One of things that really helped in my 25 years of photography is when I really broke down and discovered the "Why" I do photography. I could care less now about contest, approvals on social media, etc. I do photography for myself and only myself. The "Why" for me is actually being out in nature and DOING photography. The smells, sounds in nature, watching the animals, birds, etc. basically the experience outdoors. Then being able to capture those intimate moments in nature with my camera for me is just the cherry on top. I think photographers sometimes put too much pressure on their selves, especially when they are trying to do it for a living. Because now it becomes your job and I think that puts lot's of extra pressures on one's self and would take away some of the joy I get from it.
Be true thyself & your artistic style will show.. I escape everything when I'm doing photography. Why I stay local & only go to to a couple of just alright locations very close to home & depend on some luck, What ever happens , happens. Some days are better than others. If nothing is happening with wildlife (usually birds) , have no problem swithching lenses & shooting some plants & insect close-ups or a landscape if available. For me mostly close-ups rather macro. Every now & then I'll get down to minimum focus distance to achieve a 1:1 photo but usually find it way to shallow on the DOF for my taste.
Competitions are so overrated. I would love to create the images you have. I respect you, Scott, for sharing and taking people under your wing. I endeavor to sit quietly breath and let Contentment settle upon me.
This was a video that needed to be made!! Many of us, if not all, will experience the same feelings as we age and the challenges of later life take over. The most important thought to live by is to enjoy whatever it is that makes you happy. For a photographer, it could be any, and all genres of imaging. Discovery is the key (no pun) to keeping interest piqued.....Such as what you found with macros in your own backyard, I found in landscapes after moving to the mountains of NC. We evolve as photographers....we take on new challenges as we sometimes get bored and/or stale shooting the same subject material time and time again. We need to ask ourselves "what gets us excited?". If that means delving into a different genre of photography, then who is to say whether that is right or wrong? The key (again, no pun) is to stay happy, even if it means right outside your own front door. You are not guaranteed another photo excursion tomorrow.
All I can say is that you have helped me become a better photographer! Your teaching of seeing through the subject lead me to submit my first photo to the JOWP last month! I like your teaching style and appreciate your videos! 🦆
Not to take away from your message Scott but, it was the late great Toby Keith (6/8/61-2/5/24). Singer, song writer, patriot, legend. It wasn't until cancer fumbled his pen and broke his voice that Toby stopped pushing himself out onto the stage. Forgive me as I'm no more eloquent than I am elegant. The driving point is passion. No matter the roadblocks nor rocks life throws at us we must stoke the fires of passion and continue to forge our mark on this world until the very end. Whether a forgotten photo in a dusty old trunk or obscure song on the radio, future generations will look upon our works and take inspiration from them.
Great video, Scott. I know the feeling, both in work (which I'm now retired from) and in photography. As an amateur, I enjoy the freedom to indulge my interest and aesthetic and to go after the photos that please me. Being retired with photography being my primary activity, the last year has been rejuvenating. I feel like I'm growing as a photographer. I have a bucket list photo in mind. On those mornings when the alarm goes off and I'm not motivated to climb out of bed, I say to myself, "You're not going to make a great photo unless you're out trying to make a great photo." During those spells when I'm not making great or even good photos, I try to remind myself to stay focused on the journey. If I'm out with the camera making the effort, the results will take care of themselves. My ratio is about 1 in 50 photos being good enough to get processed with 1 in 200 good enough to be shared on social. The great ones, as you said so well, are very few and far between. But they happen often enough to keep me going out. Here's hoping the rest of 2024 is filled with blessings for you and that 2025 is a year when, at the end, you're saying to yourself, "Yeah, I'm pretty damn good."
I can relate to this one, as mentioned below could be age related. It is for me now I am retired and getting less motivated. Would be good to see your macro photos. That is the type of photography I do. [not a birder] A macro series and possibly reviews of the gear you use.
