Posted by Nate Burgess on February 23, 2009 at 12:19 PM
Im not sure if its a fleeting moment or not, but I am feeling disgustingly disappointed in myself and de-motivated overall. It used to be I would see images and feel inspired, but now I see so many people publishing work and putting out wonderful images and it all just seems so very very far away for me as by comparison all my work just seems ...well.. sub par.
How many of you have been "here" and if so, what did you do to ride through it and come out better for it?
I know I can be better, but i feel I've been saying that for a long time now.
Posted by Morris McClung on February 23, 2009 at 12:40 PM
Nate,
I am pretty sure we have all been where you are, and for me, it's a more frequent visit than I care to admit. I have, as many of us, an aspiration to be one of the most admired photographers of our day. Alas, (did I just write alas?), that isn't likely for me. But as I say in my bio page on my website, the joy I receive in the attempt is what drives me on. Besides, I'm sure you've heard the quotes about it being about the journey, and not the destination. I would say try to change your attitude when you go out. Don't go looking to get an Adamus or an Adams, just go and enjoy it. Look for the gifts that are offered on the trip, there is almost always a gift I never expected. Take the side roads occasionaly. Don't be so hard on yourself. Immerse yourself in the moment of where you are and shoot from there.
Others say workshops are the single biggest help they have received in their growth. I read every book on photography I can find, and I don't try to copy anyone, but use their ideas to inspire.
It is daunting occasionaly to look at so many others creating superior work today, and feeling inadequate at times. That wrestling we are doing with our egos may be useful, but probably is most often damaging to our creativity. Let go, and just get out there!
You'll be fine. Some days are golden, some days are crap.
Stop comparing. Give yourself a self assignment (SA) and make your own images. If you find yourself comparing, stop looking at the forum altogether - it's a trap, don't fall in. Identify the areas where you need to improve and incorporate them into your SA. Todd Caudle and I were just talking about how images are everywhere - make urban, flash, people, family, pet, food, motion, backyard, night, clouds, close-up, local park, trails, bicycle images - just walk around with your camera and have fun. You started shooting because it was fun - so do it!
Posted by Erik Stensland on February 23, 2009 at 12:56 PM
Nate, I can completely relate. What I find helps me when I get to that point is to simply stop trying to compete. I close the books and web browser and simply head into the mountains to enjoy being there. If I see something that inspires me, I shoot it in my own way, regardless of what anyone else might think of it. Often the harder I try, the worse I do. Moving from production and productivity to simple enjoyment and celebration of the beauty of nature does more for me than almost anything.
Posted by Kurt Budde on February 23, 2009 at 1:06 PM
Edit: So my advice is a bit different than everyone else, but in the end I think it comes down to the same concept. Get out, create images, have fun doing it.
Shoot, shoot, shoot. Then get out and shoot more. Scout locations, explore new locations. Identify weaknesses in your creative process and work to correct them. Then shoot more. Repeat above steps.
Really *look* at compositions. Determine what makes them work, and what makes them weak. Apply this knowledge to your creative process. Repeat.
This field takes an incredible amount of hard work, long days and sacrifice. Everyone here will attest to that. It does not come easy. Chances are, most of the people who you admire have been working in the arts for many years.
Good luck out there
Posted by Nate Burgess on February 23, 2009 at 1:14 PM
Hard work!?!?!? Pishaw!! ill have none of that! hahaha..
Thanks for the responses... certainly good to know this is a common feeling to have every now and again.
I think its likely a combination of several factors... not letting myself just enjoy the process... and not getting out nearly as much as I should. (letting work..friends.. and other things get in the way)
Focus focus focus...get out and shoot, but gotta have fun above all else... spose the rest will come on its own.
All excellent points and great advice guys... I knew I joined the forum for a reason ;)
Nate,
Thanks for posting this. I think all of us from time to time feel like you do but frerquently keep it to ourselves thinking we are the only ones with these thoughts.
I think you received some great inspirational feedback here that can help lift all of us. I was particularly impressed by Morris's comments.
