A while ago I was invited to contribute to an article called ‘Breaking Out of the Photographer Slump‘ by Atle R on ‘We Are JUXT’. The article looked at different ways in which several iphone photographers go about getting out of a photographic slump.
It was an honour to be asked for my views on this subject and since then I have been considering this in more detail and asking myself what is the cause of a photographic slump and what can a photographer do to break out of one?
I suppose a slump can be likened to a photographers version of writers block. It is that feeling you get when your usual approach and subject no longer inspires you, you feel a bit lack lustre or that the photographs you take lack the edge that you seek.
It’s probably fair to say all photographers go through a slump sooner or later. But in order to effectively work your way out of one I think it’s important to recognise the root cause of it.
Routine, routine, routine
For me, the root cause of a photographic slump is routine. It comes from being to comfortable with a set approach, a way of working, a particular subject or location. Once you recognise this you can start to work out ways to avoid these sorts of situations and steer yourself in the right direction.
I hope the following ideas will help offer some inspiration to those who may find themselves in need of some new direction.
Same Routine, Different Day
Same Routine, Different Day
Get out of your comfort zone
One of the best ways to break out of routine and to push your photographic boundaries is to step out of your comfort zone.
If you enjoy street photography then try getting out and shooting the landscape. If you enjoy landscape photography then try applying your approach to the urban environment. Sometimes it can feel counter productive but in doing so I have found the results surprising.
Personally, I enjoy being outdoors but I’m currently undertaking a 365 Project where I take a photograph a day for a year. This project is proving to be pretty gruelling and as I work in a city it has forced me out of my comfort zone and into seeking out photographic opportunities on the streets and other urban locations.
READ THE REST HERE
http://www.mobiography.net/photography-focus/ideas-to-break-out-of-a-photographic-slump/
