jburlinson Loc: Austin, TX

Photographically speaking, I'm in the doldrums. I haven't taken any pictures in quite a long while. I haven't even done any processing of my vintage images. No lightroom. No photoshop. No Topaz.

Do you ever get in the doldrums? If so, what do you do to get out of them?

cliff Hilbert Loc: Plano, TX

When I get in the doldrums I go to Ouray, Colorado. If you can’t go there go a few miles from Austin to Friedricksburg, New Braunfels, Medina, Uvalde , Comfort or anywhere in the Hill Country.

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I put off most of my PP while I gather images for personal expresion. Then, when not having much or any reason to use the cameras, I can get to doing the PP for my backlog of images.

JohnSwanda Loc: San Francisco

Maybe a new piece of equipment that gives you capabilities you haven't had before.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

I'm in a small group on flickr called "Compositionally Challenged." They give us a theme to shoot every week. I've also been in and out on Facebook's "Create 52" which did similar, but provided the list a year in advance

Heading out with a theme, whether specific, general or conceptual, has been a great motivator for me. I am constantly seeing old stuff in new ways.

https://www.flickr.com/groups/compositionallychallenged/discuss/

This is a closed group, requiring approval to join:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/327777904493968

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bikinkawboy Loc: north central Missouri

Looking at the work on this site should give you some ideas.

Curmudgeon Loc: SE Arizona

I just do something else until the urge comes back. So far it always has. Staying active on UHH also helps

jim quist Loc: Missouri

I just wait it out and after a while some subject will inspire me

RodeoMan Loc: St Joseph, Missouri

I find that when I am in the doldrums involving photography, I'm there generally in other areas of my life I would suggest that you do something out of your normal routine. Was it Cliff that suggested you visit some of places around where you live? I think that is a good idea, but don't do it as a photographic outing. I don't know your marriage and family status, but go with someone, explore some interesting sites, have a good meal with good conversation. In other words, get recharged. Of course have your camera with you because thats what good photographers do. I wish you the best. I've never been to the Texas hill country, but someday would like to visit.

jburlinson Loc: Austin, TX

Excellent idea! I just signed up -- and can feel my pulse rate starting to accelerate already. Thanks.

larryepage Loc: North Texas area

Photography is neither punishment nor an initiation to anything. If you find your interest moving to other areas, let it go there. It will come back. Forced effort is likely to result in a bunch of minimally interesting photographs that will serve to feed your disinterest and discouragement. Pursuing other interests for a while might just open other areas of photography or interest that are even more rewarding.

dennis2146 Loc: Eastern Idaho

Not often but occasionally I simply could not find anything I wanted to take a picture of. But then a friend suggested going smaller. Years ago when I joined UHH I found the macro site which was headed up by Douglass Moody at the time and really got into it. My first few months were simply disastrous. I thought I could never take a macro photo of an insect, static object or anything. He kept telling me, and others, practice, practice, practice. Now I am pretty good at it. Then I went after photographing birds. I am pretty good at that most of the time too.

The wife of one of my best friends, a retired professional photographer, passed away a few years ago. He was simply beside himself with nothing to do, nothing he wanted to do. I suggested he join a few people to photograph birds in the Southern California area. His longtime photo skills helped him take exquisite bird photos. At this time the birds in that area are somewhat gone for a while at least. I suggested he take up macro photography of spiders etc. For a few weeks he said he could not find any spiders to photograph. I went to his house and we walked around his yard. It is amazing how many insects and other tiny creatures are all around us when we know how to look. Now he takes some of the best photos of jumpers I have ever seen. He has not picked up on flowers yet but may at some point.

My point is this. When you can't find something to shoot, take a look at what is around you. I guarantee there are all sorts of things to shoot if you look for them. Open up your areas of photography and branch out. You might be surprised at what you find. Good luck.

Dennis

Bill_de Loc: US

I spend more time working on my lawns and gardens. Eventually a distraction will show up.
Always keep a camera handy.


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

When I am behind the camera I come alive. Sorry, doldrums have never effected me. Too little time left to have them. Get out and play!!!!!!!!!!!!!

kmielen Loc: Eastern NC

I subscribe to a local daily news feed that lists many events going on in my community. Some of these can make great photo ops and are my incentive to plan and execute a shoot. Members in my photo club also identify 5-6 events per month that we use as informal gatherings to shoot, things like, car shows, festivals, parks, art-walks, etc.