Lost the Photo Bug

[cocodelite]

I think I have lost the photo bug and I am not sure how to get it back. My parents separated when I was 13 and while living in a different province from my dad for the rest of the years, photography was the only thing we really had in common. I lost my dad this past weekend in a fire and the thought of picking up my camera right now is unthinkable.

Has anyone else felt like this? How long did it take you to get over it and get back to photography? Desperately looking for suggestions.

[SwissJon]

You lost your dad last weekend? I'm really sorry to hear that. Give your heart time to heal before you try to do something that so closely connects you to him. WHen you'reready, it'llcome back.. Probably stronger than ever.

[Doug Pardee]

What SwissJon said. Losing the photo bug is no big deal. Losing someone close to you is. Forget about the camera; grieve over the loss of your father.

[faeriegodess612]

I'm going to go outside the box ( because its partly who I am ) and say maybe ( and thats a big maybe ) picking up the camera will help you with your grieving. Maybe help you feel closer to him because it is something you shared and both loved? If that still seems too much right now, then by all means, disregard my reply. ( That sounds like I'm being a bitch there, but I really mean that in a nicer tone. ) I know for me, my camera was/is an escape from being an adult. I could grab it, head off in some direction, and take photos of things that I find pretty. It was relaxing, and maybe it might help you if your camera does the same for you.

[NgaiHill]

Firstly, I am very sorry for your loss, I lost my Dad 6 years ago and still miss him all the time.

Although I can see where Amber is coming from, I agree with Jon & Doug. If photography is a an activity you did with you Dad then it may be that you need to leave it alone for a while. Just spend some time grieving for your Dad and the photography bug will come back in time. And don't underestimate the length of time the grieving process takes, especially if your Dad died unexpectedly. It can take years not months to find peace.
As I said my Dad died 6 years ago (not suddenly, leukemia), the other day I saw a man about his age, his hands looked just like my Dad's. Made me want to cry. So grief can take time.
I suggest you take time to deal with your loss and grief, eventually you will get to a place where you can celebrate and enjoy the things you and your Dad did together.
Kia kaha.

[cocodelite]

Thank you for your responses.

My dad and I hadn't been close in years, but through the power of the internet, we were trying to re-build our relationship and he was teaching me all he knew about photography. I hadn't been able to speak to him in about 6 weeks.

I will take my time to grieve - I just didn't want to lose the desire to photograph going forward.

[mosgood]

I'm really sorry to hear about your dad. That's a tough situation. I would say to follow your heart about the photography. You need to do what feels right for you at this time. I'm sure you're still in shock. I would be!

I have been interested in photography for years. I was the one who took the majority of pictures of my kids when they were little. Eight years ago, I lost both of them in a custody battle with my ex. Had to move many miles away at the time. It broke my heart, & I cried long & hard daily for ages. My kids were my only biological family & the only humans I truly loved & cared about. Anyway, I still had my camera, & it was the one thing my ex couldn't take away from me, though he tried. I think it helped get me over the pain of rarely seeing or speaking to my kids. It wasn't immediate, but I did pick up my camera over the course of months & years. It helped center me & remind me that not all is ugly in this world.

Just take one day at a time. And breathe...you'll never replace your dad, but the hurt & shock of losing him will get easier to deal with. Time is a great healer. Hopefully, you'll find beauty again, even if you don't get back into photography.