Cavik

Iankahler - OK so I might have an idea for you to try. I am new to DSLR photography and overwhelmed by how much there is to learn. These last couple months have been exciting but also intimidating with the learning curve involved and like you I am a little disappointed in the results of my shots but here is the thing - To overcome this disappointment I decided I needed to chabge the my approach to this great hobby. My new approach? Do a Google search for "creative photograph" and look to see what others are doing. When you find a pic that has a theme or type of shot you really like take out your camera and try to duplicate that "type" of shot. This way I can concentrate on one style of pic instead of doing a shotgun effort trying to learn everything at once. With all my effort on one particular style (currently checking out perspective shots) I can concentrate on learning one style but it also gives me inspiration by seeing what others have already done. Look on Google and find something that piques your interest then chase it!

via the lens Loc: Northern California, near Yosemite NP

Have you considered getting a professional photographer to view your photos and to give you some critical feedback from their perspective? This may give you some direction to head in your quest to improve. Also, my advice, start again by chunking off pieces to learn. For example, if you have not photo-ed moving subjects start learning how to do just that and stick with it until you have succeeded. And, if you are not happy with your images from an artistic point of view, then begin to study the great photographers from the past and from the present and view their work from a teaching perspective, take an art class to learn more about the artistic side of image development, read up on color and composition. All of these things will help you learn more and to improve as you take photographs. It often takes years to improve to a point that you are satisfied with your work. Even today, after eight years and a lot of knowledge gained, I'll pick up the camera and take some shots, look at them, and then ask myself, "Connie, have you ever taken a photography before?" And then I laugh and try again. Do not give up, just keep on trying if you love the craft.

cambriaman Loc: Central CA Coast

Perhaps a road trip with your camera and a focus on scenes that would make good paintings would help you break out of your malaise.
We all experience the emotions you describe from time to time.
Experimentation with new approaches to imaging like a fish-eye lens or a super wide lens might incite a new level of enthusiasm.
My now-gone Father-In-Law followed his muse in that way as well as using some of my scenic images to paint.
A trip to Bryce or The Grand Canyon might inspire you.

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

Judging by a review of many of the pictures he's already posted it's clear to me the OP is already an accomplished photographer with a wonderful eye for composition. I think he's just in a temporary creative funk.

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

Have you looked at a lot of his photographs? He could teach most people here a thing or two about composition and the use of light.

jrh1354 Loc: Dayton, Ohio

Sounds familiar. I, too, experienced that (and still do most of the time). Doctor diagnosed depression. Since cause is external, there's not much I can do about it. Your telling about getting the camera out and looking at it - then putting it away without using it is spot on. I've got a brand new D7000 with the 18-140mm lens. It's a great combo and I should be using it. I hear the same voices telling me I'm never going to produce the level of work I see presented here or in the Nat Geo and similar sites - so why bother! It's frustrating. Since I have no control over the things that are putting me in a depressive state of mind, I do nothing. Suggest you see your doctor about your problems. He may be able to help.

Cheers - JRH

via the lens Loc: Northern California, near Yosemite NP

NO, I have not, but it is often helpful to hear from other more experience photographers what they think if we are stuck in some way. It can get us moving along, which is what he appears to need. Even discussing his work with a small group of like friends could be helpful as each of us sees the world a little differently.

nadelewitz Loc: Ithaca NY

Are you this depressed in other aspects of your life?

AirWalter Loc: Tipp City, Ohio

It really is none of My business, but I do the same thing now with all of My hobbies. Are You suffering with any kind of depression? When I read what You said about getting Your camera out, looking at it for awhile, and then putting it back in the bag I immediately thought that sounded just like Me. I have been depressed since May 2, 2015 when My Wife passed away. I was just getting used to the idea earlier this year of being a widower, and I lost the best pet companion I had ever had in My 75 years of life which dumped Me right back into severe depression. This was the first thing that I thought of when I read Your first post. I hope You are not in a situation like this, because I have no idea how to get past it myself. I do know that the first step is to admit that You are depressed and to try and find some professional help. Good luck to You My friend.

nadelewitz Loc: Ithaca NY

I was quickly diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder fifteen years ago after being referred to a psychiatrist. Received varying meds and "therapy" from him for twelve years, with all kinds on bad side effects and varying improvement in behavior. Found another therapist specializing in BP disorder who helped me a lot, started questioning my diagnosis and led me to another psychiatrist who just as quickly determined that the original diagnosis was not correct, and gradually weaned me off the evil meds. The right therapy from a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, has made me a new man.

My whole point is, you have to find the RIGHT treatment for mood disorders, which could involve psychiatry and SEPARATE therapy. DO NOT get meds and therapy from the same person. Psychiatrists are best for drug management if they are needed at all. A mental health professional is best for the therapy part.

Iankahler Loc: Seattle WA

Well.... jeeze… being a smart butt I usually always have an answer but on this occasion I am lost for what to say. Many of you have responded with solid and logical suggestions/ideas.
I was initially intending to just sound off with my frustration, and then just move on, and we would all get back to business as usual.
I AM going through a process with my life right now, I feel like I am at a crossroads, and I need to make intelligent productive decisions. At the very least I do come here often to study the visions and perspectives to be found here. I did not expect supportive honest opinion to follow my post. Like I said I was just shoving my head in a cushion and screaming like a Banshee.
I will cautiously admit that your replies have, in a manner of speaking, encouraged me to pause and think before I drop off the edge of the artistic world. Since you all spoke up so honestly, I will put the cushion down for now and re-examine my artistic desires along with the other decisions I have to make at this time.

Thank you for your interest and support.

Ian

Photocraig

How about a simple self assignment. Very basic like take the best image of a rock--ANY rock, just not every rock. (Substitute Red Barn, Green House, Wind Mill or whatever). Use different light, shadow, color, selective focus etc. Hit it every way there is, so you thought day 1. Then do it again and again. Find ways to pinpoint your disappointment and ways to correct it OR debunk it. It is possible to be disappointed in a perfect photograph--if it is your own. Then, as Gary Coleman used to say, "Get over your bad self!"

Been there and had multiple years of non photography. You'll be back.................................
C

Vince68 Loc: Wappingers Falls, NY

Your photos look pretty good to me. Why the negativity towards your work? Keep shooting and posting, don't quit. The more you shoot, the better your images.

Murray Loc: New Westminster

The last time I felt that, I took (another) photography class at night in our community. It did suggest some new directions that got me over the “dumps”.

Rickoshay Loc: Southern California

Yep. That’ll do it.