Posted by Steve Bunn on October 2, 2007 at 12:09 AM
I have multiple interests and a busy career as an engineer, so I've had times where I have not been inspired to take many photographs, but things have been different lately. Part of me still wants to go out and take some pics, but I'm feeling under motivated because I know just a single day of shooting every month or so isn't likely to give me the kind of photographs that I'd like to walk away with.
When I first joined this forum earlier this year, I found lots of inspiration from the great work from the photographers here. I'm finding, at least for me, that there's a flip side to that coin. Members are continuing to pump some spectacular work, and I'm finding myself both intimidated and jealous of their justly deserved efforts. I know I shouldn't and have no right to feel this way, but I do. It just seems futile to take a single day trip each month when I know that many of the pics taken by others were from many days of shooting. As such, I've not take a photograph for about 4 or 5 months.
Has anyone felt similarly, and what did you do to get out of it?
Posted by Kent Staubus on October 2, 2007 at 12:50 AM
If you are an engineer, why not take photos of trains? I photo trains almost every day and I'm not even an engineer. Anyway, you are on to something. I found that what helps me most is to take photos regularly. It's easy for me since I am a salesrep and am out there daily, and have a great deal of control over my schedule. What you might try is taking photos of very small subjects--macro. You can do this at your kitchen table even. Another trick I've learned is that trains run 24/7. In winter when day light is short, I simply photo at night. It's not that hard.
Kent in SD
Posted by Peter Carroll on October 2, 2007 at 1:09 AM
Steve - Shoot for yourself, not others. When you say a single day of shooting isn't likely to give you the kind of image you'd like to walk away with, maybe you need to look at photography from another angle. What's your goal? Is it to have all the planets align when the shutter's pressed? Sorry to break this to you but that's never going to happen. Photography is all about making lemonade out of lemons, working with what you've got. The great Canadian photographer Freeman Patterson had a great challenge he presented his workshop photographers to proove that great photographs are possible to be create no matter what the circumstances. He had everyone go into his backyard with a hullahoop. They were to throw out the hoop and shoot an entire roll of film from inside the hoop. The results always amazed.
Even if I was to only get out once a month it would all be worth it because photography for me allows me to not only appreciate and capture the obviously beautiful but also to focus my eye and my thoughts on the little things, the little moments and the often overlooked.
Steve, I suspect that you're not a railroad engineer, probably a mechanical, chemical, civil or something like that, right? Used to figuring things out and getting them working properly?
You got some good advice up there; now narrow your focus and give yourself some kind of a project. You're absolutely correct that a big part of photography is putting in the time if you're looking at some of these great images on here.
But there are also people on here who get fabulous images in their own backyards. It forces you to look harder, just like what Peter was talking about. Use your abilities as an engineer to push your limits. Also, there have been several people on here who carried their cameras with them on their daily commute. It changes your whole outlook on things if you're looking for photos rather than thinking about your workday!!
Hi Steve!! You have to learn to take photos for yourself, when you can. Most of the people on this site work full time jobs while pursuing their photography, myself included (at least before I got sick). Bring your camera with you everywhere you can. If it takes you 20 minutes to get to work, allow yourself half hour to 45 minutes and take some back roads. You can find roadside flowers, animals and scenics just keeping your eyes open. And that will result in better photos. Good luck!!!
Hey Steve; i totally relate--i have a left brain career and have an absolute need to be artistic, but aside from the art/photos i also had to fit time in for making 2 music cds in the past year--believe me my sleep suffered for it! I can honestly say id still have the same compulsion even if not a single soul saw the photos, because my personality is driven toward personal goals. So, i see some of these awesome photos and figure ive got to keep striving toward that goal. Of course, this can become obsessive and unhealthy, so you have to take a step back and realize that you cant do everything. I agree that one way of easing the process is to carry a camera with you, that certainly gives you more opportunities.
