I am a photographer but I'm also an addiction counsellor by day and I've worked in counselling for a long time. I don't think it's just down to the Photography. I think people's lives change as well. You could definitely argue that it's not down just to burn out from too much Photography or too much of one thing it's usually a life balance thing. Are you exercising? Are you eating? Are you spending enough time with Family? Are you spending too much time hunched over a computer they are all physical things and mental things as well that we don't factor into our life and we know with Photography it can become all-encompassing. As photographers we drive around and we see photographs instead of moments and there are signs that burn out is usually occurring. I think it's also difficult to make money from professional Photography and I do part-time professional work in Photography but I'm not giving up my day job it would be far too risky even though my work is good. I think what we need to do is take stock and make sure that Photography is part of our life not all of our life?
Thank you so much for this comment. I've been evaluating 'my life' considerably for some time, and there are shortcomings in certain areas, absolutely (like the fact that I spend the majority of my working life hunch over a desk in a home office where everyone I live with is out or at school). I realise that addressing these problems are key to coming back to myself, so hope that others see this comment too and have a look deeper within their lives if they feel this way. Thanks again ❤️
I appreciate you for addressing burnout and explaining your feeling. Photography is just my hobby but I have the same feeling in both my career, my hobbies and totally my life. Hope we manage to survive soon. 😌
Thanks for making this video Rick. I am a fellow sufferer of mental health issues and struggling with drive and my photography. I had to snigger to myself when you mentioned the northern lights. I had exactly the same and then downing myself for missing such a rare opportunity in my neck of the woods, glad I wasn't alone in that. Being kind to yourself is very much key but man is that hard.
Thanks Ian, you have my sympathy - it's so hard sometimes!!! I think being kind to yourself is just something you really have to work at initially, but will hopefully just become habitual. Trying to undo decades of unhelpful learning isn't going to happen overnight which is frustrating but important to keep in mind. All the best to you ❤️
The thing I absolutely love about your channel is you & your authenticity. The fact you’re being so self reflective but also finding a way to share this with others, with helpful practical tips/thoughts is special. You’re good egg Rick. Sending you hugs and positive thoughts 🤍
I have retired twice over the past 40-years. We grind until we can stop and switch to another venue in life. I finished one career, when and got a PhD, then started another career that I was able to retire from. Now I am into photography. Army and Accountant - now this. Life is great once again!!!
I’ve taken the step of removing Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and Threads off my phone and only have them on my iPad now. I felt they were sucking the creativity out of me and I was spending more time doom scrolling rather than actually doing something constructive. So now I just quickly check all socials for 15 mins each evening to reply to any messages etc then put it down. I still have TH-cam on my phone as that tends to be more motivational to me than not. I really enjoy your videos Rick, I feel you are very down to earth and talk a lot about mental health where most people would be just playing to the algorithm. I applaud you sir.
Thank you James, that means a lot. I think I'll put them back on my phone but in a folder titled 'THINK ABOUT IT' or something similar (although my brain will probably stop seeing that pretty quickly!). I want to connect with people, I want to appreciate what other people are doing, I want to be inspired by people's work (that aurora shot on your website is a cracker btw!), I just need to do it a lot more intentionally like you've outlined. You've given me something to think about, thanks.
I admire you for addressing burnout, it's not an easy subject. I've also been impressed with your candid thoughts that you inject in all your videos. May you reignite your creative fires soon.
Thank you 🙏🏻 I know how hard it can be to process these feelings and how lonely it can be... I've really worked on communicating that in the last year, so my hope is that in doing so that it can be useful for others. Funnily enough, I was out with my camera this morning. And yesterday afternoon 🤯 making this seems like it's been a cathartic way of getting past some stuff!
Rick I wanted to take a moment to commend you for your bravery in sharing your experiences with burnout and your challenges in photography. It is truly admirable, and your honesty undoubtedly resonates with many who may be feeling similarly. As a physician, I have witnessed the various forms of burnout, and I can attest to how photography has been my guiding light during my own struggles. I wish you all the best in discovering that delicate balance between work and life, and I have no doubt that your creative spirit will help you overcome these challenges. Your talent is a remarkable gift, and I genuinely believe that you’ll find your place of work life balance and be back to capturing the awe that makes us all appreciate life when you are ready … plus not sure you’d be a good landscaper anyway :) Keep shining bright! 🎨 Warm regards, Art
That put a big smile on my face, thank you Art. Just getting this video out has really helped me actually, and I've had a great morning out with my camera today. I appreciate your support as ever, thank you :)
Needed to hear this Rick thank you! I fully relate to it! It's not an easy topic to talk about but it's something we all need to do more especially as creatives. It's easy for us to get stuck in our own heads, watching other people do what we want to be doing and then comparing ourselves, and struggling with imposter syndrome, doubting ourselves and falling into a bit of a spiral. Noticing it isn't always easy though but when you do it's the best thing because you can start to make the changes you need to make, even if they take time. Being more honest and open like this is exactly whats needed!
