Burnt out on photography.
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 19 ก.ย. 2024
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Have trouble finding the motivation or will to pick up your camera and take photos? You're not alone. Many photographers go through periods of not wanting to take pictures. We talk about the reasons we lose motivation and how to get your photo mojo back!
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Everything gets boring after three weeks because the brain is too clever to find something interesting for more than a very limited amount of time.
Take a break from it and when you're hungry again, get back to it. You will not get less bored but you will get some sense of being new to what you're doing. The origin of the problem is not solvable. Life is completely meaningless. We get born. We do something. Then we die. Then the solar system dies, then our galaxy, and then the multiverse. Everything you have done in life will carry no lasting consequence - the very definition of meaningless. There's no escape from it for reasonable people. Dumb people usually lapse into religion or other kinds of ideology.
I’ve recently done this-and took my 10% off. Thanks, Chelsea.
What do you guys think about Vero in place of Instagram? It seems like a more pro-photography positive place for photographers. Rather than the Instagram “likes” psychology rut people find themself in
I get it. I'm nearly 70 and it's not easy to get out of bed for a glass of water....but what I've found now is that the photography is secondary to just getting out and moving. Walking in a nature preserve on a lovely day with my camera and enjoying that moment and that time outdoors and if by chance I get a good photo(s) then that's the bonus. I've found that if I go out to just take photos, I sometimes come back disappointed. If I go out to enjoy being out in a beautiful place then that's good enough. And most of the times I also get some really fun photos too.
In my 20s I found it not easy to get out of bed for a glass of water. 😄
A few years behind you but getting outside and enjoying the environment is the main draw for me. Always have the camera with me but sometimes I don't even take an image and just enjoy whats around me.
@@ANSWERTHECALLOFJESUSCHRIST Maybe there's a problem with how these beds are designed! ; )
I couldn't agree more.
Damn. You were around when the camera was invented. Lol
So authentic. So realistic. So believable. So honest. Not pretentious at all….
Hi. I love it when Chelsea talks about things like this: "Yea, I think their solution is actually what they call reframing in psychology" and then goes on to elaborate on this point. That was so good. Not only for photography, but so many areas in life in general that it could apply to. Sooooo... just need Chelsea to keep talking about mental approaches to things, like in business, photography, relationships, marriage, strategies on life things. More. More. More. : )
5:00 Great advice Chelsea! That's exactly what I do now, instead of going out to "get the shot" I bring my camera along with no expectation
That was one of the BEST VLOGS you have ever done, simple and real! I've hardly taken a photo since going to Lofoten in 2020 before the global pandemic. Back injuries gave me the excuse NOT to go out and take photos. You have given me new hope to get out there and just enjoy the experience as I used to. I still want to travel to some locations but It's not really necessary is it? The back is better , but will never be great, I have a good set of gear, just need to get out the door. Thanks you so much for this episode !!
Here are a few ideas that have helped me over the years. First, treat photography like it's just one particular medium for two-dimensional art. Then, learn more about other media that could in theory be used to represent the scenes you like. Since this is a self-growth exercise, don't worry that your learning attempts do not in themselves meet professional standards for those other media. In particular, there's a tight triangle between photography, painting, and drawing. Many painters use a smart phone or simple camera to take reference photographs for new paintings. Virtually all paintings start with sketches, drawn from either real life or from a reference photo or a reference painting.
Second, treat your camera like a musical instrument. If you spend $6000 on a flute, you expect to spend thousands of hours learning how to become even minimally competent at using it. People spend $6000 on a high-end camera, then get frustrated when they have to spend 20 hours setting it up and learning where the buttons are. Several good wildlife photographers share how they set up their cameras so they can do photography without taking their eyes off the viewfinder. It takes hours and hours of practice, but a lot less than it takes for someone to learn how to play a guitar without staring at the fretboard.
Finally, assume that all good photographs, or at least all photographable scenes, contain a boundless series of other good photographs. So many people consider it a bad mistake to have to crop an image. At least for a while sometimes, assume that even your best composition contains at least one smaller composition inside it that is better and simpler.
I've been like this so today, Saturday, Sunday and Monday i have taken off! Already feeling much better and now relaxing. Being burnt out causes poor shoots, when properly rested you become more creative and rediscover the love for photography! Keep up the good work love your videos!
Thanks, inspiring video, I worked 35 years as an international advertising photographer, now 67 and feel a bit burnt out, thanks you gave me some new inspiration!
