Comments on: Photography is not a Gift (featuring Breaking a Slump)

By: Dave Wixx

Dave Wixx — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 06:25:08 +0000

A superb article and sums up everything I've been feeling. I wouldn't even qualify myself as intermediate, but I like taking pictures and I've hit the point of questioning why I'm bothering!!!

Thanks for the 'chin up'.

By: Craig Persel

Craig Persel — Thu, 05 Apr 2007 07:49:39 +0000

I agree with Niall's statement … especially the unpredictability of a good/brilliant shot. On one hand it gets easier to predict the outcome of shot, but on the other hand you can still be surprised by the outcome of images you didn't think were going to work. "Keep on Shootin'" I think is the key slogan.

By: Rose

Rose — Thu, 05 Apr 2007 07:08:05 +0000

Lawrence..I love reading everything you write about. Have you consider writing a book.
I would definetly buy it.

By: Chuck

Chuck — Thu, 05 Apr 2007 05:00:27 +0000

Okay, I decided I just had to blog about this topic of creative slumps. Here are my thoughts:
http://idealfstop.typepad.com/my_weblog/2007/04/slump_therapy.html

By: Niall O'Shea

Niall O'Shea — Wed, 04 Apr 2007 22:47:48 +0000

Bingo! This definitely describes my experience. I take fewer and fewer photos. There are several reasons for this a) my standards about what is 'worthwhile' have become more stringent (the 'ratcheting' up of standards - you can't go back down) b) because I'm wary of parodying myself with repetitive material, even if it's good c) my disenchantment with photo sharing sites and d) because, after taking scores of thousands of photos, my experience can instantly tell me whether a scene is likely to render a good photo or not. Often people will me say 'look, why don't you take a photo of that, it's a lovely day!" to which I mutter; "horrible light" or some such conversation-stopper. This is not a good place to be, really and I need to rediscover the fun in photography. Actually, what gives me hope most is that even in these times of slump or truculent inactivity ("this scene is not worthy of me photographing it! etc. lol) I will from time to time take a photo in the most unpromising of circumstances, in a moment of boredom or caprice that will turn out to be brilliant, one of my best, and better than I got while visiting some visually stunning place that ought to be like shooting fish in a barrel. Of course, there are still two pre-conditions a photographer must meet as a minimum to get such shots in the everyday: have a camera with you, and try it, go for it!

By: Chuck

Chuck — Wed, 04 Apr 2007 04:40:19 +0000

Good commentary here Lawrence. I'm still not out of the phase completely where I am just shooting for the heck of it. I have dramatically trimmed down the number of shots I'm taking. Part of this is just becuase I'm tired of the work it takes to look at, copy, and backup a bunch of photos.

I must admit that I like Craig's idea of hauling around a little compact camera. I should look into that.

So back to you...I am interested in how you move on from here. My instinct is that you definitely will continue to shoot fewer photos, at least up until a point where you become wildly inspired by a new idea. Seeing your images created before and up-to the "slump" makes it clear to me why it happened. You were covering well worn ground with predictably good results. But "predictable" isn't inspiring. So once you find that next idea that inspires you, you will be off. It could very well be the new project you have just started.

I speak from experience here as the 2nd phase of my own project has been a bit too predictable so far. I feel as though the images I'm making at the moment are really just a warm-up for the real thing. Sort of like my own spring-training (if you'll permit a baseball analogy).

In the end, what I'm trying to say is, the most enuring way out of a slump is latching onto an idea that gets you excited and thinking in new ways. If this isn't present, the slump has a danger of creeping back. I'm teetering on the edge of this right now. Good luck.

By: Craig Persel

Craig Persel — Wed, 04 Apr 2007 01:37:59 +0000

Excellent essay and one I can really relate to. I've definitely noticed with myself – as a general trend – that I shoot less and less. This is because after shooting thousands of photos you 1) are more able to "predict" what the outcome of an image is going to be, thus are pre-editing in your mind and 2) realize that you've shot a particular image "x" amount of times already. That said … images can be unpredictable. Most are predictable, but a certain percentage are not. Some images are planned ahead of time and seen by the mind before shooting and others are discovered during editing. I have to say that I've "created" countless images after-the-fact during the editing phase. I may have taken the photo with one intention and then discovered a completely different "embedded" image.

I'm glad to hear that you have divided your camera arsenal into the "serious" set up and the compact "go everywhere" kit. That is exactly what I do. My compact Canon is always in my pocket for that unexpected moment or situation that catches my eye. Many of my favorite photos have occured during these unexpected momements/enounters. Still … I do find myself taking fewer and fewer photos as a result – I think – of mental pre-shoot editing based on experience. Nothing wrong with that as long as you leave the door open to inspiration and spur of the moment snapping that can still result in creative and unique work.