Wow does this resonate with me. I have entered my 50th year of working. My time to enjoy my hobby of photography has reached yet another low point. Between health issues and an increasing workload, my “me” time has eroded significantly. I’m hoping to be able to at least semi-retire at the end of 2025. I have found myself saying these exact things and feeling somewhat guilty for thinking the way I do. Thanks greatly for sharing your thoughts on this topic.
So glad we could help you out with the music! I found myself connecting with the message too. I’ve been feeling that I’m not writing as many songs, not hitting the same notes with as much ease as my “younger days”. But I’ve been focusing on improving other things in my music career. Finding new things that interest me. And it’s all for the betterment of the craft! Keep up the good work, friend. -Justin
Definitely, time in the field is massive. I have never taken a decent wildlife photo from my living room couch. The more time in the field, the more chances for good photos you earn.
This year started off average for me, due to work reasons I couldn't have any holidays or camping trips so only local photography. After putting in big efforts in the field and some good luck, it has become a great year. Now I doubt I will be able to top it next year. Aside from skill and creative vision, wildlife photography does come down to time in the field and the effort you put in. I have forced myself to go out 'not feeling it' and there is no way I could take nice photos, this was because I was recovering from a cold or had a stomach ache etc.
วันที่ผ่านมา +2
One thing was missing in your video, namely the fact that as one develops not only our goals change but our criteria. Your photos are very good and because of that your expectations towards your own achievements get increasingly higher.
Looking at the macro images Scott - I see no falling off of ability there my friend, looks like you've successfully combined the best of your bird images with there super atmospheric lighting and the great composition's of the macro subjects. With limited time available over the last few years have found macro as given me more opportunities for more successful days out in the field and coming home with some pleasing results rather than having to wait hours for other forms of wildlife to turn up or not in many cases before you even get a "sniff" of a decent shot !!!
Great video Scott! I've been behind a Nikon camera for over 50 years and have felt like you discussed. My problem is I would get bored with the type of photography I was doing and moved on to other challenges behind the lens. I eventually keep circling back around and I feel better about going at it again. I hope that makes some kind of sense because, I ain't good as I once was...
I've definitely felt this way this year. Last year at the end of the year I ended up posting a best of 2023 portfolio with my favorite picture from each month. Looking back at that post and thinking about doing it again this year I can't help but feel like this year's pictures won't be as good. In my case though, I can't really say I've spent less time photographing. Instead I've sort of come to the conclusion that it actually has to do with pursuing better images. I do all my photography locally, so same subjects year after year, but I don't want to take the same pictures of those subjects that I've taken before. So I've spent a lot of time pursuing, (often unsuccessfully), specific shots of specific subjects. So maybe my time out in the field with a camera hasn't diminished, but the actual time clicking the shutter has.
All your Tips and helpful Videos help me and others so much to catch stunning pictures we would have probably missed or taken kinda wrong. So when we get that 1 in a 10000 Picture consider yourself a Part of it pls. Thank U lotz for what you done so far and for all that is still to come in the future.
Remember the definition of "good" is dynamic and changes with time. Photography is an art form and is thus subject to the fickle vagaries and fashion of the 'art' world. Maybe some new entrants to this world are more aware of current trends and thus able to appear to get better results in terms of competition entries or popularity indexes. This does not mean you are slipping, far from it from what I can see.
Scott, I think it is normal for creative people to go through periods of ebb and flow with our creativity and our excitement over our creativity. As a photographer and musician, I have encountered that over the past 45 years or so. Sometimes it is a change of scenery needed, try something new or, like you said, just go back and look over your work and realize there is nothing wrong with it. Additionally, burnout is real. If we're honest with ourselves, most, if not all, creative people have experienced creative slips at one point or another.
You are clearly inspired by your macro photography and taking great photos. Bugs are wildlife too. Maybe you need to expand your definition of wildlife to include your new focus. I become restless when I do not get out and photograph. It is good for your soul.