50 years of cameras in my hands. Mostly for fun, sometimes for business, but always trying to tell a story. I tend to shoot in sets of three and five shots. I shoot for my peace not others' likes. No matter where you drop me in I look for the story that is there waiting to be found. I might take 100 photos to get my three but they will tell the story and do it well. Photography is an ever-changing pursuit of joy in living.
I love it when Tony talks about real life relatable things for people in this hobby! It’s great! Thank you for sharing! More podcast type content please! 😀
I agree. I really enjoy the Instagram video.
I have the opposite problem. I'm burnt on on my actual job. Would love to do more photography.
Get a new job? maybe increase your duties or responsibilities. Become a mentor?
I have the easiest job on the planet, yet I’d still rather be doing photography ! Often lately, I am up by 4 am (easy when I wake up in my car) hiking and doing photography by 5:45am, do that for 2 to 4 hrs, then drive for another 8 or 10 hrs. I’ve had a few days lately when I did some great photography, then made $400 driving, the same day 🙂 I know for a lot of folks, $400 a day, isn’t anything, but I bet nobody here has a cheaper cost of living than I do, which means I get to play a LOT 👍 A man has to have priorities 🙂
@@Chris_Wolfgram 400 bucks a day isn't anything to sneeze at. What kind of driving job? Trucks?
@@TheExtraTerrestrial not sure if you will believe it, but ride sharing 🙂 Just have to do it at the right time, in the right place. I know a handful of guys making $3000 a week… but that’s too much work for me 🙂 I usually only work 3 days, or should I say, only as much as I have to, to pay a few bills, groceries, gas…. Then I get to go play 👍
@@Chris_Wolfgram Sounds like a good deal!
The most important photos I've taken are the ones of my family and friends. There's only one set of sweet engagement photos, of a long-awaited baby birth, of four generations of strong men with the same nose. Those are the photos that will live on long after my published work is forgotten. When I get burned out or discouraged, those are the photos that make me smile and work harder on new skills.
I think some form of challenge can re-inspire. For me it was using film cameras. Specifically, all manual cameras around the 1970's or earlier. There's a ton to challenge from from film usage to developing. It's been years now and I'm still searching for my perfect film/developer/push/pull/conditions combinations and learning all the time.
Tony, you are blessed in a number of ways. Try sharing your blessings with somebody else.
There are people who don't have and will never have the resources to have nice photos of their loved ones. Find somebody that would so much appreciate some photos of their family, loved ones. Do a sitting for them as a gift for them. No charge.
Purchase a dozen cheap throwaway cameras. Get a dozen poor kids together. Teach a mini photo class to them. Nothing very technical, just how to see photographs, do a simple portrait, etc. Then take them on a field trip of sorts.
Process the film. Discuss and gently critique their photos. Encourage them. Plant a seed. Give them a positive experience. Help them feel good about themselves.
You may discover something new about yourself and a good reason to continue photography.
When Chelsea said “I almost swore” I started cracking up. She’s passionate about it! XD love the video thank you guys!
Chelsea and Tony: Thank you for an outstanding discussion about burnout - you are so right. Your relevant and informative presentation is a must-see for all photographers! Every day, there are photographic opportunities waiting for us. Never stop exploring. Life is out there: your family, friends, home, hometown, events of all kinds, the environment, nature, weather, architecture, sports, music, dance, digital technology, forms and shapes. For 50 years, I've realized that being a photographer is a gift. Making images for ourselves and others is a wonderful responsibility.
I’m a shifter. It keeps me from burning out. I go from photography to crochet to metal stamping to sewing to baking. It keeps my life fun.
I’m just a hobbyist and only take photos for myself. I’m retired and now have more time to spend on the hobby. Watching both of you allows me to learn to be a better photographer. I also bought some of your books and watch your videos. Thank you for the service that you are providing.
After 50 years of photography, I feel the same way. Ive lost my passion and drive. I actually bought a $5000 video camera just to try something new but was completely lost and returned it. Now that I'm retired and have tons of time on my hand, I'm shooting less than ever, doesn't make sense.
Need more shows like this from you. I car less about camera gear. I’m more interested in the process more interested in the creativity more interested in the exploration of the experience. So this show was much more fun than many of your shows. Thanks so much. I’ve been doing photography for just a little over 40 years never as a professional but always is a great passion for fun.
