gemlenz Loc: Gilbert Arizona

Unfocused, exposure challenged?? I don't know... If you have a smartphone, try taking some snaps with it of random people/things. That may get your creative juices flowing again.

Photoman74 Loc: Conroe Tx

Or he could send all that equipment to me.

:P ;)

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

Where are you? It could help others to suggest places to go near where yo live. "Darwins waiting room" could be someplace like the Galapagos Islands. If you live there, you have no reason to complain that there's nothing to shoot.

ozmerelda Loc: Osprey, FL

I hope you can just keep on shooting, Shooter :lol:
Even blanks are good.

Let something come to you in the process.

Let the feel and touch of the camera inspire you.

DB Loc: Myrtle Beach, SC

Great suggestion, I am having the same problem. Have a brand new D7100 for a week and it's not even out of the box yet... although I have stumbled through the first few pages of the massive manual. Too many other things going on in my life right now to be able to absorb all the changes from my D90. But this challenge sounds a little intriguing... only two obstacles.. none of my pens are ball points, most are felt tip and no china cups, only ceramic lol But what the heck I'll give it a shot.. Come on Fred, we can do this together!

Shutter Bugger

A tripod would come in handy, if you dont have much in the way of bright lighting it gives you the option of long exposures.
:thumbup:

riverlass Loc: northern California

Are you kidding me?
Sounds like you need some inspiration. Take a walk. Take a workshop. Take a "new" look at what you can photograph, where you live. Create an photo. There are no limits. You have great equipment... use it creatively.

Just Fred Loc: Darwin's Waiting Room

I am loving this thread! Even though I started it. :)

A lot of good ideas and suggestions. Keep 'em coming!

Shutter Bugger, thank you for the assignment/challenge. My "day job" may be an inhibitor in getting to your deadline, but I think I'll give it a go, even if just to satisfy my own craving and need for learning.

I may take liberties with your "china cup," though...

DB Loc: Myrtle Beach, SC

Ty for the tripod suggestion... I will have to work on this tonight when I MAKE the time to do it... Can't wait to see what Fred comes up with too......

Shutter Bugger

I've been allowed an "extension" for a Still Life assignment recently, so I guess I can pass the favour on. I can't say if
exceeding the deadline will affect your score though.

;)

artBob Loc: Near Chicago

There is also a "creative plateau," experienced by many kinds of artists. It's a boring place where nothing seems interesting as you plod along, then, suddenly, something cooks up from the subconscious, and off you go again, now in a new direction. Look for it. The slightest little tingle, even if it does not fit into your usual ideas, pursue it!

Papa Joe Loc: Midwest U.S.

So very true!

joer Loc: Colorado/Illinois

I can't provide any useful advice since what works for me is buying a new accessary or software. I get that way often and that is why I have a s**t load of equipment.

NYjoe Loc: US/UK

Hi Fred...I think we all have our creative ups and down. Sometimes I go for months...but eventually get sparked by events or environments and shoot my best stuff!! Here are my suggestions:

1. While your waiting for your mojo to come back home..take out that new Nikon and spend a couple of days shooting anything anywhere to research the ins and outs of your new equipment.
2. Go to new and visually unusual places and just let your mind fog over...just walk around and let the images present themselves. Take the shot even if you think it won't be great. Grease the wheels.
3. Find a good backdrop for your picture.. Then just sit and wait for your subject or circumstance to move into it. No pressure, just zone out and wait.

It's happened several times for me that I have taken some of my best shots directly after a knock down drag out argument with my lovely wife. I wind up walking out of the house and driving to a nearby lake or park or street corner and magically find great shots. Maybe the emotional upheaval breaks me free of the funk that holds captive my creative eye. Anyway...good luck and remember All Things Must Pass.

J.

Billynikon Loc: Atlanta

I took a photo course at my local college and we had to turn stuff in every week. Gets you going. I went to cemetaries, downtown, parks, took aperture priority shots at F2 to watch the blur. Got a great shot of downtown Atlanta that everyone thought looked like NYC,all in the perspective