Thanks Scott, glad you got something from it. It's not easy, but the more I talk the easier it becomes (and hopefully helps people along the way!). Yep, it can be a very lonely place until you start to make the climb out. I think as soon as you realise you aren't alone in this, things become a bit easier. Hope you are doing good.
This came at a really good time for me. I've been going through a lot of second guessing. And, autumn is so fleeting, so I definitely felt that guilt compounding even more. Thank you for your vulnerability and expressing your thoughts. I am endlessly grateful for all the times you've helped ground me. Biggest hugs to you, Rick! 💝
Thanks for sharing. It’s ok to feel burn out. There will be other autumns, other auroras, other days when you feel good. You have plenty of time ahead. For now, just let it be. ❤❤❤❤❤
Thanks Chris. What you say is so true, I've always found it hard to balance that opinion with not knowing what's around the corner and being keen to make the most of now... Given the unknown surrounding that though, you're probably right. No rush.
Thank you. With videos like this, I just want them to connect with at least one other person, as I know how lonely these feelings can be... I'm grateful that I have this and am able to use it to help :)
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and feelings. I'm cheering for you to heal through this "burnout." I enjoy your content here on YT and on IG. Take care of YOU, Rick 😊
Appreciate your honesty, Rick! I had similar issues this year when getting our new home to scratch took over my life. Stopped being active on social media and put every free minute into this project and my family. The best relief was going on an overnighter with my son on a mountain top where photography was secondary and there was zero pressure. Had an u forgettable adventure and came back with great pictures - for myself and my family
Thanks for sharing Patrick - I think when we're in it, it becomes so hard to see from the outside. it isn't until we do something like you described that you realise how much you missed it!
Thank you for your thoughts. Everyone has to deal with burnout in their own way. Your reasons leading to burnout may not be the same for someone else. My way of dealing with it is just to simply accept it. I know it won’t last forever. This is the beginning of the healing process at least for me. One way is to go out and enjoy what is around you without your camera. Eventually you realize the beauty around you and you wish to capture the moment. It may not be what you normally do but it is what inspires you. After all you take photos of what makes you feel good and then want to express it to others again.
I think acceptance is something I've historically struggled with, but something I'm working on... Something magical about just letting things be as they are, there's no use fighting.
Thanks for being so honest and willing to talk about life and photography during times when the amount and type photos taken, compositional skills, gear and trips to epic locations no longer are key motivational factors.
Thanks Mike. I think there's so much stuff that goes into photography and creativity that just isn't spoken about... As you allude to, pretty much how you do anything and everything in your life has an effect on creativity. If I can share a bit of what my brain is up to and it helps someone else to understand theirs, that's all I'm after :)
This resonates with me Rick. Finding excuses not to go out, feeling demotivated and altogether lacking the passion I know should be there for the hobby I’ve enjoyed for 40 or more years. I really hope you find a way out of your photography funk… I’m hoping that by recently getting involved in a photography club and meeting and talking to fellow photographers from all over the UK and the wider World I’ll feel inspired to get out and at least give myself a chance. So far so good!
That's good to hear, I hope that it continues! I'm confident that I will... I even managed to get out for sunrise this morning without forcing myself too much, so a positive start!
@@RickBebbington that’s a great start…and at least the sunrises at the moment aren’t at sparrow’s fart! Off out on Saturday morning for a bit of a woodland adventure all being well.
"if you've seen my garden, I don't know show it to anyone because it shit" that my friend is the quote of the week! 😂 I totally know how you feel with the sentiment in this video. Thanks so much for sharing your feelings and thoughts! Its always worth while sharing because there are so many people out there that might need to hear it! Cheers!
Thanks Eddie - glad it has helped, or at least made you feel less alone in what I know can be a flood of shitty thoughts. Wishing you the best in coming through it 👍🏻
So glad you've spoken up. I,m Not a professional photographer but have enjoyed landscape photography for years. Lost the love last few years . Hope you get your mojo back soon.
The action of showing that these are things you are dealing with has a huge impact and more than 16k subscribers will benefit I have no doubt from hearing this. Thank you for talking about your struggles and the mechanisms you follow to help through this. I like most others I imagine will be experiencing it or have experienced it and maybe not even labelled it. After watching this so many more will be well informed and prepared for its impacts. This advice is great, thanks again.
Thank you, that really means a lot. I hope so - the only reason I really share stuff like this is that I hope it helps others. Even if it's just one other person who is struggling. Thanks again
Rick I applaud your willingness to share your journey with us. Thank you. I think having expectations is a double edged sword. I find my expectations around photography wax and wane. As a seriously process oriented person, I find I enjoy long term repetitive projects. I set a schedule for work on these ideas and allow lots of time for other, completely different, pursuits. I just came back from a trip to south central England where I changed location every other day for 11 days. This plan allowed me one full day to get out with my camera in a completely new location. I have a long list of project ideas to work on and my shooting days were filled with finding as many of these as possible. I'll probably never repeat this trip but will continue to add photos to these project ideas in new locations over time. I have a new and different long term photography task coming up very soon and hope to get it started as soon as I recover from the worst cold I had in years which has sapped my energy. Until I recover I'll rest, relax and think about other things. No I'm not out there getting shots of the fantastic fall colours either.🤒 My best to you.
