stale: I am just a photo hobbiest. Don't charge and don't really shoot for anything other than my own pleasure. I like to shoot architecture, old buildings, old rusty things, i like...

Effjayess Loc: NE,Pennsylvania

I am just a photo hobbiest. Don't charge and don't really shoot for anything other than my own pleasure. I like to shoot architecture, old buildings, old rusty things, i like street photography, cars, not really into wildlife,landscapes or birds. My question to all you UHHers is, Do you ever get stale or in a slump where you just don't know what to shoot. And what do you do to get you creative juices flowing again. Curious to know what you guys do.

rpavich Loc: West Virginia

Effjayess wrote:

I am just a photo hobbiest. Don't charge and don't really shoot for anything other than my own pleasure. I like to shoot architecture, old buildings, old rusty things, i like street photography, cars, not really into wildlife,landscapes or birds. My question to all you UHHers is, Do you ever get stale or in a slump where you just don't know what to shoot. And what do you do to get you creative juices flowing again. Curious to know what you guys do.

I hear ya. :)

When I need to take pictures and don't feel like it I create assignments; Bryan Peterson has a few videos on youtube and they are good fodder for this.

One is: Letters of the alphabet.

Go out and start with A, and go to Z...not allowing yourself to take anything but letters of the alphabet in order.

Another thing that is interesting is that you can use those alphabet shots (cropped tightly) to make personalized things for your friends...

Check Bryan Peterson alphabet on youtube.

Effjayess Loc: NE,Pennsylvania

Thanks rpavich,sounds like a good plan I might try it this weekend. Im glad to hear I am not the only one that has this problem once in a while. Looking forward to the mix of suggestions

Festina Lente Loc: Florida & Missouri

Effjayess wrote:

I am just a photo hobbiest. Don't charge and don't really shoot for anything other than my own pleasure. I like to shoot architecture, old buildings, old rusty things, i like street photography, cars, not really into wildlife,landscapes or birds. My question to all you UHHers is, Do you ever get stale or in a slump where you just don't know what to shoot. And what do you do to get you creative juices flowing again. Curious to know what you guys do.

Happens a lot when in my home court or a familiar location.
I try hooking up with other photographers and we go to a local location together, and then compare what we shot and how. It never ceases to amaze me what a fellow photography enthusiast sees and shoots when we are both within 50 feet of each other. That always gets my juices flowing because it opens new perspectives and techniques to me.
So often I see a scene and I find that I already have a "formula" burned in my brain as to how to capture it. We all become programmed that way over time. (Most opportunities look like nails when you have a hammer.)
When someone else sees the same thing so differently than I do, it opens up all kinds of possibilities for me elsewhere.
Besides it's fun, and that's what this passion is all about!

Effjayess Loc: NE,Pennsylvania

I feel the same way, thats why I belong to a photo club. When they go out on organized trips it puts you in a diffrent prspective. Sometime though I get bummed when I see just how good I am not when I see the other members shots, but thats how you learn. thanks for your input.

PrairieSeasons Loc: Red River of the North

I subscribe to Darren Rowse's newsletter at http://digital-photography-school.com . He sends out the letter each Thursday with tips and tutorials. Each week includes an "assignment" (yesterday's was 'Black and White Portraits').

Even if I don't take shots of the assignment, it usually gets me off of stale if I am there. I also save all of the newsletters and periodically review and shoot past assignments.

Effjayess Loc: NE,Pennsylvania

I do subscribe to that . Thanks to all of you fellow UHHers for,taking time out to talk to the new guy

jdtx Loc: SA, Tx.

it happens to most everyone in most any creative situation, you have heard of writers block etc..usually I browse the internet and find something unusual that appeals to me and have a go at it, shooting with someone else also helps as mentioned above..good luck

bigmare

I know exactly what you are talking about. I just take a break and don't try to force a good photo. Be patient, the creativity will be back sooner than you think when you least expect it. Just keep your eyes open. Good luck.

AUminer Loc: Brandon, Ms

I really like nature and macro and when I get in a rut or a slump, I go for a long walkor drive without my camera. This almost always leads to me seeing many things I would like to shoot. I then have to just mentally frame the shot and kick myself for not having my camera. Next day I am back at it with camera in hand and dreams of being the next Ansel Adams.

Max Kurz Loc: Newark, De

I ALWAYS have a camera with me, you never know when that " once in a blue moon" opportunity may come up !

bvm Loc: Glendale, Arizona

I, like you shoot for my own pleasure. I go to as many rodeos, pow-wows, festivals etc., cultural events. When i feel a little burnt out I go to the net and look up different sites and see what others are doing.
Last night I went to a site called "light stalking". They send me e-mails all the time. They had a section on water, water drops etc.
I viewed all the images and said "I'd like to try that." Here in AZ it getting hot, already 111 degrees at 2PM, I decided it would be a great project and see what I can do. The possibilities are unlimited. I've always loved Macro, so it fits right in.
I always have a camera with me looking for that shot that's different. There are times where I won't shoot anything and then, Voila, there's a great shot.

And always remember, you are recording history, don't you love to look at old photos, somebody took them.

Effjayess Loc: NE,Pennsylvania

Thanks for all input, boy I really started a wild,fire here, glad to know I am not the only one. I read in a book one time to just shoot all day with only one lens, and not a typical walk around lens. For ex. A 70-300 only all day or a 50mm prime all day, the suggegestionwas that you will surprise yourself with some really great stuff. Did anyone ever try tha?

danielle_andrassy Loc: Ontario, Canada

I do the same thing i.e. create an assigment for myself: a theme, a color or restrict myself to one lens only for a week or so etc... If you need ideas go to the weekly assignment at DPS (Digital Photography School). Just Google it and check their assigments.