back at home too.