I like this lots. I had a bad injury in 1983 and re learning photography again. Also trying to re decorate my home. Limited for time I got the R5 2 years ago and finding it hard due to lack of practice time, so I was losing interest. But this has motivated me to just go and enjoy and learn more each day.... Thanks Chelsea and Tony.
thank you again; just watching the two of you interact is blissful...just like you're here in my living room. Love you both.
You humans really inspire each time I see your videos. The workday is over. Time to take a few images before moving to something else. Thank you.
I have been shooting for over 60 years. What I do is to walk about two miles in charlotte NC once or twice a week and take photos. I often talk to my subject and I often hand them my card and explain that I am not selling any thing just sharing on Facebook. Some vendors I see a lot I will make a print for. The first time the shoe shine man told me he had my print framed and hanging on the wall of his house it felt good. The barber shop in a small arcade let me take a few shots while they cut hair. I made B&W prints for them as a thank you for allowing me to work and the owner also said she was going to hang my prints.
You guys inspire me. I love when you guys talk “Photo Shop”. Thank you for your knowledge and love for Photography…
I started a new Facebook Group dealing with local photography. The friendships that have been developed in our valley and the images shared by so many have been impressive and inspirational. We've learned so much more about our valley and all the beauty that surrounds us and have gotten connected with other local photographers. It's been very fulfilling for everyone!
Chelsea and Tony!
Your talks are so much needed these days!
I'm reminded of a TV interview with Dick Cavett and Jimi Hendrix!
Cavett was putting that interview 'pressure' on Hendrix by stating he is the greatest guitarist in the world, blah, blah...
Jimi saw through it and said; "I'm the greatest guitarist sitting in this chair."
I think that's a brilliant mindset to have to circumvent 'burn out'.
Having 2 hobbies can be stress in itself. In my situation it's Ham (amateur) radio and photography. Either one of these can easily keep me broke, but I've managed to keep my head above water over several decades. If I'm burned out on radio and regular photography I fall back to something I'd do with film, usually Tri-X. I went looking for a specific subject, in this case, a very old white picket fence, with faded paint and vines growing over it (which caused it to lean). Once I made an 8x10 I got out my set of photographic colors and sparingly added a bit of color to one part or the other until I was happy with the result. It took me a month to finish it, and by then I was fully recharged and ready to resume my digital photography. Good subject, thanks for making this video 👍
I focus on projects. Currently taking a series of shots inside flowers focusing details, but allowing colors to blend like an abstract painting.
I have a few architecture projects ahead of me.
Timing is spot on with this video. I've spent so much time doing photography the last 20 years that just last week I ordered a GH6 and three lenses and going to spend the next year focusing on video as a priority. Seems the world (Instagram, tik-tok, reels, etc) is headed that way. Ordering a Mac studio as well and my energy is high as I launch on this new adventure.
She is a wonderful person,so positive and reassuring, he is lucky to know someone like her; great people.
Hi Tony, I am TV Camera Operator and Lighting Cameraman and AVID video editor in latter years. Now retired. I struggle to remain inspired too. But my very simple Canon G12 and almost daily food photography and photos around the apartment keep me inspired. Occassionaly i go walk in the town park with my Canon 90D and lenses or with the help of your excellent moon photography tutorials,i take more interesting photos. Trying to take photos however mundane daily keeps me going. I also have photos published occasionally in the local newspaper. Like you my small town in retirement is inspiring. Keep trying. TY in particular for your inspiring moon tutorials. Regards from New Zealand Martin
I'm very new to this level of Photography so burnout is not an issue, yet, but I still found this to be very inspiring. I don't suffer from thinking my pictures are great, I suffer from wanting them to be better. Reading articles and watching TH-cam is great but it's only a start. I struggled more with a lack of time to dedicate towards delving deeper into the intricacies of professional photography. I did buy your book the other day, thank you, but after watching this I've gained some extra drive to make the time I need to enjoy photography more. The course catalog for my local community college arrived yesterday and I just decided that I will enroll in two photography offerings they have. Fall photography and Lightroom editing. I appreciate what you both do!
I do nature and wildlife. I go out 3-5 times a week. I go out to enjoy nature, learn something new and spend time observing both the creatures and flora. If I get a portfolio shot, great but that's not the goal. The goal is to enjoy nature and learn new things.
