But at some stage, everyone falls into a creative rut. Even if you’re the most passionate photographer, you’re probably going to experience this several times.
During these periods of struggle, you don’t necessarily have to give up on photography altogether and look for something new. Often, the solution is pretty simple—as you’re about to find out.
Why Do Creative Ruts Happen?
Creative ruts can happen for several reasons. In many cases, it comes from a place of comfort. Once you discover a photography style you like, it’s easy to stick to taking the same kind of shot each time you go out. Over time, this will become second nature to you and you’ll run the risk of getting bored.
Another reason you’re struggling with a creative rut is that you’re stuck in a daily routine. This is a common reason behind burnout in your career, too; having no variety in what you do every day will ultimately lead to boredom and demotivation, especially if you don’t see results.
Too much technology can also contribute to a creative rut. If you spend too much time consuming other people’s content, you might find that you have no space in your mind to express yourself creatively when you pick up the camera.
Now we’ve covered some of the reasons why creative ruts happen, we can begin thinking about solutions. Below, you’ll find six ways to start producing meaningful work again.
1. Try a Different Style of Photography
We all have our favorite styles of photography. However, having preferences doesn’t mean it’s necessarily a good idea to box yourself in and not try anything else.
If you’re in a creative rut, trying a type of photography that’s different from the usual is a good idea. Look for parallels in your work; if you usually do street photography, you probably enjoy taking pictures of people. So, you might want to give portraits a try.
When you try a different style of photography, you’ll push yourself to get uncomfortable, especially if it’s one that you’ve never done before. You’ll think a little differently about how you take pictures when you return to your previous type and might even find something you prefer.
2. Delete Your Instagram Account for a While
Instagram can be an excellent source of inspiration and one way to connect with other photographers in your local area. However, too much consumption can result in comparison—and you might start feeling bad about the pictures you take.
Spending too much time on Instagram can also narrow your creative vision. Many of the most successful pictures on the platform are similar, if not identical. How often have you seen images of people sitting in front of a lake or with their feet dangling over a high vantage point?
Deleting your Instagram account will help you tune back in with the world. You’ll start noticing unique photography perspectives that you hadn’t before, and you won’t feel the pressure to post for the sake of some algorithmic god.
3. Put Down Your Camera
Too much of anything is bad. Even if you adore photography, you can reach a point where you’re forcing yourself to go out and take pictures, rather than doing so because you want to.
Sometimes, the easiest way to get out of a creative rut is to down your tools for a while. Creativity requires space to breathe, and it’s impossible to achieve that if you don’t give yourself the space or permission.
The amount of time you take off depends on you. One week might be enough for some, whereas others could need months or even years. Try picking up a different hobby during your break and letting the wave of inspiration hit you naturally.
4. Take Photos With Your Smartphone Instead
If you’ve been taking pictures with your camera for a while, it’s easy to dismiss your smartphone for photography. But if you’re in a creative rut, going out with nothing but your phone might not be the worst idea in the world.
Taking photos with your smartphone removes all the pressure. You’re going to revert to doing photography for the reason you started in the first place: because you enjoy it. Your phone offers less versatility than a camera, meaning you’ll also need to think more creatively.
Smartphone photography ideas to help you get started include:
Food photography. Architecture photography. Portraits of your friends and family.
You can use these ideas or take inspiration from them—it’s all up to you.
5. Spend Time in Nature
Modern life makes it challenging to spend time outdoors. You might need to commute in a car for hours every day and it’s easier to play video games than go for a walk. However, getting some fresh air can do wonders for clearing your mind.
Spending time in nature is a great way to seek creative inspiration. The tranquility will give you space to think, which ultimately makes it easier for ideas to spawn. You’ll also notice that the world is in a constant state of change, meaning that there’s always something new to photograph.
If you don’t have access to grand landscapes like the Alps, don’t worry; a simple walk in the park will do just fine.
6. Ask a Friend to Join You
If you’re used to taking pictures on your own, it’s easy to let your standards slip. Asking someone to join you on your photo shoots will hold you accountable, and they get the bonus of a few new profile pictures for their social media accounts.
Don’t worry if your friends don’t want to join you; there are plenty of ways to meet fellow photographers. Instagram is an excellent platform for discovering people nearby—just make sure you’re not spending too much time on it—while Facebook groups are also helpful.
Creative Ruts Happen to Everyone
Your first creative rut in photography can be scary and you might begin questioning whether you made the right decision starting in the first place. However, it’s essential to know that periods of low motivation happen to everyone.
Getting out of this spell of frustration requires a little work on your part, but it’s not too difficult. Try learning something new and, if all else fails, don’t be afraid to put down your camera for a while. You’ll thank yourself for it later.
