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Photographers block, or where the heck did I lose my inspiration?

If I remember correctly, Weston described not wanting to go back to subjects he'd done before. I don't know if I'd describe that as photographer's block but I too have a tough time getting excited about "going back" to subjects I've already done.

Similarly I shoot a lot more when I'm trying to learn something new. Once I "get it" my shot volume drops.

The biggest frustration I have though is being "on the clock" at work when I see a shot I'd like.
 
The same thing happens in training. One seems to hit a plateau (no longer gaining any benefits from the run, bike, weights, etc.). This usually results from overtraining. The cure is to back off the intensity for a short time. This gives the body time to recharge.

The same thing is happening here. The remedies mentioned before should allow your brain to rest and recharge.

Stop shooting for a short time or shoot something you don’t usually shoot should be the cure.
Good Luck

Mike
 
Here are some of the things that have worked for me.

1. Build a camera out of a sardine can or some other common object for the purpose of photographing some kind of space or place where a conventional camera can't include enough. If you've never made a pinhole camera (note: MADE, not just used one you've bought), it gives a whole new perspective, photography as sculpture.

2. Expose a roll of film or two with no part of your body touching anything solid.

3. Have someone blindfold you, take you to an unfamiliar place and lead you around while you use whatever vague clues that might stimulate you to think there could be something to photograph there.

4. While we may think it "shouldn't" matter where we are, going to someplace different with no particular kind of image in mind often helps. It doesn't matter where, so much. A few of my most memorable images were made on trips to places like little towns that just about everyone thinks are boring.

5. When I was doing long night-time commutes, I kept myself awake by shooting blind out the window of the car while driving (do NOT look through the camera!) It was surprising what I came away with.

6. Set the camera up in a dark place, maybe the darkroom, on a tripod. Positioning yourself in front of the camera and draw in the air with a light pencil. A "maglite" type flashlight with the reflector removed works great for this. Try moving slower or faster to vary the lines quality, and toward the camera or away from it to change the size of the line. This is amazing to do with a pinhole camera. If you try the pinhole, be sure and move the light in very close to the pinhole sometimes. You will be surprised.

7. Go to a place distinguished by your total conviction that there could not possibly be anything there to photograph. See what calls you. My wife and I once did a workshop where we chose a single block in a very desolate industrial area devoid of anything that seemed at all interesting. It was amazing what people brought back.

8. Have someone else select images from your proof sheets, and print the ones they select. These are the ones you aren't seeing, and you could perhaps gain a new insight into your work.

Some of these suggestions turn photography toward a rather kinetic activity, but sometimes, that might be just what we need. There are no guarantees. I often hit the skids, sometimes for extended periods. Everybody does.
 
Find some community group you can work with to provide some usefulness and purpose for the photos. Animal shelter, museum, environmental group, church, shelter, whatever suits your interests.

As an alternative to trying new things, read new/old things. Some of the photographers of old had a style and aesthetic that you might be inspired by. Read/see it in books. See how other people are inspired on flickr, etc...

I was sorta bored/plateued out with B&W 35mm till DSLRs along, I got hooked again at making images. Now the challenge of making high quality images with DSLRs has sorta lost a little steam. So I'm into LF now, and getting back into the darkroom for all formats.
 
I've also "picked a subject" nearby, like an egg, and made myself come up with several ways to shoot it. The several times I've done this, I've gotten one or two absolute stars (IMO). Then I felt better about taking my camera back into the world again.
 
If you're in a blocked situation, I would just get out of photography for a few weeks or months. Give it a rest. Fill your time with gardening, reading, getting in shape.

Over time you will get your inspiration back. It can't be forced, nor should it. Forcing yourself to get out and shoot will only make it worse, and really not much has ever come from force.

Time settles things.
 
This has absolutely nothing to do with film, cameras, processing or anything related to photography. It's about you and finding what it is that you're really passionate about. Find this and photograph it and you'll never be in a slump again. It took me three years to find my passion and I've been pursuing it steadily for better than three years and have had no slumps. Oh, and your photographs will improve as well once you find your passion.
 
Putting photography aside and doing something else is a great idea.
 
wfe, I've starting to think along the same lines.

I've been doing landscapes and trees and rocks and clouds and buildings, etc. I realized that, what I really want to photograph is people.
 
btw, finished the roll of film today. regardless of subject, it's always exciting to develop a roll and see what i have.