I still take my canon r5 everywhere with me. It sits on the car seat next to me when I'm driving. I take it into restaurants to take selfies, groupies, food shots. Whatever is going on out there, I'll take some shots. Throw in some weddings. Some landscapes. Possibilities are endless. Going on 20 years now with photography and still loving every moment
I recently got into photography and have just been binge watching all of your previous videos. Just wanted to say y’all are awesome and I look forward to every upload!
I recently caught myself with the frame of mind to go out taking photos mainly to make them ‘social media’ worthy to post. Why am I voluntarily putting myself in competition with people on social media who probably Photoshop their images to death and use trending presets and filters, usually very vain and narcissistically putting themselves in nearly every image like they’re some god. These types of images all look the same.
I personally use Capture One because it takes away the possibilities of heavily editing or compositing. I initially bought some preset packages, but I’ve literally never used them because they’re actually horrible. My own style of editing is very simple, to enhance what’s already in the image and what it was like when I was there, not to completely change the temperature or colour of things. This is where these type of photographers don’t know how to achieve ‘their’ desired results in camera.
Before you get disheartened, remember that REAL photography is difficult.
I'm the same way trying to edit by enhancing what's already there. I can't stand doing 50 steps in photoshop to make a fake lighting spectacle or composite a bunch of things. The one exception I have is for moon shots since I can't always avoid it being blown out in a landscape shot.
Just found this video and would like to say thanks. Your so right stop looking for the likes, photography shouldn't be about validation its about enjoying what you see and capturing the moment. Thank you both very much.
I have felt this !!! Without creativity and being able to create I feel like I’m not myself. The past few months I’ve lost the thrill to shoot photos, especially my street photos. Thought I was depressed, but I doubt that’s it. And then when I get out to take photos I don’t have the same vibe I used to have, or I’m super rusty and then I get discouraged again. Such a cycle.
I know the gear videos get all the attention, but this is a video that really needed to be made. Thanks for sharing.
The last two minutes was the best advise. Thank you Chelsea. And thank you Tony for being courageous enough to lay it out there.
I’m in my 40’s. In 2018 I bought my first Canon 5D Mark II. My used 100mm lens was my first “major” lens I bought. I’m a hobby photographer of still life. I mainly shoot flowers and foliage. 2022 I upgraded to the Canon 5D Mark iii. I will never get burnt out hobby photographer. I realize Tony spends many more years and hours being a TH-camr and professional photographer. But me at my level I’m very happy in my hobby.
Same here Tony. My health hasn't been great lately. I'm 67 now so not getting out much, most of my shots are drive by shooting. Hubby has been great at getting me out but he is not so good at stopping for "the" shot. The days of hiking through a forest are currently off the plate. Hopefully the hip replacement will improve it. BUT... I've been moving from event and landscape to studio work.
Swapping up my challenges has been a great motivator and I'm excited again. Small space studio work is challenging and fun.
Great comment by RM Clark. The best thing to do Tony is to get out and enjoy what you are doing and when something looks great, you will know it. I have played the guitar for a long time. Playing nice music is an art. It is not loud and it is not in your face. I photographed weddings and portraits for years. Now I am getting back into photography after a career in teaching, and other than buying some standard digital gear, upgrade from the Mamiya days, I am spending time studying color and color harmonys. There will always be people who want to reinvent the wheel and look for the latest trend or fad. I spend most of my time photographing landscapes now. If I photograph any people anymore, it will be with them interacting with others, pets, and the things they enjoy. Posibly a hoby. Most of all, keep the color wheel in mind. I will probably create custom shaped picture frames that complement the photograph. Keep up the good work Tony & Chelsea !
WRT to the shooting for your community/family, the importance of this became crystal clear to me a couple of years ago.
As a way to give back to my daughter's high school, I shoot sports action and share the images.
In April of 2020, one of our senior athletes died in an auto accident.
I found out about it via a post using one of my photos on Instagram. In the next several days, I saw my photos used hundreds of times to express loss and condolence.
Tbis hit me profoundly.
His mother has told me how my photos have been a comfort to her. His aunt even sees him in my bird photos.
Hopefully, nobody else will have this extreme an example, but the difference you can make where you live and love is considerable.
Buy yourself a Leica. It will make you motivated to go out for at least 2 weeks.
I think it's a great way to get back in the game to come to Iceland and go where the tourists usually dont, it's a huge category of it's own and such a wonder, Just follow the plate boundaries trough the country and it's impossible not to get inspired from the energy under them :)
I appreciate what you guys do. I've learned more from you and your books than from any other source. I started photography later in life, and it's the one thing I've stayed passionate about despite the highs and lows.