Always great when you share such things, Rick! Thanks for weighing in and giving your POV. I ran through your chapters and what a very great collection of resources all in one video. And while you don't have to have all the answers, you had some great solutions. Really happy you shared this, Rick. About social media, I've written more than a few books in and around the space. (Literally "Social Media 101," for instance.) I think more and more than it evolved into a monster. I'm glad you're taking a break. I prefer almost the opposite these days: tight small social circles. Instead, I'm off doing research on all kinds of crazy/weird/quirky topics. Today, I'm not making this up, I watched a guy's video about how the potato was the ultimate "survival" food for bad winters, and how it was considered lower/easier than the turnip. (Yeah. That was weird.) Wishing you ongoing replenishment and warmth. Here for you. Glad you rambled. :)
I hope your creativity and energy to do things will return. I also experienced something similar. Work from Monday to Friday, and after i edit my films , I film wedding events on weekends. My wedding films were very popular in my country. I started studying equipment and bought a lot, but the joy was short-lived. I realized that it doesn't help to have the necessary energy to continue with my job + 25 events/year. I reduced the number of events to a maximum of 10 per year. It helped me a lot. I can stay with my family now, and not all weekends are busy. Now, I started to like photography, and I'm studying to buy a printer for photos (I don't look at lenses anymore, or what's new for a long time). I no longer want to post on social networks about photography, I try to have more time with myself and my family, and to keep all the moments that I will capture for myself and my loved ones. It's hard to find a balance in life, sometimes the fact that we work too much, when you do the same thing every day, the danger of reaching burnout is very high. I wish you success in what you do and to find balance in your life (something I'm also looking for :D) And as you say, doing so many things at home, in front of the computer, studio, etc., you want to get back to basics. Go out into the garden and feel the grass, the earth, not the keyboard :) Something that I am also struggling to do. I am adding text as I follow your story. As you say, to take small trips, camera in hand. I avoided doing this, having heavy film equipment (I have a DIY anamorphic 2x set, very heavy) and I never thought of taking it with me on holidays or trips. This is what motivates me to take photos (as far as I know and understand), but to do so without any pressure, not to post the photos, to keep them to myself.
Thank you for this ❤️ "It's hard to find a balance in life, sometimes the fact that we work too much, when you do the same thing every day, the danger of reaching burnout is very high." I think that a lot of this is the cost of modern life, and the fact that our primitive brains often can't keep up, especially with all the other stresses life throws at us. I wish you well in your quest to find balance. It's out there, and will absolutely be worth the hard work in finding.
Wow Rick what an important video. Thanks for speaking about mental health, I think even in 2024 it still is harder for men than for women to speak up for themselves on that topic.
It absolutely is. I guess that's what decades of conditioning does - it's hard to undo!! I hope you got something useful from it, I appreciate you commenting ☺️
Rick, you're a fantastic person, and I am tremendously lucky to know you. I think burnout often results from the importance we place on others' expectations of us. Put like this, it sounds a bit twisted... But what I often ask myself is: "would I feel the same if I were the only one on earth?" Often, the answer is "no, because I'm not accountable to anyone". The burden of societal expectations is exacerbated by social media, but also by taking on sponsorships (;-)) or just by the desire to "compete" (often unconsciously, by means of comparison) with one's peers. So yes, we are meant to live in society, but it's sometimes good to move a few steps back and ask yourself: "What did I do to feel this way?". Because at the end, everything is a matter of choice. I hope you choose to continue taking photos and making photos, but we can choose (myself included) to make it the way WE want, and not the way OTHERS expect us to.
Thank you Julien, that completely resonates. I really appreciate your words my friend 🙏🏻 I absolutely will continue, and even managed to get myself out with camera in hand this morning ☺️ onwards and steadily upwards 👍🏻
Excellent video Rick and totally understand how you feeling, it not easy with many other things going on in life. Very good point about Instagram I worry about that less and less now tbh. As for trips Peak District for me over Christmas can't wait and camera in hand thr whole time.
I think a lot of photographers feel like that about editing - sitting at a desk is never going to be as enjoyable as being out with your camera. Hopefully your motivation to take photographs never fades as it's not a lot of fun when that happens!