Jim
Posted by Mel Ladewig on February 23, 2009 at 1:47 PM
I know that I've felt the same issues you've spoken of.
Shooting is very important for maintaining creative energy. But you might find that you need inspiration outside of photography or that you need to study to increase your skills. Perhaps a book on composition or something on the history of art or a book on graphic design would spark new ideas or new ways of thinking about the compositions you create. If you've been shooting alot but not finding a rhythm, perhaps you should leave the camera at home for a while and view the world through your eyes rather than your viewfinder.
I've spent the winter reading. I've got coffee table books from Elliot Porter, Edward Weston, and Ansel Adams as well as textbooks or instructional books. I've enjoyed reading Michael Freeman's book on composition and plan to follow up with a book on color theory after I speak with my friend who is a professor teaching color theory. I'm reading these books to try to understand better how I tick, and how to communicate with the audience I'd like to reach.
Posted by Chris Rice on February 23, 2009 at 1:56 PM
Nate;
Sounds like you might have the winter blues too. This season can lead to a photography withdrawal, which can subdue creativity. Like Kurt said, look at compositions for awhile when you're in the field. Put the camera down and observe. I found myself staging better scenes after I learned this valuable lesson.
For a long time, I was hurried in the field. It was as if I was on a mission. What ended up happening was, I would come home with a bunch of mediocre images, and furthermore I didn't ever pause and just look around - it was all through the viewfinder. And don't be afraid to scout locations without the camera. I will intentionally go on a dayhike without any imaging device just to be out there. But I'm always aware of a potential shot that I can get on a return visit.
It's easy to get down looking at some of the amazing imagery here. At one point I think I said I was going to sell all of my gear, close down the gallery, and take up golf after seeing some of the photographers' work on here.
Spring is right around the corner! It will get better for sure!!
Posted by Paul Gana on February 23, 2009 at 2:10 PM
I am a new comer to photography and I know what it's like, for me though I just enjoy photography and I don't get caught up in the is this guy better than me bit. I just try to enjoy my day in the mountains and taking photos
Posted by Rajeev Thomas on February 23, 2009 at 3:57 PM
Great topic...Nate. When I started this hobby I expected too much from myself. I used to beat myself up a lot of times for not bringing back images that are as good as the images posted here. Also I had the tendency to make sure to visit all the places everyone else been to and to get the same shots.
But I realized how my pics looked like fake when I tried to copy everyone else and I couldn't enjoy the final product. The result was a disappointment and hibernation that lasted a year or more. I am learning the hard way now to enjoy the whole process , the trip to the places, just being out there, even learned to let go shots when camera stopped working on me (the best sunset I have seen). I think when we let go of all of our expectations, we will see better, using our own unique skills and vision. Hang in there Nate....keep reading, shooting more, edit your work brutally. Looking at your past work... your work is not mediocre, you are developing your own style..keep doing that.
Before you click that shutter, just take a second and ask yourself, is this beautiful to me ? As long as you are satisfied and it meets your standards..just let go all the worries...don't worry about anyone else's standards, regards, Rajeev.
Posted by Paul Wegemann on February 23, 2009 at 4:54 PM
Nate, there is an ebb and flow to the creative process. Once I realized that, I became a lot more comfortable with my down times. The key is not to give up, but to feel it's OK to take a break. In athletics one of the most important periods of training is the rest day. An athlete will come back stronger and faster after a period of rest. I've found that creatively, it works the same for me. So, when you're feeling down about your photography, take a break. Do something different and feel comfortable knowing that you'll come back recharged and ready to make some good photos. You'll get your Mojo back!
Paul
Posted by Nate Burgess on February 23, 2009 at 5:05 PM
Wow...
Its nice to get the support to push when I dont really have the gumption in me to push myself.
Everyone has provided some good points and ideas.
Just need to be slightly less critical on myself and have more fun...
One day Ill have the confidence to try to make some money doing this! we shall see...