Posted by Bruce Painter on October 2, 2007 at 9:54 AM
Steve, I too have had a little of this for the past few months. I just haven't had the drive to get out with the camera. I have a job that gives me half the week off but I have had other interests this summer. I find that I do enjoy planing photo trips, two or three days to a week about 3 or 4 times a year, even if I do not get out in between these trips. I have also put a lower priority on my photography when on these trips and more on just having a good time away with my wife and relaxing. In July we spent four day in N. Carolina and did some hiking. I always carry the camera gear but we did some three to five mile hikes where the camera either never came out of the case or came out only once. The main thing is to get out there and enjoy the outdoors, have your camera with you and if a photo op. comes up then great, if not what have you lost.
Bruce
Posted by Dan Borzynski on October 2, 2007 at 11:26 AM
The best advice I can give is try to enjoy life and the photography will take care of itself.
From most of this year's experience (and still ongoing), I know I can't produce great images when my mind is somewhere else. Unfortunately, I am unemployed at the current moment and have been, or at least known that it was going to occur, since near the beginning of the year. The absolute vast majority of photos I have taken this year, after a good edit for the usual mistakes and bad ideas executed even worse, has been a bunch of decent images with no real winners. I doubt even one shot will make it to my show stock. The creativity and that extra whatever it is just isn't there for me right now.
It happens. Don't stress about it. Keep the camera handy, but don't worry if it isn't used for a while. The photography will come around.
Posted by Zack Schnepf on October 2, 2007 at 12:03 PM
Actually I can relate somewhat. I went through a photo depression myself about 1.5 years ago. I didn't even want to touch a camera, take a photo, or even look at another photo for 8 months. Thankfully I got my inspiration back, thanks in large part to the work of Marc Adamus, Guy Tal, David Clapp and a many other talented NPNers. I came back, even though I felt somewhat intimidated and started shooting again. I actually came back with a fresh new vision, and have produced my best work since. I think it's natural to go through phases of inspiration, or lack there of.
The article Guy posted above also had a huge effect on me, and help me realize what I was going through was normal.
I, too, am (was) an engineer but found that many schools and community colleges love the idea of having an engineer on staff because of our ability to teach just about anything. I switched careers, took a pay cut, and now I work 20 hour weeks. THis might be something to consider so that you can free up some time to do what you love.
Scott
Posted by Steve Bunn on October 2, 2007 at 3:02 PM
You all bring up some valid points. The more I think about it, I believe the crux of my problem is that my desires in photography are in a strong conflict with my current lifestyle. I don't make big money, but I make a comfortable living. I design and review the exteriors of building from a performance stand point (but different than architecture). The job security is extremely high and I have a lot a variety of work that I perform, but the stress level is also very high. I've thought about a career change to landscape photography, but I'm very pragmatic and I know I can't easily make my current income in a short period of time. It's hard to consider a huge pay cut and having to worry about living from 'paycheck' to 'paycheck'. I've had a steady paycheck for 12 years now, and I'm reluctant go back to the financial insecurity my family had when I was growing up.
I moved up to MF this year, got into my first gallery and had a few other outside sales. Unfortunately, the price and style of photography didn't end up being a good fit for the gallery, so I didn't sell anything. That was a setback for my plans to try and build a career in photography. I know things are competitive, so my brain tells me I have to match some of the best photographers on this site to try and make a living at it. I'm going for grand scenics and intimate landscapes in wilderness areas, so I can't satisfy my desires or goals shooting in my suburban environment.
That probably better explains the sources of my frustration. I desire to make a living in photography and produce similar (but not identical) photos made by Tal, Adamus, Schnepf, etc., etc. I know they don't go on a simple day trip once a month to get those images. That's why I've been looking at single day trips with the attitude of 'what's the use?'. I know, that's a bad attitude to have, and I feel stupid for having it, but that just what I've honestly felt.
I guess it's just a crossroads in life. If I really want to get into photography full time within the next few years, I have some really tough decisions and sacrifices to make. If I'm not willing to make those, I need to get more realistic goals and perspectives on what I can get out of my photography.
Everyone's input is appreciated. Guy, I liked the article you attached. Zack - I find your input particularly both helpful and ironic. Your recent ESS post of Enchanted Sky Fire is a great example of the type of images that I like to go for. It inspires me to go out and shoot, but also is another reality check of the efforts taken to get those images. That's definitely not a day trip image! Seeing that image made me evaluate my current state even more and caused me to seek some advice to get out of my funk.
