About photographers block.
Ever find yourself staring blankly at your camera, waiting for that spark of divine inspiration to hit you? Welcome to the club—the dreaded photographers' block club, that is. It's that frustrating phase where every photographer, no matter how seasoned, finds themselves at one point or another. In this post, we'll explore why taking action can often be far more productive than waiting for that elusive muse to appear.
Understanding photographer's block.
Photographers' block is like that annoying party guest who just won't leave; it overstays its welcome and drains your energy. But what exactly triggers this uninvited guest? It could be the fear of not creating anything new or exciting, the pressure of living up to past successes, or simply feeling overwhelmed by too many choices. Symptoms often include a lack of motivation, feeling uninspired, and repeatedly scrolling through Instagram comparing your work to others'.
The psychology behind this block is pretty interesting. Waiting for inspiration is a bit like hoping to win the lottery. It might happen, but hey, it probably won't. This passive approach can really mess with your head, making you feel like you're not in control of your creativity. You are though.
The role of urges and motivation.
Let's talk about urges. Not the kind you have to eat a whole tub of ice cream, but the kind that nudges you to create something, anything. These urges are your built-in motivators. They're powerful, and when harnessed, they can push you past those creative droughts. Unlike inspiration, which can be as fleeting as a Snapchat story, urges are deeply rooted in your desires to express and connect. Thinking about creativity this way—as something that comes from a primal need rather than a divine intervention—can be a game-changer.
Action over inspiration.
So, how do real photographers deal with this block? They simply get to work. It's not about grand gestures or perfect conditions; it's about doing something—anything—that gets the ball rolling. Take a photo of your breakfast, shoot a 30-second video of your street at night, or just mess around with camera settings. It doesn't have to be perfect. In fact, it shouldn't be.
Here are a few tips to kick-start your camera engines:
Set Small Goals: Today, take five photos. Tomorrow, another five. Keep it simple.
Change Your Environment: Sometimes a change of scenery can spark creativity. Head to a new location or rearrange your workspace.
Embrace Imperfection: Some of the best art comes from mistakes. Allow yourself to make them.
Routine can also be your ally. It might sound boring, but having a routine can free your mind from the 'what' and 'when,' letting you focus more on the 'how.'
Broadening the horizon.
Stepping out of your comfort zone is another fantastic way to smash through creative blocks. Try new genres of photography, collaborate with artists in other fields, or join a photography challenge online. Even just talking to someone from a different walk of life can provide new perspectives that light up your creative spark.
Here are a couple of exercises to try:
Perspective Shift: Take photos from unusual angles or use settings you normally avoid.
Photo Story: Choose an object and tell its story through a series of images from different contexts.
Conclusion.
Remember, the journey of creativity isn't a sprint; it's more of a scenic route. Waiting for the perfect moment of inspiration can mean missing out on great opportunities to grow and create. So grab your camera, start taking action, and let the process itself become your inspiration. You're not alone in this—every photographer goes through ups and downs. Keep pushing, keep shooting, and let the creativity spark itself! Here's to finding inspiration in the doing, not the waiting.
This post was written experimentally with the help of Chat GPT.
