How do you get your passion back?

[Oscar sun]

Hey guys
I'v started shooting round about 6 months ago.
Now I'm doing freelance photography and some wedding photography work.

But recently I feel like i'v lost my touch, to such an degree that I don't sometimes during a shoot I don't know what I am doing.
How do I get it back?
Having a big headache over it.

[faeriegodess612]

Welcome to DPS! We're a sort of tight nit community of photographers from beginners to professionals and everything in between. Don't think of the following reply as a jab,..its not meant that way. You have to be REAL specific on things when you ask a question, or you'll get responses like mine, except they'll be a lot more sarcastic and not very helpful sometimes.


Did you JUST pick up photography 6 months ago? Or is it something that you've picked up AGAIN? If you've started 6 months ago, and dont have any prior experience with photography at all, then thats most likely a big part of your problem. Not to be blunt or mean, but you probably dont know what your doing, and what you need to do is really LEARN what your doing before venturing into taking photos for profit. Having a big camera doesnt make you a photographer. Your skill with that camera does,... and that doesnt come instantaneously. You wouldnt expect your students to walk into your classroom and with just a lil knowledge know everything about proper English would you? Would you give them a test without allowing them to study the content being tested on?

Now, if you have previous experience as a photographer, have studied photography countless hours, have practiced, practiced, and practiced, then you should practice more. Theres always more learning to do with photography. Search the forums here on DPS,... there's a plethora of information here. We are willing to help anyone, but you have to have some tough skin. Photography is an art, and art is subjective. Not everyone will like your photos. But more times than not, they will tell you what you need to do to fix them,...sometimes whether you ask or not.

These lil skits will let you know how those of us who work hard to get where we've gotten, as well as those of us are working to get somewhere feel.
The Truth about Professional Photographers

Hiring a Cheap Photographer

[BigFuzzy]

Not to sound like a pr!ck, but I find it hard to believe that after only 6 months of shooting you really ever had it to lose it.
Plus, if you've already 'lost' it after only 6 month which is when you're still learning a ton, is it something you really want to be doing?

maybe you should post some images so that we can give you some ideas on how to think differently from what you're currently shooting to add a little excitement into your sessions/jobs.

One thing that helps.. start looking at other photographers. See what they do that you like and try to learn that or emulate it. Find a technique that you're not sure how to do and think of a way to implement it into what you're already doing.

After six months I imagine there are sooooo many things you've not done or tried or perfected that there has to be a million things for you to try.. .and, again, if that's not exciting enough, maybe this isn't for you?

[anfanglove]

Ive had similar problems, I got my passion back by dropping the 365 project, and stayed away from my cameras for a while, bought new toys, and fell in love with toy photography, and I'm back!

[Elmo]

Over the years I have seen far too many people get out of photography after they decided to do a little paid work to support the hobby. To clear the air it almost happened to me. I now only shoot for me, and have a blast. Do I have the latest and greatest? NO! but I know how to use what I have and know its limitations. I do have what I need to shoot what I like to shoot, maybe not the best but it works.

Just keep in mind there is more to life than making money. (It only took me 50 years to learn this.)