Thanks for this video Rick. I empathise entirely. I am 65, and been a member of the Winchester Photographic Society for over 40 years, but despite mixing with people who go out and take great photographs, I am just not that excited about it at the moment. I shoot a variety of subjects, landscapes, models, even street photography. But I have been challenged a lot over the last few years, such as doing street photography where there are children present (this whole paranoia I don't get) at the Winchester Hat Fair for example. I have been doing this all my life, but now have people telling me it's not right to photograph strangers in the Street, or approaching me because they haven't given consent, and privacy, and GDPR. Then there are those who try and tell me that we've "moved on" from photographing scantily-clad females and I should be ashamed of myself. I also lost my job as a driving instructor as someone had serious concerns about not only me but my camera club as well, as we seem to photograph a lot of young people. Safeguarding has gone mad and everyone seems to want to police everybody else. It used to be such a good hobby and never had this until the last five or six years.
Great video mate thanks for making, can resonate to a lot of your comments on here. Your bit about the garden made me laugh 😅 I've also taken breaks from SM which definitely helps, very easy to get lost in those platforms and sucum to doom scrolling. I'm by no means a professional photographer but really enjoy making nice photos and have done for many years. I also appreciate good hardware & the technical side of the build of cameras and lenses so the enjoyment in just how the devices look, feel and sound brings me joy... The comment about just getting out and pointing the camera at stuff is spot on, sometimes you don't even get any keepers or might not look at them for a while but that doesn't matter👌 Have been there so many times with GAS just to fill the creative boredom and the same with completely packing it in but I know that would be a bad move and would waste money in doing so. As a hobbyist it's easy for me to say just give it a rest for a bit and the spark will come back, I do feel for professionals and people using it for a source of income, so I think it's great people like you sharing awareness of similar burnout issues on here and just talking, cheers and I hope you start to feel energised again soon👍
Hey Rob, Just a thought prompted by your comment of being kind to yourself. Instagram: You mentioned not putting material up until you felt there was something of value to others. And also the discomfort of seeing others' work. What stands out to me is the focus on others, the risks of external comparison or reference. I would humbly suggest you focus inward. If you're enjoying something, publish, take feedback only from those you trust. Don't compare your work, you're on your own path, discovering your way. No one else's way can be a measure. Enjoy your own improvement and not. That's your journey, your way and only you know what good is there. All the best!
neat, its closer to the bone than a lot of photographers will admit too. more talk on the subject of photography with its highs and lows rather than 'how this gear will advance you' personally I do volunteer work for folk who can't pay or will give you a travelling cost, my usual fee is tea and biscuits I get a request I say 'yes', the folk are happy someone is there, will do anything you want and I give the images and copyright for free, for one it expands the mind as you are on the hoof and do not have a brief from a bunch of folk who expect 'Vouge' and look like 'Vizz' with the small groups these guys/ladies fire you up with there enthusiasm for the cause and are really appreciative that you helped them out. Does not cure the blues but It can make you shine and smile for a long time after.
Yep, making videos like this will always be more important to me than gear videos. TH-cam might not reward you too much, but all of the comments here mean more to me than anything else could. Thanks for yours 🙏🏻 sounds like a noble pursuit. It might not cure the blues, but helping people will always be more fulfilling than numbers on a screen.
Doing it for a living when you are working to a brief is different, though I never had to do product photography against white backgrounds AGH! These days I do it for me and I am a photographer and not a genre, so I shoot what I like when I like. Now if people like what I do, that's good, if they don't, then they can go look at someone else's work because I am not going to change the way I do things to please them. Stop trying to impress people who do not matter in your life. As for the 2 second gallery they call instacrap, thanks but no thanks, and as for the pretty lights in the night sky, let's be honest there are enough photographing them without me or you joining in. And good luck for the future.
All mental health problems stem from childhood trauma and/or unresolved emotions - if you're not seriously addressing this then you're just polishing a turd.
I'm not sure about all, but the majority certainly do - mine especially and it's something I've been working through for some time. People who are suffering don't always recognise this and I'm far from the right person to be signposting in that way. if what I can do can help folk in some way, great - but what you say is completely correct. If you don't address the cause, the symptoms will return over and over and over. I know from experience.
Try going to a war zone and come home with PTSD. I resolved this through getting a PhD and starting another career. Issues resolved, and now I am starting a career in photography. We used to merely call this a mid-life crisis.
I am a photographer but I'm also an addiction counsellor by day and I've worked in counselling for a long time. I don't think it's just down to the Photography. I think people's lives change as well. You could definitely argue that it's not down just to burn out from too much Photography or too much of one thing it's usually a life balance thing. Are you exercising? Are you eating? Are you spending enough time with Family? Are you spending too much time hunched over a computer they are all physical things and mental things as well that we don't factor into our life and we know with Photography it can become all-encompassing. As photographers we drive around and we see photographs instead of moments and there are signs that burn out is usually occurring. I think it's also difficult to make money from professional Photography and I do part-time professional work in Photography but I'm not giving up my day job it would be far too risky even though my work is good. I think what we need to do is take stock and make sure that Photography is part of our life not all of our life?