You guys have the best relationship. it's so obvious. You can't fake something like that. You can tell you care about each other. Tony, I want to see your artsy photos as well!
This is one of the best videos you guys have produced. Spoke to my heart. I'm dusting off the old R6 tomorrow! Heck, I might even charge up the old X-T3, or even the a6000. Now I have inspiration to create......without worrying about unattainable perfection. Thank you both.
i see. I am almost 70 and it is not easy to get out of bed for a glass of water… but I now realize that photography is secondary. Walking around a nature reserve with my camera on a beautiful day, enjoying the moment and the weather outside, if I get a good photo, that's a bonus. When I go out just to take pictures, I sometimes come back disappointed. If I go out and enjoy life in a good place, that's all. I often get some really good shots too.
Love your own photography first and if others like it, its a bonus. When running a photographic business you need to achieve the brief, as an ammeter you can choose your own challenges! I personally take BIF/Wildlife and also Landscapes along with my passion, Aviation. Having many different options should feed your hunger for another genre.
Was literally just thinking about this yesterday. How after learning a bit and able to see things differently it’ll take the WOW out of a simple shot. My daughter and I have picked up photography at the same time and I worry that we may be on different levels at certain times I don’t want to discourage her or be to critical.
Thanks guys! I haven't seen your videos in a while, but you are totally right. Just from watching this video I have so many more ideas that just makes me want to pick up my old gear and go out there and shoot. Maybe I'll even try the old Nikon DSLR film camera I picked up about two years ago.
There's a great lyric from an old country and western song: "Lookin' for love in all the wrong places..."
I hear you Tony, and it's even more tricky when you expect to make a living from photography! Yeah, I don't know, things have changed a lot in the past few years, and now that billions of photos are taken every single day of the year, it feels like photography is not what it was, that it has lost 'something' and that cellphones are to 'blame' so to speak, not to mention that the high-quality camera brands are in financial troble. But there has to be a way out of this, so I'm listening to Kelsey, she seems to have a fresh perspective!
Wow ! What a Cornucopia of great advice ! If you had only produced this one video you could have brushed off your hands and said , " My work is done " , and felt complete and successful. But please don't do that ! The contribution you two bring to the World of Photography is huge, and so appreciated. Keep up the good work !
There are so many genre's of photography that it is hard to suffer burn out. I take landscape photos but that leaves the harsh midday sun here in Australia to deal with after sunrise and sunsets. So I have a full spectrum camera that I use for astro photography and can use an IR filter on that for infra red photography. If it is bucketing down rain, and cold I do macro and I find all sorts of fun things to photograph, especially the insides of my old computers. So if your feeling burnt out people try another genre and have fun. Today I took my old pentax MG with a roll of Ilford B&W film for a walk and its the first time for a while I had to really think a lot about contast. Blacks and whites. I really enjoyed the process and had a ball. I can't wait to wind on another roll and get out there again. Cheers from down under, Shane
Very timely. I know exactly what you mean. I am 74 and not as well physically as in younger days. Staying up all night taking astrophotography images or travels and hiking to a waterfall. My motivation is not the same as when I was young. Tony’s comment on being critical is spot on. I find I am more critical of my work as I get older. Love your work, Good luck rick
You're not old, Tony! Thank you both again for another fantastic video!
I'd like to appreciate you both for your steadfast generosity and for all you have done for the photography community. Your work is important and cherished by many. I have been in a photography slump lately too, and it helps to hear what you have to say. Thank you!
Tony my friend...spend some time with a Holga. Or a Diana. It has worked for so many of us at a certain point. Hang in there. ❤️
My personal story with photography is similar. I was a shutterbug when I first started in 2003 - taking pictures of everything I could. I started to get into HS sports and the volume of photos that I was taking was overwhelming. The thing I did on the side that brought joy suddenly felt like a full time job. Manging images, editors, and everything else took what I love about photography away. I kept a few gigs per year but other than that I put the camera down and didn't touch it. It wasn't until about a year ago that I started to look a photography in a new way and what I thought was lost was found again and renewed. Is started to do more scenic / landscape photos and started to do jobs that I agreed to terms with. I suddenly wasn't a volume shooter anymore. My camera mode is typically set to one-shot now with the motordrive off. I have had comments from friends and peers that have noticed the quality of images that I have been getting has dramatically increased because my interest in the format has returned.
