mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

I don't give out compliments on the work of others easily. Much of what is posted here is mediocre at best. However I just took the opportunity to view many of your images and they were quite good, and some were truly exceptional by almost any standard. Besides seeing beyond the obvious you add whimsy to many of your images. Your focus on shape, line, texture and contrast has to allowed you to create images that most people here are incapable of matching. You have an artists eye and unfortunately an artists self deprecating temperament. Do not give up!!!

NCMtnMan Loc: N. Fork New River, Ashe Co., NC

I'm going to sound a bit harsh here, and I don't mean this in an uncaring way. Stop feeling sorry about yourself. What is it that you don't like about your photography? What is it that you are looking for that isn't there? Are your expectations unrealistic? Anyone who is good at anything didn't just wake up one morning and was good. I also do woodworking as a hobby. I have been doing this for many years. As part of that I do wood turning and carving. I visited a gentleman's shop whose work I greatly admire. He was carving a really beautiful bird at the time. I commented on how much I wished my carving was that good. He pointed to a big bin at the back of the shop and said when I've filled up one that size I will be getting better. I walked over to see what he was meaning and saw that it was almost full of his failures. I asked him why he kept them. He replied that it was a reminder to him that here is no perfect artist or craftsman. Just ones that try to learn from their mistakes and keep trying. Ever so often, they get it right.

So, keep taking photos and trying to learn from what you view as your mistakes. It matters not what others think of your work because some will like it and some won't. You're doing what you're doing for your enjoyment. So, enjoy the process. The successes will come.

mizzee Loc: Boston,Ma

I find that when I go on a photowalks with friends or through my wonderful local camera store, Hunt’s, I get recharged. For me, it’s an opportunity to geek out with other photographers, share ideas, finds, etc. Dont give up, reach out and connect!

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Sounds like a variation of "writer's block".
I think many of us have it at some point to a varying extent, but no one really talks about it. For some it doesn't last long, for others it may hit harder and take a little longer to get over. Talking to other photographers may help.
Sometimes I'll go somewhere and see "nothing", failing to look a different way and try to make something out of nothing.
It happens.
There are many images posted here that are "WOW", and we look at some of ours and go "eh". But remember, they have had opportunities that you may not, and vice-versa. Yes, we are more critical of our work than others. I have images that I think are really just okay, and many others go wow! Sometimes we make an image thinking it is great, but it does not get the same response from others. It happens.

I have a friend in Maine that I gave him (and his wife) a link to some images of Maine. I told him to pick a couple that he liked and I would print them for him. (They own a cottage rental business near Bar Harbor.) Now these people live there year round and can see this stuff anytime they want. I waited a couple of days and asked if he found anything he liked. His reply: "I LIKED all of them, LOVE a lot of them." He wound up picking SIX. I sent 8x12s mounted in 11x14 mats. He said they will be hanging them in the rental office. I was very surprised at his first comment as I was not expecting it.
Things like that help boost your creativity and desire to shoot more, and of course, ego.

I shoot everything for myself, mainly for the memory of places, and yes, to hang some on the walls. I too occasionally wind up with "photographer's block", but it goes away. Maybe try new places or a totally different approach to old places? You might surprise yourself!

WarpedWeaver

Maybe you could research and begin a special photo project just for you? Suggestions: One location over all 4 seasons, macro (as was suggested before), street photography, etc. I have found that by going outside my comfort zone sometimes gets me over the "hump".

scatman Loc: Waterbury, CT

Want to put the lack of confidence in your photography into perspective? Take up golf.

gvarner Loc: Central Oregon Coast

I watched a video about working the scene, moving around, try various compositions, etcetera etcetera. It works pretty well for me. Gets me out of the snap shooter mode. I wandered around a local park one afternoon looking for things to photograph. I noticed the tops on a string of weathered posts and began shooting as many as I could get to. I ended up with a nice edited collection of about 30 shots that I put into a photo show using Pro Show and added accompanying music. It turned out great. So I guess what I’m saying is that it’s not entirely just the shot but what you’re gonna do with it that needs to be considered. Happy shooting.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

HELL, post away my friend. What could possibly go wrong. And, I believe you would be better for it. Try it, you'll like it.

StanMac Loc: Tennessee

Ian, the images you’ve posted are some of the best I’ve seen on this forum and are of the artistic level that many of us aspire to attain. Maybe your muse has taken a respite and will return in time. The suggestion to associate with others of like interest could rekindle your artistic drive.

Stan

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

If others can do it surely you can do it too. A refreshing course or a good workshop could be all you need to make your creativity flow again. What about joining a group like a camera club? Good company and plenty of opportunities to learn something new and shoot.
Photography is a beautiful hobby. If you have the abilities to work with a good editor do not let the opportunity pass.
Life is short!

BebuLamar

Don't do any work! Keep making the photographs for the fun of it.

frankraney Loc: Clovis, Ca.

From you on a previous post....
"Oh the joy of digital!! if I have 200 fails... it doesn't mean a thing.... it has always been about that one shot that stands out above the rest for me.
With this knowledge now.... maybe there will be a lot more keepers. We will see. :)l"

Remember those words? Those are from a man that loves photography. We all have been where you are. DO NOT GIVE UP, but instead, shoot more.

Good luck.......

Papa Joe Loc: Midwest U.S.

I have been snapping photos since the late 1930's and can't count the times I've gone through 'dry spells' such as you describe. I've learned over the years to learn from others' examples, but not to judge MY work by theirs. I try just to compete against my own work. When the 'spirit' hits me, I brush the dust from my camera again and play. I may get something that pleases me or I may not but that's the cycle I've observed most of my life. Hopefully, when the 'urge' shows itself, you'll do the same. Maybe just recording events or items will inspire something more. Good luck to you.

joer Loc: Colorado/Illinois

The way to build confidence is by posting. Most people will look and not reply. Of those that will reply almost all will be positive (regardless of the quality of the work), and an occasional critical review or negative response. When I get a negative I factor in the poster's own work, if available. As often as not the negative people will have inflated opinions of their own abilities (google Dunning-Kruger Effect). Criticism should be welcomed if given constructively.

Just remember you can't please everyone regardless of how good the work is. I look back at my posts and cringe at some. But that's what its all about...progress.

saxman71 Loc: Wenatchee

Hello Ian in Seattle. A few suggestions/thoughts for you from another Seattleite. Please forgive me if these are all spots you have already explored, but I did not see such evidence when looking through some of your images. And since I don't know your current situation (health, mobility, etc) these ideas may or may not be practical. But here goes: During the winter on those infrequent nice days, drive up to Fir Island in Skagit County and see the thousands of snow geese that gather in the fields. When they all take off together it is quite a sight and a great photo opportunity. Check out the Volunteer Park Conservatory. The plants are always changing and you can get great flower/plant shots there. I love walking around Fisherman's Terminal in the winter, especially on a foggy day. Lots of interesting things to see and photograph there. The Union Bay Natural Area just east of the UW campus has been good to me throughout the years for bird photography. If you go to some of these spots you may run into me. Go someplace new. Photograph some different things. Expand your vision. Best of luck. Hope to bump into you someday.