Thank you so much for this comment. I've been evaluating 'my life' considerably for some time, and there are shortcomings in certain areas, absolutely (like the fact that I spend the majority of my working life hunch over a desk in a home office where everyone I live with is out or at school). I realise that addressing these problems are key to coming back to myself, so hope that others see this comment too and have a look deeper within their lives if they feel this way. Thanks again ❤️
I appreciate you for addressing burnout and explaining your feeling. Photography is just my hobby but I have the same feeling in both my career, my hobbies and totally my life. Hope we manage to survive soon. 😌
Thanks for making this video Rick. I am a fellow sufferer of mental health issues and struggling with drive and my photography. I had to snigger to myself when you mentioned the northern lights. I had exactly the same and then downing myself for missing such a rare opportunity in my neck of the woods, glad I wasn't alone in that. Being kind to yourself is very much key but man is that hard.
Thanks Ian, you have my sympathy - it's so hard sometimes!!! I think being kind to yourself is just something you really have to work at initially, but will hopefully just become habitual. Trying to undo decades of unhelpful learning isn't going to happen overnight which is frustrating but important to keep in mind. All the best to you ❤️
The thing I absolutely love about your channel is you & your authenticity. The fact you’re being so self reflective but also finding a way to share this with others, with helpful practical tips/thoughts is special.
You’re good egg Rick. Sending you hugs and positive thoughts 🤍
I have retired twice over the past 40-years. We grind until we can stop and switch to another venue in life. I finished one career, when and got a PhD, then started another career that I was able to retire from. Now I am into photography. Army and Accountant - now this. Life is great once again!!!
That's quite the switch! Glad you have found something you love.
I’ve taken the step of removing Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and Threads off my phone and only have them on my iPad now. I felt they were sucking the creativity out of me and I was spending more time doom scrolling rather than actually doing something constructive. So now I just quickly check all socials for 15 mins each evening to reply to any messages etc then put it down.
I still have TH-cam on my phone as that tends to be more motivational to me than not.
I really enjoy your videos Rick, I feel you are very down to earth and talk a lot about mental health where most people would be just playing to the algorithm. I applaud you sir.
Thank you James, that means a lot.
I think I'll put them back on my phone but in a folder titled 'THINK ABOUT IT' or something similar (although my brain will probably stop seeing that pretty quickly!). I want to connect with people, I want to appreciate what other people are doing, I want to be inspired by people's work (that aurora shot on your website is a cracker btw!), I just need to do it a lot more intentionally like you've outlined. You've given me something to think about, thanks.
I admire you for addressing burnout, it's not an easy subject. I've also been impressed with your candid thoughts that you inject in all your videos. May you reignite your creative fires soon.
Thank you 🙏🏻 I know how hard it can be to process these feelings and how lonely it can be... I've really worked on communicating that in the last year, so my hope is that in doing so that it can be useful for others. Funnily enough, I was out with my camera this morning. And yesterday afternoon 🤯 making this seems like it's been a cathartic way of getting past some stuff!
@@RickBebbington Hooray!
Rick
I wanted to take a moment to commend you for your bravery in sharing your experiences with burnout and your challenges in photography. It is truly admirable, and your honesty undoubtedly resonates with many who may be feeling similarly.
As a physician, I have witnessed the various forms of burnout, and I can attest to how photography has been my guiding light during my own struggles. I wish you all the best in discovering that delicate balance between work and life, and I have no doubt that your creative spirit will help you overcome these challenges.
Your talent is a remarkable gift, and I genuinely believe that you’ll find your place of work life balance and be back to capturing the awe that makes us all appreciate life when you are ready … plus not sure you’d be a good landscaper anyway :) Keep shining bright! 🎨
Warm regards,
Art
That put a big smile on my face, thank you Art. Just getting this video out has really helped me actually, and I've had a great morning out with my camera today. I appreciate your support as ever, thank you :)
Great to hear you were out ! If you ever want a fellow burnout photography junkie to commiserate you know where to find one 😉
Needed to hear this Rick thank you! I fully relate to it! It's not an easy topic to talk about but it's something we all need to do more especially as creatives. It's easy for us to get stuck in our own heads, watching other people do what we want to be doing and then comparing ourselves, and struggling with imposter syndrome, doubting ourselves and falling into a bit of a spiral. Noticing it isn't always easy though but when you do it's the best thing because you can start to make the changes you need to make, even if they take time. Being more honest and open like this is exactly whats needed!
Thanks Scott, glad you got something from it. It's not easy, but the more I talk the easier it becomes (and hopefully helps people along the way!). Yep, it can be a very lonely place until you start to make the climb out. I think as soon as you realise you aren't alone in this, things become a bit easier. Hope you are doing good.
This came at a really good time for me. I've been going through a lot of second guessing.
And, autumn is so fleeting, so I definitely felt that guilt compounding even more.
Thank you for your vulnerability and expressing your thoughts. I am endlessly grateful for all the times you've helped ground me.
Biggest hugs to you, Rick! 💝
Thanks Justine, that means a lot to me. I hope that it's helped :)
Thanks for sharing. It’s ok to feel burn out. There will be other autumns, other auroras, other days when you feel good. You have plenty of time ahead. For now, just let it be. ❤❤❤❤❤
Thanks Chris. What you say is so true, I've always found it hard to balance that opinion with not knowing what's around the corner and being keen to make the most of now... Given the unknown surrounding that though, you're probably right. No rush.