Hi Guys,
Thank you so much for this video! I have made my living as a full time photographer for 35 years. Motivation for me is much easier because there is money involved, I have clients who appreciate my work, and will get paid upon delivery of the images. Paying the bills doing something that I still love is the prime motivator!
I have always wanted to do more fine art/personal work, but the last thing that I want to do on my time off is get the camera out and shoot, because we all need balance. Lacking motivation to do any personal work is when I feel burned out.
Thanks again because your video helped me to see that I am not alone in my "burn out."
PS, Tony, for the sake of your own happiness, stay away from the Ospreys man! You've already got the shot! LOL !
Sure you won't see this - @Tony, I'm honestly not sure whether this was "just a video" (and a good one, on a great and relevant (to me) topic!) or you're genuinely burned out - I actually think you might be genuinely burned out! You've got the benefit of being a couple who love the same thing, so can encourage and inspire the other when they're down, but Chelsea is absolutely right here - you need to show your creative side! We see your tech, and news, and tests, and reviews and opinion pieces, but not so much of the art these days. Maybe create a new channel (both of you!) of just your art, rather than the technique, science and tech oh photography. A bit more philosophical, a bit more arty, a bit more trial and error - the reality of day to day photography for you. People would be interested! Thomas Heaton type content in your own ways of your own things?
I agree! I would love to see the adventure and process
This could happen to anyone , no matter how much you love the activity, even photography.
Sometimes what you feel as burn out is actually just complacency because you are not creatively challenge. In such case doing something new can help you.
Set yourself a small new project and don’t criticize yourself too harshly.
Give yourself a chance to learn to explore again and look for new things and be creative again. It is also good and health to stop seeking for external approval from others. As long as you like what you do that's all it matters.
Photography is like fishing; sometimes you land a whopper, usually you have to appreciate the experience. And that's what you must remember! I've fallen into that void of having gotten great shots and now it's a struggle to come up with ideas for something new. The thing about photography is every day there is something new in front of you! You just have to keep focusing on the newness that's right there in front of you!
One of the pitfalls I've encountered is the feeling that I needed another lens to get 'new' shots. I bought a great camera (R5) to get 'new' shots I couldn't get before. I have a pile of lenses. I have different tripods, filters, action cams, 360º cams, sliders, drones... it can go on and on. What matters most is that you maintain your focus on what you want to capture and how you want to capture it this time, because everything you've ever captured in a photo is presenting itself in a new way, every day, right in front of you.
Another favorite part of the enxperience is sharing what you have see with others, and with the fall of Instagram, I've found I'm less involved in the process. I'm trying Vero now for a new experience for sharing, and I hope that helps.
Good points! Appreciated! Photography is a way to share your love of life and people and nature and the beauty that surrounds us all the time. Keep the faith, get out there, and don't stop "seeing" the world around you.
And Tony, show us those photos!!! I want to see them... Screw Instagram...
well here is my two cents worth: stop overloading yourself. if you are running a TH-cam channel, trying to do jobs, family, travel, etc.. etc.. you are overloading yourself. Creativity is is not an endless supply. Its not photography that you are burned out on its your creative jelly jar. Take a break folks and let your creative battery charge back.
I love you Tony.. .and Chelsea. You matter to me. You have made my art better. Thank you
I've only been into photography for about 3 years (still consider myself amateur and hobbyist). Started out with wildlife with a few landscapes. We have quite a few whitetail deer in our area and found that just shooting every deer I saw soon meant most of the pictures didn't mean anything to me. Moved into some sports but that didn't really excite me. I then went to a rodeo and found that to be really enjoyable. The best man at my parent's wedding was Jim Brandenburg, a well known photographer. Jim once challenged himself to taking only one shot per day for 90 days and produced them in "Chased by the Light". I am considering doing a similar challenge myself, although probably a shorter timeframe and challenging other photographers in a facebook group to do the same and see what everyone comes up with. I think the challenge would be motivational for me and others may also find it motivational.
I started taking photography seriously about eight years ago in order to benefit my career in hair, focusing on portraiture to build my hair portfolio. It’s gotten REALLLY boring in the past year or two, especially since I’ve found that in SO many cases my iPhone makes my big fancy camera and years of learning how to use it kind of barely any different as far as what my viewers perceive. So I recently started shooting things I’d never planned to shoot when I first started out, and things that my phone can’t really do- I shot a wedding a few months ago and a car race last week. That’s made photography a little more exciting again.
