Bit fed up.

[Athas_orm]

This has very little to do with photography directly but I'm finding things very hard going at the moment. My toddler didn't sleep until 11:30 tonight and by the time he goes to bed Its probably too late to take photos.

After a while it wears you down though. I find myself hanging arround this forum instead of using the camera and its hard to get the will up.

How do all you non professionals manage to keep plugging though this and not let life get in your way.

The reason I'm stating non professionals is its different you have to do something if its your job.

Wes

[Jim Bryant]

Teke your toddler with you. While in the Azores, I used to take both mine on photo trips. I used to take mine with me to the street bullfights. I'd put them on a high wall up from the action on the street. The Azoreans loved kids, both of mine were blue eyed and blondes and they got spoiled while I was gone. I never had a problem with letting them sit there a spell, while I followed the action.Carried on in a backpack. In Panama, I felt like the Pied Piper with three having to watch out for. One in a backpack and two others. But it's something you have to deal with in order to take pictures.

[delmiaco]

I don't have any advice... just simpathy. I have a 3 year old and an 8 month old and the hobbies definitly go by the way side. Just remember that someday they will grow up and not need us any more and we really need to cherrish them....... but they can be frustrating don't get me wrong!!!

[jakethepig]

Hi Wes. I have sympathy with you buddy. I have so much going on in my life at the moment 12 grandkids and kids with problems..Yep, it doesn't go away as they grow up and I'm recovering from a stroke. Jim gave some good advice. I just make time when I can.
I need to get out to relax.
Don't get disheartened. Keep smiling.

Dave

[OsmosisStudios]

You've got a toddler: I've got class. Believe me, it *kills* my drive. It's part of the reason I started a 52-week project for 2010

[Samanax]

Originally Posted by Athas_orm

This has very little to do with photography directly but I'm finding things very hard going at the moment. My toddler didn't sleep until 11:30 tonight and by the time he goes to bed Its probably too late to take photos.

After a while it wears you down though. I find myself hanging arround this forum instead of using the camera and its hard to get the will up.

How do all you non professionals manage to keep plugging though this and not let life get in your way.

The reason I'm stating non professionals is its different you have to do something if its your job.

Wes

I understand what you're going through (going through something similar myself at the moment) and have a few thoughts.

Don't tell yourself you have to go out and take pictures or it won't be fun anymore. If photography is your hobby then it should be fun and enjoyable to do...don't put any pressure on yourself by telling yourself it has to be done. You don't have to go and shoot if you don't want to or don't have the time to. Sometimes it helps to not even think about it for a while.

And especially don't get caught up in the whole equipment thing or you'll really get depressed.

There is just so much to learn with photography but don't feel you have to learn everything at once. Learn it at your speed and comfort level.

Oh, and don't compare your images to anyone else's either. That will really make you crazy. Take the pictures for yourself and tell yourself that you're the only one who has to be happy with them.

Again...if photography is your hobby, it should be fun and enjoyable. Think about what attracted you to photography in the first place and try to hang on to that.

[Athas_orm]

Thanks everyone.

Been a bit better today and he slept a bit earlier too. He seems to have got into the habit of sleeping for 8.5 hours only at night a lot of the time.

Sorry for venting at you guys. Its just so hard sometimes you know. It also puts strain on my relationship with my wife cause we don't have any time for each other. Which makes us all more stressed toddler included.

Anyway thanks.

[windrider86]

Dont apologize, we are all friends here and thats what we are for!
Dont let things stress you out. I know its hard not to but keep your chin up and remember tomorrow is always a a brand new day!

[CRider]

I agree with what Jim said. I think that applies to more than photography really, but in this instance, include him. My boy is 6...he loves doing anything with me. When I got my new(to me) camera, he immediately started asking for me to take pictures of his toys and anything around the house he thought was neat. Were they great photography subjects? Prolly not...but it got him interested and we were doing something together. I'm planning on taking him with me on some walk-abouts I've been thinking about...he can't wait.

[Murtasma]

Spring , Summer and Fall are my working months. Winter I like to hibernate and not do much of anything. There is always something that can take away from your photography time, you just need to keep reminding yourself it's all temporary.