Posted by John W. Wall on October 2, 2007 at 4:10 PM
I don't think there's anything wrong with your attitude. I think you're absolutely right. Going out one day a month will never get you where you want to go. Too much would be riding on that one trip.
Look for some way to cut back your work hours. I did that myself with no thought of turning photography into a business but it's still been great. My wife just quit working full-time to do more art as well, and I have friends who've done likewise. It can be done, and you'll never wanna go back!
Posted by David Senesac on October 2, 2007 at 6:50 PM
I 'm reading some competitive challenge in your statements that indicates a personal desire to rise to the level and develop a body of work that can stand out. One can either dabble with landscape and nature photography as a personal aesthetic artistic serious hobby or do so with an emphasis on building a public reputation with commercial success. Historically the former has been by far more the situation than the later and my own situation for many years. However with the advent of personal computers, digital photography processes, digital cameras, and especially the Internet, there has been an obvious shift towards building a reputation and testing the commercial waters. Expectations of the later tend to disappoint versus those that merely pursue the artform for personal reasons simply due to the level of competition. Scenic landscapes have always been a favorite subject generally for photographers thus has also been the most competitive.
The result today is there are probably ten times as many tripods out at our parks than twenty years ago. Especially large numbers of new photographers have risen up in just the last few years with the rise of digital SLRs. Historically until this present decade, most pro landscape and nature photographers had to pursue other career areas at least through parts of their lives even if they were also photography related, in order to make ends meet. The simple reality was, it was rarely a way to make a good living financially over the long term that had to also bare through leans times.
With landscape photography, location of where one lives while juggling a career is of considerable importance. Time outdoors patiently pursuing images goes a long ways because one will need to expect that conditions and situations for truly outstanding images are infrequent. I personally have never bought into the conventional wisdom that a creative nature or landscape photographer can make outstanding imagery most anywhere. True maybe with some photography pursuits like urban and cultural work.
Unless one has found a lucrative niche in some resort region community, it is rather difficult for most people to simply move to scenic places and hope to be successful financially. Thus many of us end up living in one of the large urban areas where career choices are more promising while making a decent income and commuting on occasional weekends to areas where one can pursue their art. If one lives at such a distance that one cannot easily drive a few hours on weekends to reach regional scenic parks and natural areas, then one has a serious limitation that will make building up a body of outstanding work rather difficult. Hence the situation of those that only can reach such areas during their vacations. The solution may simply be to pull up the roots of one's life and move to one of the well known urban locales within driving range. Something easy to do for young folks without complications but increasingly difficult as years pass and one becomes rooted.
Another reality is at least at popular icon locations, one may simply need to visit such places many times over many years before capturing something quite outstanding. Sure one can take nice images that many will be satisfied with however they won't stand up well beside the best jaw droppers. Thus the need to be patient without immediate expectations while understanding what it will take to make such an image. Actually some today have found that post processing enhancements are a more certain path to better images haha without much work in the field though that grates against my own style.
Another strategy is to not work 8-5 m-f month after month, year after years endlessesly until one retires. Grating against conventional wisdom, I have after working two to six years at companies and building up some savings, quit my jobs and then taken off months to a few years. To do so one cannot buy into the prevalent USA always in debt mindset and instead always have some money in the bank. There is a huge advantage to taking or a year or two off to pursue photography as one wishes if one has the knowledge of where to go, when to go, and the equipment skills to bring back the goods. ...David
Posted by Richard Wong on October 2, 2007 at 7:38 PM
Carve your own path would be my suggestion to get out of any ruts you might be in. If you don't live in a particularly photogenic place then that should be the easiest way to get motivated. Work hard to find photos within a 50 mile radius. The unexpected successes will please you much more than a great postcard from Mesa Arch. Plus it's easier to develop a niche that way. There is a market for everything if you know where to find it.
Posted by Richard Wong on October 2, 2007 at 7:43 PM
David's story sort of reminds me of Chris McCandless from the book, Into the Wild. I've been reading it again this week and there's a lot in there that many people can probably relate to. Maybe that lifestyle is what you are yearning for,
Posted by Nathan Buck on October 3, 2007 at 1:22 AM
I found with work, family, activity in my church, and many other duties left me without a lot of time. My $600 Sigma 180 macro lens was one of my best purchases ever. I do not have to go far from home to find fun things to shoot. Over the winter I buy cut flowers to shoot pictures of in my basement. Maybe you can adjust your style a bit and still have fun with it.