Thanks for elaborating on this. I go back to 1964 when I was 13. Even today, I still get that little "buzz" when I find a great image. That is what it is all about. I shot all through high school and college. Later I was a reporter and shot my own pictures. Ever since then I shoot for myself. I don't post on Instagram but do put some work on Facebook. Its nice to get some "likes" but I don't need a pat on the head for everything I do. Chelsea is right when she said 'Who cares?" when someone does not like what you posted. Enjoy the experience of making a good image.
15+ years into digital I'm having more fun than ever. People can slam manufacturers for so called gimmicks. But my OM-1 has so many features I never get bored. If I feel myself getting bored I challenge myself to do something different. Be it using live composite, pro capture, the built in NS filter. Focus stacking. Right now I am playing around with time lapse. For me I think not staying bogged down with only one or two genres keeps it fun. Of even combing the features to try new things. Being able to carry 2 bodies and 5 lenses in my bag helps keep it fresh too. My biggets problem these days is finding the time to shoot.
Really enjoyed your ideas on getting over the dull drums. One thing that caught my attention was you say you go out kayaking and take photos. How about making an episode about that….safety with camera gear….how to approach you subject….camera settings since the kayak is moving in the water….etc. would love to get pointers on that as I am thinking that would be fun. Thanks.
Thanks for such a real and honest blog. I love your blogs. You both are one of the most honest opinions on photograpty. Thanks. Please keep going.
This is a vital conversation in our field! Thank you identifying a few of the many reasons for burnout, the excellent reminder that *Photography is an Art* ("it's not called camera-ography"), and that we should take photos for reasons other than "likes" if we want to maintain our joy.
Most of the times we don't accept answers. Therefore we keep on asking questions. Just being instead of becoming might be satisfying. You both are beautiful people. Don't become (!) dopamine addicts. Your picture is like your child. Not everyone needs to see that. Your knowledge and the sharing of it is enough. Keep being creative no matter what.
I’m a beginner photographer hobbyist of 1 year experience and what discourages me is me comparing to better photographers as well as having high expectations of myself. I always think my photos are bad when my close friends say they are good. I rely too much on approvals instead of enjoyment of photography. This video helped me realign my thinking of beginning photography as a hobby.
thank you both for addressing this .. so true, so true
Your points are all so legit! Excellent discussion. Personal growth is a lot like world records… for example, the “fastest runner of all time”. Realistically, the record may never be beat! Yet, people still run every day and make a life of running. The same goes for our favorite picture we ever took. We aren’t worthless just bc we have a favorite image.
Nerdy Northrop. Chelsea distanced herself from that right away. I studied art history too and I’m going to start a project with a nod to Edward Hopper the artist, but in my own personal style. I walk around my beautiful neighbourhood most evenings and some on the images I capture are great because the sun is setting and creating great shapes and shadows. They are just for me, no one else. I’m not bothered. I walk with a Fuji XE2s with a 23mm f1.4. So yes, I’m the same as Tony, trying to capture the best views of my neighbourhood here in England just on the edge of the famous Cotswolds. You’re a cool nerd Tony. Great video as usual guys.
My burn out does not come from taking pictures, but having loads of pictures gathering dust. For me it is just a hobby, and after taking pictures I throw away the ones not worth keeping, edit the other pictures to my liking, look at those once or twice, and then ... well, then they just take up space on my computer and backup devices. This feeds the feeling that my hobby is a futile endeavor and burns me out. I have not found a solution to overcome that feeling yet.
Shooting for social media is the last thing on my mind. What does a like mean? I do think that, if progress is your goal, you have to have a standard of comparison. Work you admire -- for me it's been McNally. Study their work. Read their books. Go to workshops if you can. Being good is its own reward.
I have been a hobbyist for over 40 years. Back in the film days I was selective when taking photos given the expense. Having said this, when I saw something I wanted to capture I didn't think about it, kept it simple. What I have found over the last 10 years is I overthink taking the photo which I found stressful. Over the past 3-months I have gone back to basics, just shooting, not thinking about it and having fun.... Enjoyed the video...
Amidst the ocean of photography vids out there, this one is very timely. I often wonder what went wrong when I see yet another camera kit getting jettisoned onto ebay from a shooter who's lost their mojo with the art. I stopped chasing my tail and said "If there's no art to my work, I'm not there yet". It wasn't until I got really honest with myself that I started making any real progress. You buffet of helpful insights and time proven ideas are a breath of fresh mountain air!