You raise some very points in this video. Thank you for talking about what many of us are feeling but don’t have a platform to express it.
Thank you. With videos like this, I just want them to connect with at least one other person, as I know how lonely these feelings can be... I'm grateful that I have this and am able to use it to help :)
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and feelings. I'm cheering for you to heal through this "burnout." I enjoy your content here on YT and on IG. Take care of YOU, Rick 😊
Thanks Lana, that means a lot. I will ☺️
Appreciate your honesty, Rick! I had similar issues this year when getting our new home to scratch took over my life. Stopped being active on social media and put every free minute into this project and my family. The best relief was going on an overnighter with my son on a mountain top where photography was secondary and there was zero pressure. Had an u forgettable adventure and came back with great pictures - for myself and my family
Thanks for sharing Patrick - I think when we're in it, it becomes so hard to see from the outside. it isn't until we do something like you described that you realise how much you missed it!
Thanks very much for addressing this issue. Burnout is something that can happen to us all.
Thank you 🙏🏻
Thank you for your thoughts. Everyone has to deal with burnout in their own way. Your reasons leading to burnout may not be the same for someone else. My way of dealing with it is just to simply accept it. I know it won’t last forever. This is the beginning of the healing process at least for me. One way is to go out and enjoy what is around you without your camera. Eventually you realize the beauty around you and you wish to capture the moment. It may not be what you normally do but it is what inspires you. After all you take photos of what makes you feel good and then want to express it to others again.
I think acceptance is something I've historically struggled with, but something I'm working on... Something magical about just letting things be as they are, there's no use fighting.
Thanks for being so honest and willing to talk about life and photography during times when the amount and type photos taken, compositional skills, gear and trips to epic locations no longer are key motivational factors.
Thanks Mike. I think there's so much stuff that goes into photography and creativity that just isn't spoken about... As you allude to, pretty much how you do anything and everything in your life has an effect on creativity. If I can share a bit of what my brain is up to and it helps someone else to understand theirs, that's all I'm after :)
This resonates with me Rick. Finding excuses not to go out, feeling demotivated and altogether lacking the passion I know should be there for the hobby I’ve enjoyed for 40 or more years. I really hope you find a way out of your photography funk…
I’m hoping that by recently getting involved in a photography club and meeting and talking to fellow photographers from all over the UK and the wider World I’ll feel inspired to get out and at least give myself a chance. So far so good!
That's good to hear, I hope that it continues! I'm confident that I will... I even managed to get out for sunrise this morning without forcing myself too much, so a positive start!
@@RickBebbington that’s a great start…and at least the sunrises at the moment aren’t at sparrow’s fart! Off out on Saturday morning for a bit of a woodland adventure all being well.
Interesting. I wish you luck in working through the challenges. Kudos for sharing this with a desire to help others!
Thanks Brian
"if you've seen my garden, I don't know show it to anyone because it shit" that my friend is the quote of the week! 😂 I totally know how you feel with the sentiment in this video. Thanks so much for sharing your feelings and thoughts! Its always worth while sharing because there are so many people out there that might need to hear it! Cheers!
Haha - thanks!! No worries, i'm glad you got something from it.
Thanks for sharing this Rick, the timing is impeccable. 👍
Thanks Eddie - glad it has helped, or at least made you feel less alone in what I know can be a flood of shitty thoughts. Wishing you the best in coming through it 👍🏻
So glad you've spoken up. I,m Not a professional photographer but have enjoyed landscape photography for years. Lost the love last few years .
Hope you get your mojo back soon.
Thank you Gavin. I'm sure I will - I hope you do as well.
@RickBebbington I've subscribed to your channel and look forward to more content. Cheers and thank you Rick .
@@GavinThomas thanks Gavin, appreciate it.
The action of showing that these are things you are dealing with has a huge impact and more than 16k subscribers will benefit I have no doubt from hearing this. Thank you for talking about your struggles and the mechanisms you follow to help through this. I like most others I imagine will be experiencing it or have experienced it and maybe not even labelled it. After watching this so many more will be well informed and prepared for its impacts. This advice is great, thanks again.
Thank you, that really means a lot. I hope so - the only reason I really share stuff like this is that I hope it helps others. Even if it's just one other person who is struggling. Thanks again
Rick I applaud your willingness to share your journey with us. Thank you. I think having expectations is a double edged sword. I find my expectations around photography wax and wane. As a seriously process oriented person, I find I enjoy long term repetitive projects. I set a schedule for work on these ideas and allow lots of time for other, completely different, pursuits. I just came back from a trip to south central England where I changed location every other day for 11 days. This plan allowed me one full day to get out with my camera in a completely new location. I have a long list of project ideas to work on and my shooting days were filled with finding as many of these as possible. I'll probably never repeat this trip but will continue to add photos to these project ideas in new locations over time. I have a new and different long term photography task coming up very soon and hope to get it started as soon as I recover from the worst cold I had in years which has sapped my energy. Until I recover I'll rest, relax and think about other things. No I'm not out there getting shots of the fantastic fall colours either.🤒 My best to you.