I find myself salivating to shoot a Tal, Adamus, or Schnepf shot, but I do not have the drive to go where they do to get the shots. I found a niche in flora and macro that I am enjoying, mainly just for me.
One day a month may seem inadequate for photography. If circumstances do not permit you to go out more than one day a month, then, rather than thinking "how futile" why not treasure those days and plan ahead for them? I know the more you are out there the more likely you will get those special shots, but how do you know what you missed while staying home for that "one day" when you could have went?
Also do not compare your work with others. I do not have images that rival "a Tal, Adamus, or Schnepf" and many others, but I am pleased with what I do and always aim to surpass the best of my latest work. I looked at your portfolio and know there is a talented photographer behind those shots.
Steve, I can relate a lot to what you mention in your first post and also what you say in the second post. I am somewhat of an engineer as well - I studied technical chemistry - a mixture of chemistry and chemical engineering - but with lots of emphasis on the chemistry. I now work in a RnD department in the plastics industry. I do have a passion for photography, and and this often collides with my 40hrs+ job. There are days when I still think the life I am leading is not "my" life. I does not make the whole thing easier, as it already is not easy - having an engineering job is not the most relaxing stuff in the world, you know that. At least for people that don't consider themselves an engineer to beginn with, like me.
You might try this: take a few weeks off, and do an extended outdoor hiking photography trip. Shoot and live for the purpose of shooting. I did that just one week now in some national parks in finland, and I can tell you one thing: It is hard work, sometimes frustrating, and not very comfortable. Of course you are granted with the possibility to shoot an area to death(sorry for that pun, it was not intended), but it involves a lot of waiting, hiking, etc. I have to admit that after one week i was fed up slightly because the whole situation lacked something I also need in life: a shower, a bed, my girfriend, some civilization, and the other kind of intellectual stimulation, like reading, music, but even also dealing with job-issues. I decided that beeing a full-time outdoor photographer is some very hard job. It is fun and rewarding, but you have to be of a certain breed and I am not one of those. I will do some extended shooting trips again, but I can see the positive side of my work as well: Nice colleagues, guaranteed salary each month,a warm office, etc. And every now and then, work is fun and interesting as well.
I am also very often frustrated that I cannot pursue photography as much as i wish to do. Sometimes there is a urge to create and it cannot be fulfilled. I also do envy these guys with stunning and inspirational scenery almost in their own backyard.
Yes I know that opinion that one can make great photo's in every location, but that somewhat collides with the fact that most successful photographers travel to stunning places to photograph them. I personally dont know one photographer that became famous by shooting his garden.
I would love to see the big names photograph in my location and see if they would be able to make a living from the resulting work. I bet not because the scenery does not have the potential. Why were Ansel Adams and Galen Rowell drawn towards Yosemity? It is obvious of course.
Stunning scenery is a nice and helpful fundament to produce stunning photos.
But it is not easy. Ask yourself the question if you are willing to spend weeks in the outdoors for just one photo? I have the utmost respect for the Adamusses , Tals, and Schnepfs outhere. And although this is my plan B, I dont have the guts nor the determination to pursue it.
I used to have the same attitude and I still have it - partly - the "what sense does it make" attitude. It is a rational attitude because in fact, it really makes no sense. I do not sell my images, because with the level of effort I put into my photography I can never match the top-photographers out there, hence I cannot sell it. Also people in Austria in general do not "consume" landscape photographs as people in the states. They have a different attitude . I guess Verena&Georg can tell more about that. I heard a lot of my friends and colleagues saying as I showed them some photo's of well known photographers that they do like the image, but that they wont spend a single dollar(euro) on a landscape photograph. I think it works in the states because first of all the scenery is beautiful, the photos are amazing, many people have a busy life, just 4 weeks a year of vaccation and no time to go to the places. But they do love their National parks and national icons so they are willing to spend some cash on a great photo depicting it.