I really enjoyed this thought-provoking video, Scott. I've had the same feeling during 2024. I know for a fact that I have not spent as much time this year as I have in past years, but I am ok with that. It's not so much a case of burnout as one of conflicting priorities. Maybe I'll do more in 2025 or maybe I won't. Whatever the case, I don't feel compelled, as was sometimes the case in the past, to post every day to my blog or to social media. In some ways I feel better balanced and don't require the external validation of others to feel good about my photography.
Just one observation. All the places I would go twenty or thirty years ago, that were really good, and where I would either be alone or one or two others, now have thirty or forty photographers and very few animals (likely because of all the photographers!) Even traditionally "busy" places back in the day, (like National Parks or Monuments), where you might expect thirty or forty people, now there are a hundred, shoulder to shoulder! Again, wildlife harder to come by because of the crowds, and stricter enforcement (because of the crowds!) The folks you did run into back in the day were generally very nice, respectful of where they were, and other photographers. They would have put in the time and effort to learn about what they were photographing, and above all else, they were respectful of the welfare of the subject. Nowadays, "photographers" press animals, walk straight at birds until they fly, just to get the shot, are loud, rude, walk in front of others, and care only to get a shot "posted" before the next guy! As a result, I have been doing a lot more photography at home. May be common subjects like bluebirds, deer and bunnies, but at least it better resembles the wildlife photography I remember.
![⭐️( ลอยกระทง 2024 ) Ver. แดนซ์ Remix BY [ ดีเจกิต รีมิกซ์ ]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/rMWOLhgXUHc/mqdefault.jpg)
One of things that really helped in my 25 years of photography is when I really broke down and discovered the "Why" I do photography. I could care less now about contest, approvals on social media, etc. I do photography for myself and only myself. The "Why" for me is actually being out in nature and DOING photography. The smells, sounds in nature, watching the animals, birds, etc. basically the experience outdoors. Then being able to capture those intimate moments in nature with my camera for me is just the cherry on top. I think photographers sometimes put too much pressure on their selves, especially when they are trying to do it for a living. Because now it becomes your job and I think that puts lot's of extra pressures on one's self and would take away some of the joy I get from it.
Wow this comment is spot on. I agree 100%
Be true thyself & your artistic style will show.. I escape everything when I'm doing photography. Why I stay local & only go to to a couple of just alright locations very close to home & depend on some luck, What ever happens , happens. Some days are better than others. If nothing is happening with wildlife (usually birds) , have no problem swithching lenses & shooting some plants & insect close-ups or a landscape if available. For me mostly close-ups rather macro. Every now & then I'll get down to minimum focus distance to achieve a 1:1 photo but usually find it way to shallow on the DOF for my taste.
Competitions are so overrated. I would love to create the images you have. I respect you, Scott, for sharing and taking people under your wing. I endeavor to sit quietly breath and let Contentment settle upon me.
This was a video that needed to be made!! Many of us, if not all, will experience the same feelings as we age and the challenges of later life take over. The most important thought to live by is to enjoy whatever it is that makes you happy. For a photographer, it could be any, and all genres of imaging. Discovery is the key (no pun) to keeping interest piqued.....Such as what you found with macros in your own backyard, I found in landscapes after moving to the mountains of NC. We evolve as photographers....we take on new challenges as we sometimes get bored and/or stale shooting the same subject material time and time again.
We need to ask ourselves "what gets us excited?". If that means delving into a different genre of photography, then who is to say whether that is right or wrong? The key (again, no pun) is to stay happy, even if it means right outside your own front door. You are not guaranteed another photo excursion tomorrow.
well said
All I can say is that you have helped me become a better photographer!
Your teaching of seeing through the subject lead me to submit my first photo to the JOWP last month! I like your teaching style and appreciate your videos! 🦆
Thanks! That's fantastic.
Not to take away from your message Scott but, it was the late great Toby Keith (6/8/61-2/5/24). Singer, song writer, patriot, legend. It wasn't until cancer fumbled his pen and broke his voice that Toby stopped pushing himself out onto the stage.
