I'm currently suffering from a photographer's block, plenty of interest but struggling to get out and can't find inspiration. Recently imported over 500 pics I've taken this year into LR but can't get motivated to go through them. So many distractions as excuses but really need to find my creativity again. Always found photography as a release to life stressors and need to get my proverbial finger out! Actually got out today and shot a role of film. Thanks for the video, keep them coming

Yes, I absolutely get where you're coming from on this. Very well explained.
I distinctly remember being hit (it feels like that) by photographer's block back in my newspaper days turning up at a small town carnival of all things. I just couldn't face getting out of the car and shooting the simplest of jobs, dozens of happy people, eager to be photographed. But like you say, I had to give myself a kick and get the pics done, but felt oddly lost.
Fifteen years later, newspapers in the past, I'm a jobbing commercial photographer, and ironically clients expect vastly more photos shot on jobs than papers ever did. So I can get photo boredom rather than blocks on the job, and 'off duty' it's photo exhaustion that 'blocks' me enjoying photography just for me. So simply I have to just stop being a photographer for a day or so, which seems such a shame, but needed...

Thank your for the wise words!!!

Thanks Roy, good video..

Solid advice, back to basics helps. Modern Photography complicates something simple. Keep well 👍🇬🇧

Hi Roy,

Those are good and sensible tips.

Fortunately, I rarely hit creative slumps, but when I do, it almost always happens during the summer months when I can feel uninspired.

When that happens, I focus on macro photography and insects, and I have also converted an old DSLR camera to infrared. Infrared photography is great fun on the sunniest days. Midday in summer suits me perfectly.

I always enter at least one photography competition every year, and I keep it in the back of my mind that I need to get out and take pictures so that I have something to submit. It's nice when I do well in the competitions, but that's not the most important thing.

The important part is that it gets me out shooting a lot. Over the course of a year, I feel that I manage to capture quite a few good images that I'm genuinely happy with.

I like Ingemar Stenmark's quote about luck: "I don't know anything about luck. Except that the more I practice, the luckier I get."

I think the same applies to photography.

Sitting at home watching other photographers on YouTube is not going to give you great photos. You simply have to get out there and do it, and do it often.

Thank you Roy, very much appreciate your candor and wisdom. Spot on! Although a bit harsh, a saying I am reminded of: "The pursuit of perfection is a fools errand." That pursuit is pure ego driven and, as you said, the goal doesn't exist. Letting it go can be very freeing... a breath of fresh air! Also, it's important to realize we are not machines. There are times we simply cannot crank it out. So ease up, stop any brow-beating, be gracious to yourself and take a break. Best wishes, GB

At the beginning video I thought good thing I have the odd Airbnb gig... and of course you then go on to mention assignments.

Thanks for the video!

Hi Roy, very interesting and useful video/topic. It comes right on time to be honest. I have been demotivated lately. Mainly about the world and society(not really about photography), but it is those feelings that many times stop me from getting out and make some pictures. Thank you and I'll certainly put some/many...all of your suggestions and techniques into practice mate. Cheers, Ray.

Lost contact with my photo mentor.  Not motivated to shoot anymore.