Staying on the sense-topic: Does it makes sense to photograph the halfdome anymore? Maybe on a rational level, it does not. But photography is about passion and emotion. And where passion and emotion is, there is no room for rationality. Rational thoughts kill passion. Hence one should not compare and evaluate too much. It takes the fun out of it - like you experienced. I experienced it as well, it seems to be a rather normal process, one should not feel guilty about it.
Another idea might be to find a location that you like very much and that you can travel to in a reasonable amount of time (weekend-trips). Visit it often and try to understand that area and know that area. There will be some great photo's, and it is fun.
So, I hope that helps somewhat. At least it helped me to see that there is one out there that has the same "problems"
Best Regards, Dietrich
Steve,
I recently changed careers/lifestyles, and can very much relate to this. During my transition, I honestly didn't touch my camera for a month and a half, for reasons that just a few weeks later hardly seem remotely justifiable. I've now gone back to shooting, with a much differnent mindset.
I became redetermined to shoot with a conclusion I reached watching a great college football game opening week of the season...Appalachian State and Michigan. Any given Sunday (Saturday) any team can beat anyone. And for parrallel, any day that you shoot, you could get an adamus, tal, clapp or schnepf!
As for me, sure I don't have the amazing opportunity to shoot every day like I did before...but on any given day I could encounter that once in a lifetime opportinity. And like hell if I'm going to miss it by 'wasting' my weekend! I've been back to my stomping grounds the last few weekends, and have gotten some great shots...with just 2 sunrises and one sunset a week...
And I appreciate my time out there shooting so much more...
Hope you get back on the horse...
Posted by Steve Bunn on October 3, 2007 at 11:10 PM
Thanks for the compliment Will.
A number of you are indeed correct, some time in the field is better than none. The vast majority of my current portfolio was taken during annual or biannual vacations. I've been blessed with some great conditions in the relatively few days I have been out over the years.
Dietrich, it sounds like we have tons in common. Work is busy with 45 to 50 hours a week, plus 10 hours per week of studying for a certification exam just before Thanksgiving. Toss in some dating, tennis, church and watching movies on my home theater, there hasn't been tons of time for photography. I also like a comfortable bed and a shower each day (I don't even own camping equipment - I know, that's akin to a sin in landscape photography - and something I'm planning to remedy soon). I also have an Acura TL, so its a great car to drive in the mountains on paved roads, but definitely not an off road vehicle. This type of lifestyle is a drastic departure from the photogs I've mentioned before. In many respects, I've got no one to blame except myself. I just didn't realize how far off my current lifestyle was from that of a professional photographer's until more recently.
I think for now, I realize I need to take better advantage of my job, which takes me to some beautiful locations. I work in many of the Colorado Mountain resorts, as well as some other western states. I've worked in Idaho, Oregon, Wyoming, Utah and Hawaii. I've taken advantage of Hawaii and Utah (Arches and Canyonlands), as well as a little in Colorado. I may have some chances to do architectural photography.
I think that David Senesac has presented the most realisticaly sound case here and I agree with him totally except to make one slight adjustment to one statement that he made.
He said :
I personally have never bought into the conventional wisdom that a creative nature or landscape photographer can make outstanding imagery most anywhere. True maybe with some photography pursuits like urban and cultural work.
I think that a good artist can do outstanding work almost anywhere as long as the work is judged in comparison to other work from the same region.
What I mean is, for example, I'm presently working on a project for an Ontario Wilderness Park and they think my work is quite outstanding. By comparison to the work of other artists in this region mine is among the best BUT I'm not fool enough to think that I can compete with the likes of your above mentioned hero's because, realistically, this is Eastern Ontario not the American west icon locations.
That said you should seriously consider what David said.
Steve,
I fully undestand what you are going through,I rarely have a week end off, get home late in the evening and I work every Holiday in the book,macro helps, you don't have to go to far,but one thing I do,always take at least a small point and shoot wth me,, every now and then get a chance to get a good photo,whenever I least expect it, nevertheless, I wish I could quit my job and dedicate my time to photography, but then,like you said, day to day paycheck?Wish you the best in your getting out of that slump,remember, you are not alone in this situation.,best of luck,,JJ Sifontes.