Posted by Doug Andrews on February 23, 2009 at 6:23 PM
Nate, let me say that I have also been where you are. It seems to hit me like clockwork every winter. Its been especially bad this year as I don't think I've even posted here much less taken a picture in a serious and creative way since last October. I appreciate the advice given above to just stop comparing and competing with others all the time and just to enjoy the outdoors and let the images come to me instead of trying to force myself to make something happen.
Posted by Bill Pelzmann on February 23, 2009 at 7:30 PM
Nate, definitely take the pressure off yourself. Relax and let the pictures come.
I find a 3 to 4 day photo trip spent in one area is perfect for getting totally immersed. Explore a new area, or a new season in an old area. That never fails to get me going again.
Why do you consider your images "sub par"? Composition, light, processing...?
Identify and work on a specific weakness.
Have you assembled a collection of your best images, maybe you are being too hard on yourself?
Posted by Rod Chandler on February 23, 2009 at 11:01 PM
Nate, You certainly sparked some worthwhile comments from fellow photography enthusiasts. I would like to make a couple of points. 1) When I look at people's work here on NPN and other venues, I am almost always seeing their very best work. They take ordinary pictures just like I do but I never see their throw-aways; I only see mine. 2) I love photography because I know how much better I am today than I was five years ago, even last year. I learn something almost every day and apply it. 3) I have one important person who judges my work. If I please him, then the work is good. That person is ME. If I like it, that's all I need to know. Keep shooting and growing. Compete against yourself. Enjoy.
Posted by Steve Sieren on February 24, 2009 at 1:25 AM
Ooh, you're in for a rollercoaster ride. I go up and down all the time. Highs and lows, everyone goes through that. Don't they?
Posted by James H Egbert on February 24, 2009 at 9:08 AM
There was this Steve Martin ensemble movie called "Grand Canyon" I saw a long while back but there's a quote by one of the characters when describing how life can be a roller coaster and I think it applies here. "I like roller coasters because you never know what's around the next turn, the marry go round is safe and predictable and boring, I think I'll keep riding the roller coaster."
And for that matter I've been in the same funk as you lately and so it's just a matter of time till the coaster makes that next turn. Just gotta throw up the hands and have fun.
Posted by bill meikle on February 24, 2009 at 9:47 AM
It helps sometimes (not every time you shoot!) to go out with someone else who is having fun and get excited together. Go somewhere new or force yourself to try something new like shooting landscapes with a long lens or whatever. Even a trip to a new location so it combines vacation with photography works well. Well I've got to go, I'm off to Tucson.....
Posted by Adam Schallau on February 24, 2009 at 3:56 PM
Nate,
I completely understand what you are experiencing. I've been through it several times over the past few years. I was and I am overwhelmed by the quantity and quality of photography that is being exhibited on forums such as RMNP/NPN and being published in magazines. As a result, I began to seriously doubt my abilities. I wasn't seeing much improvement in my work (and I still feel that way today) and was having a terribly difficult time getting my work seen and published. This all came to a climax about 18 months ago when I put the camera down and walked away from photography.
Luckily I have a great family and very supportive friends that encouraged me to dust myself off and get back into photography. I went through a period of self-review to determine what had pushed me to the point of quitting. For me, I was putting too much pressure on myself to meet and exceed the standards of excellence that have been set on the forums and publications. I had to take a break from the forums, photo books, magazines and I learned to shoot for myself again. I was trying so hard to please everyone else that I forgot that photography is fun.
I think you've taken a step in the right direction by sharing your frustrations here in the forums. It was extremely helpful for me to know that others were experiencing or had experienced what I was going through. This had a major impact on my attitude towards me and my photography. It rejuvenated me and gave me the belief that I can do it, my photography will improve and I will get published. I think it will have the same impact on you.
The pictures will come to you, if you let them.