Always great when you share such things, Rick! Thanks for weighing in and giving your POV.
I ran through your chapters and what a very great collection of resources all in one video. And while you don't have to have all the answers, you had some great solutions. Really happy you shared this, Rick.
About social media, I've written more than a few books in and around the space. (Literally "Social Media 101," for instance.) I think more and more than it evolved into a monster. I'm glad you're taking a break. I prefer almost the opposite these days: tight small social circles. Instead, I'm off doing research on all kinds of crazy/weird/quirky topics.
Today, I'm not making this up, I watched a guy's video about how the potato was the ultimate "survival" food for bad winters, and how it was considered lower/easier than the turnip. (Yeah. That was weird.)
Wishing you ongoing replenishment and warmth. Here for you. Glad you rambled. :)
Thank you Chris, I always appreciate your comments.
I need more of a window into this - you have a new subscriber :)
I hope your creativity and energy to do things will return.
I also experienced something similar. Work from Monday to Friday, and after i edit my films , I film wedding events on weekends. My wedding films were very popular in my country.
I started studying equipment and bought a lot, but the joy was short-lived.
I realized that it doesn't help to have the necessary energy to continue with my job + 25 events/year.
I reduced the number of events to a maximum of 10 per year. It helped me a lot. I can stay with my family now, and not all weekends are busy.
Now, I started to like photography, and I'm studying to buy a printer for photos (I don't look at lenses anymore, or what's new for a long time).
I no longer want to post on social networks about photography, I try to have more time with myself and my family, and to keep all the moments that I will capture for myself and my loved ones.
It's hard to find a balance in life, sometimes the fact that we work too much, when you do the same thing every day, the danger of reaching burnout is very high.
I wish you success in what you do and to find balance in your life (something I'm also looking for :D)
And as you say, doing so many things at home, in front of the computer, studio, etc., you want to get back to basics. Go out into the garden and feel the grass, the earth, not the keyboard :)
Something that I am also struggling to do.
I am adding text as I follow your story.
As you say, to take small trips, camera in hand.
I avoided doing this, having heavy film equipment (I have a DIY anamorphic 2x set, very heavy) and I never thought of taking it with me on holidays or trips.
This is what motivates me to take photos (as far as I know and understand), but to do so without any pressure, not to post the photos, to keep them to myself.
Thank you for this ❤️
"It's hard to find a balance in life, sometimes the fact that we work too much, when you do the same thing every day, the danger of reaching burnout is very high."
I think that a lot of this is the cost of modern life, and the fact that our primitive brains often can't keep up, especially with all the other stresses life throws at us.
I wish you well in your quest to find balance. It's out there, and will absolutely be worth the hard work in finding.
Wow Rick what an important video. Thanks for speaking about mental health, I think even in 2024 it still is harder for men than for women to speak up for themselves on that topic.
It absolutely is. I guess that's what decades of conditioning does - it's hard to undo!! I hope you got something useful from it, I appreciate you commenting ☺️
Rick, you're a fantastic person, and I am tremendously lucky to know you. I think burnout often results from the importance we place on others' expectations of us. Put like this, it sounds a bit twisted... But what I often ask myself is: "would I feel the same if I were the only one on earth?" Often, the answer is "no, because I'm not accountable to anyone". The burden of societal expectations is exacerbated by social media, but also by taking on sponsorships (;-)) or just by the desire to "compete" (often unconsciously, by means of comparison) with one's peers. So yes, we are meant to live in society, but it's sometimes good to move a few steps back and ask yourself: "What did I do to feel this way?". Because at the end, everything is a matter of choice. I hope you choose to continue taking photos and making photos, but we can choose (myself included) to make it the way WE want, and not the way OTHERS expect us to.
Thank you Julien, that completely resonates. I really appreciate your words my friend 🙏🏻 I absolutely will continue, and even managed to get myself out with camera in hand this morning ☺️ onwards and steadily upwards 👍🏻
Big hugs.
I do value you and your conversation.
Thank you Jennifer, that means a lot ☺️
Excellent video Rick and totally understand how you feeling, it not easy with many other things going on in life. Very good point about Instagram I worry about that less and less now tbh. As for trips Peak District for me over Christmas can't wait and camera in hand thr whole time.
Thanks Bernie. That sounds great, enjoy!
I never feel lack of motivation in taking photographs but often editing is something I can't get motivated to do.
I think a lot of photographers feel like that about editing - sitting at a desk is never going to be as enjoyable as being out with your camera. Hopefully your motivation to take photographs never fades as it's not a lot of fun when that happens!