Discussion
22 repliesWhen I first joined this forum earlier this year, I found lots of inspiration from the great work from the photographers here. I'm finding, at least for me, that there's a flip side to that coin. Members are continuing to pump some spectacular work, and I'm finding myself both intimidated and jealous of their justly deserved efforts. I know I shouldn't and have no right to feel this way, but I do. It just seems futile to take a single day trip each month when I know that many of the pics taken by others were from many days of shooting. As such, I've not take a photograph for about 4 or 5 months.
Has anyone felt similarly, and what did you do to get out of it?
Kent in SD
Even if I was to only get out once a month it would all be worth it because photography for me allows me to not only appreciate and capture the obviously beautiful but also to focus my eye and my thoughts on the little things, the little moments and the often overlooked.
You got some good advice up there; now narrow your focus and give yourself some kind of a project. You're absolutely correct that a big part of photography is putting in the time if you're looking at some of these great images on here.
But there are also people on here who get fabulous images in their own backyards. It forces you to look harder, just like what Peter was talking about. Use your abilities as an engineer to push your limits. Also, there have been several people on here who carried their cameras with them on their daily commute. It changes your whole outlook on things if you're looking for photos rather than thinking about your workday!!
http://www.naturephotographers.net/articles0206/gt0206-1.html
Guy
Bruce
From most of this year's experience (and still ongoing), I know I can't produce great images when my mind is somewhere else. Unfortunately, I am unemployed at the current moment and have been, or at least known that it was going to occur, since near the beginning of the year. The absolute vast majority of photos I have taken this year, after a good edit for the usual mistakes and bad ideas executed even worse, has been a bunch of decent images with no real winners. I doubt even one shot will make it to my show stock. The creativity and that extra whatever it is just isn't there for me right now.
It happens. Don't stress about it. Keep the camera handy, but don't worry if it isn't used for a while. The photography will come around.
The article Guy posted above also had a huge effect on me, and help me realize what I was going through was normal.
Scott
I moved up to MF this year, got into my first gallery and had a few other outside sales. Unfortunately, the price and style of photography didn't end up being a good fit for the gallery, so I didn't sell anything. That was a setback for my plans to try and build a career in photography. I know things are competitive, so my brain tells me I have to match some of the best photographers on this site to try and make a living at it. I'm going for grand scenics and intimate landscapes in wilderness areas, so I can't satisfy my desires or goals shooting in my suburban environment.
That probably better explains the sources of my frustration. I desire to make a living in photography and produce similar (but not identical) photos made by Tal, Adamus, Schnepf, etc., etc. I know they don't go on a simple day trip once a month to get those images. That's why I've been looking at single day trips with the attitude of 'what's the use?'. I know, that's a bad attitude to have, and I feel stupid for having it, but that just what I've honestly felt.
I guess it's just a crossroads in life. If I really want to get into photography full time within the next few years, I have some really tough decisions and sacrifices to make. If I'm not willing to make those, I need to get more realistic goals and perspectives on what I can get out of my photography.
Everyone's input is appreciated. Guy, I liked the article you attached. Zack - I find your input particularly both helpful and ironic. Your recent ESS post of Enchanted Sky Fire is a great example of the type of images that I like to go for. It inspires me to go out and shoot, but also is another reality check of the efforts taken to get those images. That's definitely not a day trip image! Seeing that image made me evaluate my current state even more and caused me to seek some advice to get out of my funk.
Look for some way to cut back your work hours. I did that myself with no thought of turning photography into a business but it's still been great. My wife just quit working full-time to do more art as well, and I have friends who've done likewise. It can be done, and you'll never wanna go back!
The result today is there are probably ten times as many tripods out at our parks than twenty years ago. Especially large numbers of new photographers have risen up in just the last few years with the rise of digital SLRs. Historically until this present decade, most pro landscape and nature photographers had to pursue other career areas at least through parts of their lives even if they were also photography related, in order to make ends meet. The simple reality was, it was rarely a way to make a good living financially over the long term that had to also bare through leans times.
With landscape photography, location of where one lives while juggling a career is of considerable importance. Time outdoors patiently pursuing images goes a long ways because one will need to expect that conditions and situations for truly outstanding images are infrequent. I personally have never bought into the conventional wisdom that a creative nature or landscape photographer can make outstanding imagery most anywhere. True maybe with some photography pursuits like urban and cultural work.