Forgive me as I'm no more eloquent than I am elegant. The driving point is passion. No matter the roadblocks nor rocks life throws at us we must stoke the fires of passion and continue to forge our mark on this world until the very end. Whether a forgotten photo in a dusty old trunk or obscure song on the radio, future generations will look upon our works and take inspiration from them.
Love the mind set! I think what your describing is the aging process, and as long as the love of photography remains, good for you.
Great video, Scott. I know the feeling, both in work (which I'm now retired from) and in photography. As an amateur, I enjoy the freedom to indulge my interest and aesthetic and to go after the photos that please me. Being retired with photography being my primary activity, the last year has been rejuvenating. I feel like I'm growing as a photographer. I have a bucket list photo in mind. On those mornings when the alarm goes off and I'm not motivated to climb out of bed, I say to myself, "You're not going to make a great photo unless you're out trying to make a great photo."
During those spells when I'm not making great or even good photos, I try to remind myself to stay focused on the journey. If I'm out with the camera making the effort, the results will take care of themselves. My ratio is about 1 in 50 photos being good enough to get processed with 1 in 200 good enough to be shared on social. The great ones, as you said so well, are very few and far between. But they happen often enough to keep me going out.
Here's hoping the rest of 2024 is filled with blessings for you and that 2025 is a year when, at the end, you're saying to yourself, "Yeah, I'm pretty damn good."
I appreciate you sharing your perspective. I always enjoy hearing the stories of others.
YES! That little thing we call time... so precious, & so fleeting. And. Absolutely essential to this hobby/career/profession we all love!
🐦📷
I can relate to this one, as mentioned below could be age related. It is for me now I am retired and getting less motivated.
Would be good to see your macro photos. That is the type of photography I do. [not a birder]
A macro series and possibly reviews of the gear you use.
Thanks! I'll get some of those macro shots up soon.
Wow does this resonate with me. I have entered my 50th year of working. My time to enjoy my hobby of photography has reached yet another low point. Between health issues and an increasing workload, my “me” time has eroded significantly. I’m hoping to be able to at least semi-retire at the end of 2025. I have found myself saying these exact things and feeling somewhat guilty for thinking the way I do. Thanks greatly for sharing your thoughts on this topic.
Thanks for tuning in
So glad we could help you out with the music! I found myself connecting with the message too. I’ve been feeling that I’m not writing as many songs, not hitting the same notes with as much ease as my “younger days”. But I’ve been focusing on improving other things in my music career. Finding new things that interest me. And it’s all for the betterment of the craft! Keep up the good work, friend. -Justin
I think the song worked just perfectly ! Ill share out the video on IG soon
Definitely, time in the field is massive. I have never taken a decent wildlife photo from my living room couch. The more time in the field, the more chances for good photos you earn.
This year started off average for me, due to work reasons I couldn't have any holidays or camping trips so only local photography. After putting in big efforts in the field and some good luck, it has become a great year. Now I doubt I will be able to top it next year.
Aside from skill and creative vision, wildlife photography does come down to time in the field and the effort you put in. I have forced myself to go out 'not feeling it' and there is no way I could take nice photos, this was because I was recovering from a cold or had a stomach ache etc.
One thing was missing in your video, namely the fact that as one develops not only our goals change but our criteria. Your photos are very good and because of that your expectations towards your own achievements get increasingly higher.
True
Looking at the macro images Scott - I see no falling off of ability there my friend, looks like you've successfully combined the best of your bird images with there super atmospheric lighting and the great composition's of the macro subjects. With limited time available over the last few years have found macro as given me more opportunities for more successful days out in the field and coming home with some pleasing results rather than having to wait hours for other forms of wildlife to turn up or not in many cases before you even get a "sniff" of a decent shot !!!
Great video Scott! I've been behind a Nikon camera for over 50 years and have felt like you discussed. My problem is I would get bored with the type of photography I was doing and moved on to other challenges behind the lens. I eventually keep circling back around and I feel better about going at it again. I hope that makes some kind of sense because, I ain't good as I once was...