Great advice! I really like the networking idea! I have what I call my photo buddy! We feed off one another and encourage each other! We research challenges for each other. We live many miles apart but we talk photography 3 or 4 times per week! It’s really helped with motivation!
Impossible -
Tony can't possibly be burnt out on photography because he's very obviously not burn out on himself.
But trust me - we are. This guy is SO very frequently insufferable.
My photography went from bland to "sort of" interesting after spending a weekend with a pro (and subsequent Photoshop lessons), in exchange for me building his web site. Sort of like jamming with other musicians... "Hey, show me that cool riff again..." The creativity rubs off. Online courses are OK, but nothing compares to rubbing shoulders one-on-one with a someone who has done it all. He's a good buddy to this day; I lucked out.
Great video! I like what you said at the end, "Find out what you enjoyed about it in the first place." I did that this summer - I purchased a nice photo printer so I could do what I used to do in the "old days" when I had a darkroom: Take a photo, edit the photo, print the photo and tape it up on my wall.. all in the same day if I so desire! So Much Fun!
I believe photographers get burnt out due to the fact that they photograph the same category of photography over and over. I like to switch up or combine certain photography styles...portrait with landscape, cars with people, cars only, food, animals with people, etc. That way you always have to learn new ways to capture photos which will keep your mind open to various possibilities.
Always enjoy watching every single video of yours!! Love the way you discuss photography and your personal experiences.
I get the learning curve issue. It was so exciting to watch videos and then go out and do what you'd learned.
There's plenty I could still learn, but I don't have interest in those things. Like Tony, I love to learn new things, but I'm also a man of passions. So, learning is a pragmatic thing based on something I want to do or do better. That keeps me from jumping from hobby to hobby, but it does factor in to this idea of burnout and boredom.
So truthful, I love photography, don't get out enough, but that's my fault, motivation can be difficult to maintain. Landscape is my thing, but when I go out I don't always take my camera gear, WHY? What's wrong with me? Carrying a mobile phone could be part of the problem. I'm working on it. Love that comment Tony how much do we suffer and struggle to get that image, yes at times it's a struggle and a suffering process.
The reason why I just bought an RZ67. Excited to slow down and have the anticipation of seeing the developed film.
A little side note for Tony... I SO appreciated that you made available for free the tutorials that helped me 3 years ago to pass my Drone Part 107 test the first time. There has to be a blessing in that for you. I take video, but I also take stills with my Phantom 4 Pro when I have it up there. I love the 'establishing' aerial view. I call it the "Angel view "
I've experienced this being "burnt out" by photography or on photography, but what I realized was I needed something different. And for me, it was going back to shooting landscapes, since I had focused my efforts (over the past 2 years) on urban exploration and people (model/portraits) mainly, and not so much on landscape and travel photography (this is not to say I didn't do those things, but I used to shoot them more often than I did urban exploration and people photography). So I needed a change. What also helped was to shoot some things that were abit out of my comfort zone, like street photography here and there. That also helps ween you from thinking about gear, and more about getting the shot (specifically, the decisive moment when it comes to street photography), and you learn the appreciation of carrying just ONE lens.
Thanks for this. I think we all have been in a slump, however I agree this is a marathon, and I would suggest always trying new things. Recently I was at a small forest lake with a snow covered volcano in the background, shooting star photos waiting for the full moon to rise. I had a moment when I decided to try something different by closing my aperture from f/2.8 to f/16, and raise the ISO. This created a starburst effect that made the moon look larger. It was far away and small because I was using a wide angle. As it turned out a meteorologist at the local NBC station saw my photo on Instagram and featured it, with my permission of course. So many times I have tried something out of the norm, and not have it work out, that It then is easy for me to get caught in an endless loop of only doing the safe things.
Love the frank discussion of topics we all face. I feel like I know these two personally.
This is a late comment, but... I just heard a great talk IRL from a professional photographer who recommended uploading pictures to your computer pretty quickly, do some basic organizaing, and then if overwhelmed, wait a year to edit them. That way: they may seem more interestiing and your judgement on quality may be improved. I tried it and uploaded gobs of pictures from memory cards that had been sitting for a while and I did some essential organizing, and now I'll let them sit for a while. Obviously you cannot do this for paid photo shoots, and I've done some of those - weddings being the worse - but I like the idea of leaving the editing until later. I did not feel burned out.