Unless one has found a lucrative niche in some resort region community, it is rather difficult for most people to simply move to scenic places and hope to be successful financially. Thus many of us end up living in one of the large urban areas where career choices are more promising while making a decent income and commuting on occasional weekends to areas where one can pursue their art. If one lives at such a distance that one cannot easily drive a few hours on weekends to reach regional scenic parks and natural areas, then one has a serious limitation that will make building up a body of outstanding work rather difficult. Hence the situation of those that only can reach such areas during their vacations. The solution may simply be to pull up the roots of one's life and move to one of the well known urban locales within driving range. Something easy to do for young folks without complications but increasingly difficult as years pass and one becomes rooted.
Another reality is at least at popular icon locations, one may simply need to visit such places many times over many years before capturing something quite outstanding. Sure one can take nice images that many will be satisfied with however they won't stand up well beside the best jaw droppers. Thus the need to be patient without immediate expectations while understanding what it will take to make such an image. Actually some today have found that post processing enhancements are a more certain path to better images haha without much work in the field though that grates against my own style.
Another strategy is to not work 8-5 m-f month after month, year after years endlessesly until one retires. Grating against conventional wisdom, I have after working two to six years at companies and building up some savings, quit my jobs and then taken off months to a few years. To do so one cannot buy into the prevalent USA always in debt mindset and instead always have some money in the bank. There is a huge advantage to taking or a year or two off to pursue photography as one wishes if one has the knowledge of where to go, when to go, and the equipment skills to bring back the goods. ...David
I find myself salivating to shoot a Tal, Adamus, or Schnepf shot, but I do not have the drive to go where they do to get the shots. I found a niche in flora and macro that I am enjoying, mainly just for me.
Nathan
Also do not compare your work with others. I do not have images that rival "a Tal, Adamus, or Schnepf" and many others, but I am pleased with what I do and always aim to surpass the best of my latest work. I looked at your portfolio and know there is a talented photographer behind those shots.
Will
Edmonton, Alberta
Canada
You might try this: take a few weeks off, and do an extended outdoor hiking photography trip. Shoot and live for the purpose of shooting. I did that just one week now in some national parks in finland, and I can tell you one thing: It is hard work, sometimes frustrating, and not very comfortable. Of course you are granted with the possibility to shoot an area to death(sorry for that pun, it was not intended), but it involves a lot of waiting, hiking, etc. I have to admit that after one week i was fed up slightly because the whole situation lacked something I also need in life: a shower, a bed, my girfriend, some civilization, and the other kind of intellectual stimulation, like reading, music, but even also dealing with job-issues. I decided that beeing a full-time outdoor photographer is some very hard job. It is fun and rewarding, but you have to be of a certain breed and I am not one of those. I will do some extended shooting trips again, but I can see the positive side of my work as well: Nice colleagues, guaranteed salary each month,a warm office, etc. And every now and then, work is fun and interesting as well.
I am also very often frustrated that I cannot pursue photography as much as i wish to do. Sometimes there is a urge to create and it cannot be fulfilled. I also do envy these guys with stunning and inspirational scenery almost in their own backyard.
Yes I know that opinion that one can make great photo's in every location, but that somewhat collides with the fact that most successful photographers travel to stunning places to photograph them. I personally dont know one photographer that became famous by shooting his garden.
I would love to see the big names photograph in my location and see if they would be able to make a living from the resulting work. I bet not because the scenery does not have the potential. Why were Ansel Adams and Galen Rowell drawn towards Yosemity? It is obvious of course.
Stunning scenery is a nice and helpful fundament to produce stunning photos.
But it is not easy. Ask yourself the question if you are willing to spend weeks in the outdoors for just one photo? I have the utmost respect for the Adamusses
I used to have the same attitude and I still have it - partly - the "what sense does it make" attitude. It is a rational attitude because in fact, it really makes no sense. I do not sell my images, because with the level of effort I put into my photography I can never match the top-photographers out there, hence I cannot sell it. Also people in Austria in general do not "consume" landscape photographs as people in the states. They have a different attitude . I guess Verena&Georg can tell more about that. I heard a lot of my friends and colleagues saying as I showed them some photo's of well known photographers that they do like the image, but that they wont spend a single dollar(euro) on a landscape photograph. I think it works in the states because first of all the scenery is beautiful, the photos are amazing, many people have a busy life, just 4 weeks a year of vaccation and no time to go to the places. But they do love their National parks and national icons so they are willing to spend some cash on a great photo depicting it.
