when you are in a rut, what do YOU do ?

...

I wish I could just walk away for a while but I find that harder than working through a rut - so I just keep going, as disappointing and frustrating as that can sometimes be.

jnanian said:

i kind of said it all in the title, but i will say it again ...

when you are in a rut what do you do (to crawl out of it) ?

maybe you can give that advice here if you have any?

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Switch formats! Seriously, if you're lugging around an 8x10 all the time, then try medium format or 35mm. Or a Holga.

The most important thing is to keep working and making stuff. Sometimes we spend too much time thinking and intellectualizing rather than taking action.

ParkerSmithPhoto said:

Switch formats! Seriously, if you're lugging around an 8x10 all the time, then try medium format or 35mm. Or a Holga.

The most important thing is to keep working and making stuff. Sometimes we spend too much time thinking and intellectualizing rather than taking action.

Click to expand...

i know what you mean, getting stressed about "stuff" never helps anything ...

Usually I do two things.

First I look at picture books. (never really outgrew that)

Second I print all those photographs I have been procrastinating on.

If neither of those work then I pick a project. There are lots of ideas on-line. The latest one has been to walk to a street corner and look all 4 directions trying to find a silhouette photo. It does not have to be good but it does have to fill the frame. Once I find it I can move around as needed to improve the framing or the composition. Then I shoot an entire roll, or at least 4 sheets if I am using a large format camera.

So far it has worked and I come up with some interesting photo opportunities I would not have found any other way.

Personally I try replacing photography with another hobby completely for a little while. Usually I will focus on reading, drawing, working on my car, etc. When it comes around to it, I will usually stumble across a photograph on the internet that reignites my passion for photography.

If at first you don't succeed, give up

It is never too late to panic!

I pick up my guitar and play...

Think about other people for a change. Think of the nicest thing you could do for a friend, partner, parent, colleague, brother, sister etc and plan it thoroughly and do it. I think there is a lot of wisdom in that old adage in giving, you receive. We are living in a remarkably self-absorbed age. If we gave some more thought to others' ruts maybe we wouldn't get into our own?

Pugilist

I'm like an old pugilist. Put a rangefinder film camera in my mitts, ring the bell, and I'm ready for the next round.