How To Stay Creative As a Photographer
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Remember the time when you had to write essays for school or college and sat in front of this blank page, feeling overwhelmed because you didn’t know where to start? It feels like this intangible knot that you try so hard to untie but. just. can’t. Fast forward:
You're a photographer now and you find yourself in that same type of situation. You see all these other content creators sharing their photos or promoting their businesses day by day, and you ask yourself, "Why can't this be me?" You start to feel less encouraged because you're measuring your creativity against others, and it becomes a vicious cycle.
This post to the rescue - here are 5 tips that help me every time!
1. Stop Being Creative
This one is crucial. Except for number 2, all of my other tips involve some form of distraction. And yes, this approach is indeed effective. If you keep pushing for creativity when it just doesn’t want to happen, you're likely to experience negative side effects, and worst of all, you won’t get that creativity that you so dearly need at the moment - constant stress and self-criticism can and will reduce your motivation and creativity.
Instead of forcefully trying to be creative, allow yourself the freedom to explore, experiment, and let ideas flow naturally. I'll discuss this more in tips number 3, 4, and 5.
Sometimes the best you can do is to put. that. camera. down.
2. Say It Out Loud
There’s nothing wrong with talking to someone. Once you start opening up, especially to other photographers or someone in your field, I guarantee you'll see you're not alone. We all go through it; knowing that others have felt the same can relieve some of the stress you’re currently experiencing. Sometimes you might be surprised by who among the people you know actually goes through the same! I'll bet you that no creative out there hasn’t had these types of feelings at one point or another.
Opening up to someone like-minded can open doors
3. Try Something Different
Perhaps you have a clear vision of your goals and where you want to be. But if you're struggling to find the path forward, try something entirely different. I've found myself becoming more productive when I temporarily set aside my main objectives. For example, take a leisurely walk for more than 30 minutes and let your thoughts wander freely, or engage in a creative project unrelated to your usual work. Once you stop pushing for the obvious, you will most likely untangle the knot that hinders your creativity.
Going outside - so simple yet so effective
4. Break Boundaries - Photography Beyond Your Norm
This is similar to number 3 but involves your camera. If you’re a landscape photographer, try something different. Set a new goal: take photos of your neighborhood instead of grand views, or focus on different subjects like animals or people. This can reignite your enthusiasm for your actual field of interest and give you new perspectives. Studying other areas is always beneficial for gaining a broader range of knowledge and again: it will take your mind off of your actual goal – at least for the moment.
Switched up my perspective and shot some landscapes again
5. Find Local Organizations, Exhibitions, Events
If nothing helps, this always works for me. When I transitioned from hobbyist to professional, I sat in front of that blank page I was initially talking about - not knowing where to start. I’ve done a ton of research in the beginning on where and how to start. During my research I found many organizations, like the Colorado Photographic Arts Center (CPAC), that host monthly events to learn, network, and share photos. Engaging with such communities can provide inspiration and motivation.
I took this photo as part of a change of field and perspective through organizations like CPAC
As you continue your creative journey, remember to explore new paths and techniques. These tips can help you break through blocks and find fresh inspiration. Have you tried any of these already? I would absolutely love to hear from your experience — let's inspire each other and leave a comment!