Staying on the sense-topic: Does it makes sense to photograph the halfdome anymore? Maybe on a rational level, it does not. But photography is about passion and emotion. And where passion and emotion is, there is no room for rationality. Rational thoughts kill passion. Hence one should not compare and evaluate too much. It takes the fun out of it - like you experienced. I experienced it as well, it seems to be a rather normal process, one should not feel guilty about it.
Another idea might be to find a location that you like very much and that you can travel to in a reasonable amount of time (weekend-trips). Visit it often and try to understand that area and know that area. There will be some great photo's, and it is fun.
So, I hope that helps somewhat. At least it helped me to see that there is one out there that has the same "problems"
Best Regards, Dietrich
I recently changed careers/lifestyles, and can very much relate to this. During my transition, I honestly didn't touch my camera for a month and a half, for reasons that just a few weeks later hardly seem remotely justifiable. I've now gone back to shooting, with a much differnent mindset.
I became redetermined to shoot with a conclusion I reached watching a great college football game opening week of the season...Appalachian State and Michigan. Any given Sunday (Saturday) any team can beat anyone. And for parrallel, any day that you shoot, you could get an adamus, tal, clapp or schnepf!
As for me, sure I don't have the amazing opportunity to shoot every day like I did before...but on any given day I could encounter that once in a lifetime opportinity. And like hell if I'm going to miss it by 'wasting' my weekend! I've been back to my stomping grounds the last few weekends, and have gotten some great shots...with just 2 sunrises and one sunset a week...
And I appreciate my time out there shooting so much more...
Hope you get back on the horse...
A number of you are indeed correct, some time in the field is better than none. The vast majority of my current portfolio was taken during annual or biannual vacations. I've been blessed with some great conditions in the relatively few days I have been out over the years.
Dietrich, it sounds like we have tons in common. Work is busy with 45 to 50 hours a week, plus 10 hours per week of studying for a certification exam just before Thanksgiving. Toss in some dating, tennis, church and watching movies on my home theater, there hasn't been tons of time for photography. I also like a comfortable bed and a shower each day (I don't even own camping equipment - I know, that's akin to a sin in landscape photography - and something I'm planning to remedy soon). I also have an Acura TL, so its a great car to drive in the mountains on paved roads, but definitely not an off road vehicle. This type of lifestyle is a drastic departure from the photogs I've mentioned before. In many respects, I've got no one to blame except myself. I just didn't realize how far off my current lifestyle was from that of a professional photographer's until more recently.
I think for now, I realize I need to take better advantage of my job, which takes me to some beautiful locations. I work in many of the Colorado Mountain resorts, as well as some other western states. I've worked in Idaho, Oregon, Wyoming, Utah and Hawaii. I've taken advantage of Hawaii and Utah (Arches and Canyonlands), as well as a little in Colorado. I may have some chances to do architectural photography.
Thanks to all for the support and the ideas!
He said :
I think that a good artist can do outstanding work almost anywhere as long as the work is judged in comparison to other work from the same region.
What I mean is, for example, I'm presently working on a project for an Ontario Wilderness Park and they think my work is quite outstanding. By comparison to the work of other artists in this region mine is among the best BUT I'm not fool enough to think that I can compete with the likes of your above mentioned hero's because, realistically, this is Eastern Ontario not the American west icon locations.
That said you should seriously consider what David said.
Bob
I fully undestand what you are going through,I rarely have a week end off, get home late in the evening and I work every Holiday in the book,macro helps, you don't have to go to far,but one thing I do,always take at least a small point and shoot wth me,, every now and then get a chance to get a good photo,whenever I least expect it, nevertheless, I wish I could quit my job and dedicate my time to photography, but then,like you said, day to day paycheck?Wish you the best in your getting out of that slump,remember, you are not alone in this situation.,best of luck,,JJ Sifontes.