Posted by Ken Wyatt on February 25, 2009 at 11:51 AM
Hi Nate,
I also have to confess to the same ebb & flow described above. I often see such fantastic images here and elsewhere that just seem so much better than the images I create, that it can certainly be disheartening. I just finished attending the NANPA Summit in Albuquerque and, while I get plenty of ideas and inspiration from the various sessions, the images shown by the keynoters just blow mw away to the extent, I always ask myself, "why bother?" But then I just keep forcing myself to "get out there" and shoot - maybe using some new techniques learned or by trying out new equipment. We artists have very fragile egos, whether we admit it, or not. But we just keep trying, knowing that maybe 1 out of 100 or 1000 pictures might be called "great" by others.
In addition to what the others have mentioned, workshops are a great way to get inspired again and I would urge you to spend the money on a good one. I can heartily recommend the Photography at the Summit series by Rich Clarkson http://www.photographyatthesummit.com/.
Discussion
20 repliesHow many of you have been "here" and if so, what did you do to ride through it and come out better for it?
I know I can be better, but i feel I've been saying that for a long time now.
I am pretty sure we have all been where you are, and for me, it's a more frequent visit than I care to admit. I have, as many of us, an aspiration to be one of the most admired photographers of our day. Alas, (did I just write alas?), that isn't likely for me. But as I say in my bio page on my website, the joy I receive in the attempt is what drives me on. Besides, I'm sure you've heard the quotes about it being about the journey, and not the destination. I would say try to change your attitude when you go out. Don't go looking to get an Adamus or an Adams, just go and enjoy it. Look for the gifts that are offered on the trip, there is almost always a gift I never expected. Take the side roads occasionaly. Don't be so hard on yourself. Immerse yourself in the moment of where you are and shoot from there.
Others say workshops are the single biggest help they have received in their growth. I read every book on photography I can find, and I don't try to copy anyone, but use their ideas to inspire.
It is daunting occasionaly to look at so many others creating superior work today, and feeling inadequate at times. That wrestling we are doing with our egos may be useful, but probably is most often damaging to our creativity. Let go, and just get out there!
You'll be fine. Some days are golden, some days are crap.
Shoot, shoot, shoot. Then get out and shoot more. Scout locations, explore new locations. Identify weaknesses in your creative process and work to correct them. Then shoot more. Repeat above steps.
Really *look* at compositions. Determine what makes them work, and what makes them weak. Apply this knowledge to your creative process. Repeat.
This field takes an incredible amount of hard work, long days and sacrifice. Everyone here will attest to that. It does not come easy. Chances are, most of the people who you admire have been working in the arts for many years.
Good luck out there
Thanks for the responses... certainly good to know this is a common feeling to have every now and again.
I think its likely a combination of several factors... not letting myself just enjoy the process... and not getting out nearly as much as I should. (letting work..friends.. and other things get in the way)
Focus focus focus...get out and shoot, but gotta have fun above all else... spose the rest will come on its own.
All excellent points and great advice guys... I knew I joined the forum for a reason ;)
Thanks for posting this. I think all of us from time to time feel like you do but frerquently keep it to ourselves thinking we are the only ones with these thoughts.
I think you received some great inspirational feedback here that can help lift all of us. I was particularly impressed by Morris's comments.
Jim
Shooting is very important for maintaining creative energy. But you might find that you need inspiration outside of photography or that you need to study to increase your skills. Perhaps a book on composition or something on the history of art or a book on graphic design would spark new ideas or new ways of thinking about the compositions you create. If you've been shooting alot but not finding a rhythm, perhaps you should leave the camera at home for a while and view the world through your eyes rather than your viewfinder.
I've spent the winter reading. I've got coffee table books from Elliot Porter, Edward Weston, and Ansel Adams as well as textbooks or instructional books. I've enjoyed reading Michael Freeman's book on composition and plan to follow up with a book on color theory after I speak with my friend who is a professor teaching color theory. I'm reading these books to try to understand better how I tick, and how to communicate with the audience I'd like to reach.
Sounds like you might have the winter blues too. This season can lead to a photography withdrawal, which can subdue creativity. Like Kurt said, look at compositions for awhile when you're in the field. Put the camera down and observe. I found myself staging better scenes after I learned this valuable lesson.