I've definitely felt this way this year. Last year at the end of the year I ended up posting a best of 2023 portfolio with my favorite picture from each month. Looking back at that post and thinking about doing it again this year I can't help but feel like this year's pictures won't be as good. In my case though, I can't really say I've spent less time photographing. Instead I've sort of come to the conclusion that it actually has to do with pursuing better images. I do all my photography locally, so same subjects year after year, but I don't want to take the same pictures of those subjects that I've taken before. So I've spent a lot of time pursuing, (often unsuccessfully), specific shots of specific subjects. So maybe my time out in the field with a camera hasn't diminished, but the actual time clicking the shutter has.
All your Tips and helpful Videos help me and others so much to catch stunning pictures we would have probably missed or taken kinda wrong. So when we get that 1 in a 10000 Picture consider yourself a Part of it pls. Thank U lotz for what you done so far and for all that is still to come in the future.
Thanks!
Remember the definition of "good" is dynamic and changes with time. Photography is an art form and is thus subject to the fickle vagaries and fashion of the 'art' world. Maybe some new entrants to this world are more aware of current trends and thus able to appear to get better results in terms of competition entries or popularity indexes. This does not mean you are slipping, far from it from what I can see.
Scott, I think it is normal for creative people to go through periods of ebb and flow with our creativity and our excitement over our creativity. As a photographer and musician, I have encountered that over the past 45 years or so. Sometimes it is a change of scenery needed, try something new or, like you said, just go back and look over your work and realize there is nothing wrong with it. Additionally, burnout is real. If we're honest with ourselves, most, if not all, creative people have experienced creative slips at one point or another.
You are clearly inspired by your macro photography and taking great photos. Bugs are wildlife too. Maybe you need to expand your definition of wildlife to include your new focus. I become restless when I do not get out and photograph. It is good for your soul.
for sure, I think the "classic" phrase of "wildlife" implies animals (mammals/reptiles) and maybe birds, but certainly should encompass more.
I really enjoyed this thought-provoking video, Scott. I've had the same feeling during 2024. I know for a fact that I have not spent as much time this year as I have in past years, but I am ok with that. It's not so much a case of burnout as one of conflicting priorities. Maybe I'll do more in 2025 or maybe I won't. Whatever the case, I don't feel compelled, as was sometimes the case in the past, to post every day to my blog or to social media. In some ways I feel better balanced and don't require the external validation of others to feel good about my photography.
Thanks!
Just one observation. All the places I would go twenty or thirty years ago, that were really good, and where I would either be alone or one or two others, now have thirty or forty photographers and very few animals (likely because of all the photographers!) Even traditionally "busy" places back in the day, (like National Parks or Monuments), where you might expect thirty or forty people, now there are a hundred, shoulder to shoulder! Again, wildlife harder to come by because of the crowds, and stricter enforcement (because of the crowds!) The folks you did run into back in the day were generally very nice, respectful of where they were, and other photographers. They would have put in the time and effort to learn about what they were photographing, and above all else, they were respectful of the welfare of the subject. Nowadays, "photographers" press animals, walk straight at birds until they fly, just to get the shot, are loud, rude, walk in front of others, and care only to get a shot "posted" before the next guy! As a result, I have been doing a lot more photography at home. May be common subjects like bluebirds, deer and bunnies, but at least it better resembles the wildlife photography I remember.
Agree! This is a reason I never share spots. I still have a few private areas that I cherish.
….but I’m as good once as I ever was…
do you have any macro videos? I would enjoy seeing your process and content in that realm ...
I'll work on some more of that. But I do some on the Patreon site. I'll try to get some TH-cam videos on it as well.
@@WildlifeInspired awesome, thanks!
Thank you
Thanks!
I ain't as good as I once was, but I'm as good once
As I ever was
Don't know about wall hangers, but your photos are at a high, consistent level. There's something to be said for that.
Bro, you haven't slipped those photos at the end were amazing.
Glad you like them!
And there’s always the fact that… ducks are assholes! 😃
lol
Or, or are you more discerning or more critical of what you do?