It's the hills & valleys. We all go through it in all aspects of life
Absolutely. It can feel like a long way to the top of the hill from the bottom of the valley though, but you have to start somewhere 👍🏻
Thanks for this video Rick. I empathise entirely. I am 65, and been a member of the Winchester Photographic Society for over 40 years, but despite mixing with people who go out and take great photographs, I am just not that excited about it at the moment. I shoot a variety of subjects, landscapes, models, even street photography. But I have been challenged a lot over the last few years, such as doing street photography where there are children present (this whole paranoia I don't get) at the Winchester Hat Fair for example. I have been doing this all my life, but now have people telling me it's not right to photograph strangers in the Street, or approaching me because they haven't given consent, and privacy, and GDPR. Then there are those who try and tell me that we've "moved on" from photographing scantily-clad females and I should be ashamed of myself. I also lost my job as a driving instructor as someone had serious concerns about not only me but my camera club as well, as we seem to photograph a lot of young people. Safeguarding has gone mad and everyone seems to want to police everybody else. It used to be such a good hobby and never had this until the last five or six years.
Great video mate thanks for making, can resonate to a lot of your comments on here. Your bit about the garden made me laugh 😅
I've also taken breaks from SM which definitely helps, very easy to get lost in those platforms and sucum to doom scrolling.
I'm by no means a professional photographer but really enjoy making nice photos and have done for many years. I also appreciate good hardware & the technical side of the build of cameras and lenses so the enjoyment in just how the devices look, feel and sound brings me joy... The comment about just getting out and pointing the camera at stuff is spot on, sometimes you don't even get any keepers or might not look at them for a while but that doesn't matter👌
Have been there so many times with GAS just to fill the creative boredom and the same with completely packing it in but I know that would be a bad move and would waste money in doing so. As a hobbyist it's easy for me to say just give it a rest for a bit and the spark will come back, I do feel for professionals and people using it for a source of income, so I think it's great people like you sharing awareness of similar burnout issues on here and just talking, cheers and I hope you start to feel energised again soon👍
Thanks Tom, I really appreciate your comment. Already feeling a bit better just for getting all this off my chest 👍🏻
Hey Rob,
Just a thought prompted by your comment of being kind to yourself.
Instagram: You mentioned not putting material up until you felt there was something of value to others. And also the discomfort of seeing others' work.
What stands out to me is the focus on others, the risks of external comparison or reference. I would humbly suggest you focus inward. If you're enjoying something, publish, take feedback only from those you trust. Don't compare your work, you're on your own path, discovering your way. No one else's way can be a measure.
Enjoy your own improvement and not. That's your journey, your way and only you know what good is there.
All the best!
neat, its closer to the bone than a lot of photographers will admit too. more talk on the subject of photography with its highs and lows rather than 'how this gear will advance you' personally I do volunteer work for folk who can't pay or will give you a travelling cost, my usual fee is tea and biscuits I get a request I say 'yes', the folk are happy someone is there, will do anything you want and I give the images and copyright for free, for one it expands the mind as you are on the hoof and do not have a brief from a bunch of folk who expect 'Vouge' and look like 'Vizz' with the small groups these guys/ladies fire you up with there enthusiasm for the cause and are really appreciative that you helped them out. Does not cure the blues but It can make you shine and smile for a long time after.
Yep, making videos like this will always be more important to me than gear videos. TH-cam might not reward you too much, but all of the comments here mean more to me than anything else could. Thanks for yours 🙏🏻 sounds like a noble pursuit. It might not cure the blues, but helping people will always be more fulfilling than numbers on a screen.
Kyle McDougall has a nice video on the Seasons of creativity. Might be helpful for you.
Thanks, I'll check that out. Big fan of Kyle!
It's here for anyone wanting to check that out th-cam.com/video/JrYUsz6XqLA/w-d-xo.html
Doing it for a living when you are working to a brief is different, though I never had to do product photography against white backgrounds AGH! These days I do it for me and I am a photographer and not a genre, so I shoot what I like when I like. Now if people like what I do, that's good, if they don't, then they can go look at someone else's work because I am not going to change the way I do things to please them. Stop trying to impress people who do not matter in your life. As for the 2 second gallery they call instacrap, thanks but no thanks, and as for the pretty lights in the night sky, let's be honest there are enough photographing them without me or you joining in. And good luck for the future.
All mental health problems stem from childhood trauma and/or unresolved emotions - if you're not seriously addressing this then you're just polishing a turd.
I'm not sure about all, but the majority certainly do - mine especially and it's something I've been working through for some time.
People who are suffering don't always recognise this and I'm far from the right person to be signposting in that way. if what I can do can help folk in some way, great - but what you say is completely correct. If you don't address the cause, the symptoms will return over and over and over. I know from experience.
Try going to a war zone and come home with PTSD. I resolved this through getting a PhD and starting another career. Issues resolved, and now I am starting a career in photography. We used to merely call this a mid-life crisis.
@@JohnDoranski I've got PTSD myself, it certainly isn't cured by studying.