For a long time, I was hurried in the field. It was as if I was on a mission. What ended up happening was, I would come home with a bunch of mediocre images, and furthermore I didn't ever pause and just look around - it was all through the viewfinder. And don't be afraid to scout locations without the camera. I will intentionally go on a dayhike without any imaging device just to be out there. But I'm always aware of a potential shot that I can get on a return visit.
It's easy to get down looking at some of the amazing imagery here. At one point I think I said I was going to sell all of my gear, close down the gallery, and take up golf after seeing some of the photographers' work on here.
Spring is right around the corner! It will get better for sure!!
But I realized how my pics looked like fake when I tried to copy everyone else and I couldn't enjoy the final product. The result was a disappointment and hibernation that lasted a year or more. I am learning the hard way now to enjoy the whole process , the trip to the places, just being out there, even learned to let go shots when camera stopped working on me (the best sunset I have seen). I think when we let go of all of our expectations, we will see better, using our own unique skills and vision. Hang in there Nate....keep reading, shooting more, edit your work brutally. Looking at your past work... your work is not mediocre, you are developing your own style..keep doing that.
Before you click that shutter, just take a second and ask yourself, is this beautiful to me ? As long as you are satisfied and it meets your standards..just let go all the worries...don't worry about anyone else's standards, regards, Rajeev.
Paul
Its nice to get the support to push when I dont really have the gumption in me to push myself.
Everyone has provided some good points and ideas.
Just need to be slightly less critical on myself and have more fun...
One day Ill have the confidence to try to make some money doing this! we shall see...
I find a 3 to 4 day photo trip spent in one area is perfect for getting totally immersed. Explore a new area, or a new season in an old area. That never fails to get me going again.
Why do you consider your images "sub par"? Composition, light, processing...?
Identify and work on a specific weakness.
Have you assembled a collection of your best images, maybe you are being too hard on yourself?
And for that matter I've been in the same funk as you lately and so it's just a matter of time till the coaster makes that next turn. Just gotta throw up the hands and have fun.
I completely understand what you are experiencing. I've been through it several times over the past few years. I was and I am overwhelmed by the quantity and quality of photography that is being exhibited on forums such as RMNP/NPN and being published in magazines. As a result, I began to seriously doubt my abilities. I wasn't seeing much improvement in my work (and I still feel that way today) and was having a terribly difficult time getting my work seen and published. This all came to a climax about 18 months ago when I put the camera down and walked away from photography.
Luckily I have a great family and very supportive friends that encouraged me to dust myself off and get back into photography. I went through a period of self-review to determine what had pushed me to the point of quitting. For me, I was putting too much pressure on myself to meet and exceed the standards of excellence that have been set on the forums and publications. I had to take a break from the forums, photo books, magazines and I learned to shoot for myself again. I was trying so hard to please everyone else that I forgot that photography is fun.
I think you've taken a step in the right direction by sharing your frustrations here in the forums. It was extremely helpful for me to know that others were experiencing or had experienced what I was going through. This had a major impact on my attitude towards me and my photography. It rejuvenated me and gave me the belief that I can do it, my photography will improve and I will get published. I think it will have the same impact on you.
The pictures will come to you, if you let them.
I also have to confess to the same ebb & flow described above. I often see such fantastic images here and elsewhere that just seem so much better than the images I create, that it can certainly be disheartening. I just finished attending the NANPA Summit in Albuquerque and, while I get plenty of ideas and inspiration from the various sessions, the images shown by the keynoters just blow mw away to the extent, I always ask myself, "why bother?" But then I just keep forcing myself to "get out there" and shoot - maybe using some new techniques learned or by trying out new equipment. We artists have very fragile egos, whether we admit it, or not. But we just keep trying, knowing that maybe 1 out of 100 or 1000 pictures might be called "great" by others.
In addition to what the others have mentioned, workshops are a great way to get inspired again and I would urge you to spend the money on a good one. I can heartily recommend the Photography at the Summit series by Rich Clarkson http://www.photographyatthesummit.com/.
Ken