photographer's block - DPChallenge Forums

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

09/03/2008 09:07:00 PM · #1

I have only been a member here for a short time, but already I'm feeling completely bamboozled at the scope, depth and breadth of photography. Until now I had a million ideas and thought I was doing really well, but after looking at this site (probably for way too many hours) I have reached a complete block. It could be the horrible grey day, but if I'm a decent photographer I should be able to get out there and take at least one good shot. Of something. But I can't see anything there, which is weird for me as I was so fired up until now. I keep walking around saying "if only I had a different lens....or....ouch, maybe I should have gone with Canon instead of Nikon.....or....if only I had lights.....etc.....all completely crap excuses, I know. Does anyone experience the same problem, and do you have any ideas to get me going again?

ShutterPug

Canon EOS-6D

09/03/2008 09:17:04 PM · #2

I've been where you are ...quite often in fact. I find that the best thing to do is commit yourself to getting out of the house-with your camera and spend several hours shooting everything you can. Shoot the mundane and try to give it a different perspective of how you normally have seen that subject photographed. It's worth a try isn't it?

Intelli

Nikon D300

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED

09/03/2008 09:28:42 PM · #3

Indeed.. sometimes I think maybe I shouldn't be on this website. Mainly because the photos here are so great. I am a quality control freak..and if I can't produce the quality that I want to produce, I don't even attempt it. Like today.. I was going to take a picture for the product challenge, but I didn't go through with it.. because I don't have lights, or background. Anyways, I know how you feel, and I get frustrated with it too.

09/03/2008 09:31:51 PM · #4

I'm SO glad to hear that at least 2 of you have the problem! Linda, I did that today - I forced myself out on a horrible rainy day to the Botanical Gardens, but all I could see were boring flowers that I'd shot before. And then to the beach, but all I could find were seagulls (who I think I knew intimately) and the most boring sky I've ever seen. HDR came to mind, but there was nothing to work with. The wishlist just keeps growing - infrared filters, ND filter, better camera, better brain, etc etc etc.
I think coffee may be the only answer!

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED

09/03/2008 09:34:33 PM · #5

Originally posted by Intelli:

Hey, Nicholas, I just checked out your page - and noticed you're running the same gear as me. Are you happy with your camera? I'm finding it pretty good, but keep being attracted to the shots taken by Canon 5D, and wondering if I've done the wrong thing. I have also just discovered a rather nasty crack thats surfaced in my beautiful 17-55mm lens - complete bummer, as I bought it one year old from another photographer, who bought it online from the USA, which I think nulls and voids the warranty. Anyway, i'd be interested to hear how you're going with your gear.

Intelli

Nikon D300

09/04/2008 06:58:50 AM · #6

Originally posted by jettyimages:

Originally posted by Intelli:
Indeed.. sometimes I think maybe I shouldn't be on this website. Mainly because the photos here are so great. I am a quality control freak..and if I can't produce the quality that I want to produce, I don't even attempt it. Like today.. I was going to take a picture for the product challenge, but I didn't go through with it.. because I don't have lights, or background. Anyways, I know how you feel, and I get frustrated with it too.

Hey, Nicholas, I just checked out your page - and noticed you're running the same gear as me. Are you happy with your camera? I'm finding it pretty good, but keep being attracted to the shots taken by Canon 5D, and wondering if I've done the wrong thing. I have also just discovered a rather nasty crack thats surfaced in my beautiful 17-55mm lens - complete bummer, as I bought it one year old from another photographer, who bought it online from the USA, which I think nulls and voids the warranty. Anyway, i'd be interested to hear how you're going with your gear.

I am happy with the D300.. Keep in mind the 5D is an older camera and will probobly be replaced soon. I consider the D300 a professional camera, and the images that come out of it are great. Other cameras to compare is the D700 or D3 are both a step ahead of the 5D. There was a thread earlier this year (that I started for fun) comparing nikon and cannon .. which one wins the most ribbons. The results where.. Cannon has 5 times as many owners on this site as Nikon.. so Cannon has a lot more ribbons.

I'm sorry to hear about your 17-55.. that is bad news.. is the crack in the glass? or the body?

As far as photography block goes, I wish I knew the answer. I noticed a thread where

IreneM posted about her new D700. In the first week she owned it.. she took over 3000 snaps. My first thought was "what the heck!!" I have had my D300 for 2 months now.. and I've barely broke 1000. Obviously I don't take enough pictures. But my question is always "what do I take pictures of?" I don't find anything interesting enough to take a picture of it. I take the occasional photo of a flower..or bee.. but to me ..it's just another damn flower or bee. I'm gonna start carrying a can of gasoline, maybe it will make things more interesting lol!

My only challenge entry this year

ordinaryangel

Nikon D80

Tamron SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 Di II LD Aspherical (IF) for Nikon

09/04/2008 07:12:44 AM · #7

I'd suggest joining one of the many side challenges that spring up here. They offer a friendly environment and are a good way to inspire oneself.

Alicia

Canon EOS-600D/T3i Rebel

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 USM II

09/04/2008 07:15:12 AM · #8

Originally posted by Intelli:

I'm gonna start carrying a can of gasoline, maybe it will make things more interesting lol!

Heh - that's funny.

In the last two months I've barely photographed anything, which is shocking to me. So I definitely think I'm suffering from photographer's block. What's the cure??

Mephisto

Nikon Coolpix A

Panasonic Lumix G 14mm F2.5 ASPH

09/04/2008 07:31:02 AM · #9

hey, i was just poking around your portfolio and left some comments! you have some really good and creative work there.
sorry i can't really help you with your block (i feel like i'm having one,too) except by telling you that i liked your work! :)

Louis

Nikon D800

Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D

09/04/2008 07:39:20 AM · #10

Sometimes the block you're describing signals a shift in the kind of photography that interests you. You may be internally confused by the kinds of images you really want to shoot versus the kinds of images you've been shooting until now. Your photographic "eye", in effect, may be evolving. I think you'll find that the pictures you take when you start again -- and you will start taking pictures again -- may surprise you.

09/04/2008 03:47:21 PM · #11

Originally posted by Mephisto:

I saw that, and am REALLY grateful for the messages! I am living like a damn island here with no contact with other photographers and only my family to say 'wow', but peer acknowledgment is so important. Its strange, because as a cellist I didn't give a damn what other musicians thought, I preferred to be alone so I could make my music unhindered by their comments. But musicians are so bitchy and don't give compliments where they're due in case it makes them look less in your eyes - or something stupid to that effect. Plus I'm a rebel and could never fit into the box, so I needed to do my thing, and did well out of it. But with photography, its so different, and I'm really enjoying talking to everyone here, learning, and have never appreciated critiques more! Bring 'em on!

Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6 IS USM

09/04/2008 04:00:43 PM · #12

Originally posted by Intelli:

[quote=jettyimages] [quote=Intelli]
I am happy with the D300.. Keep in mind the 5D is an older camera and will probobly be replaced soon. I consider the D300 a professional camera, and the images that come out of it are great. Other cameras to compare is the D700 or D3 are both a step ahead of the 5D. There was a thread earlier this year (that I started for fun) comparing nikon and cannon .. which one wins the most ribbons. The results where.. Cannon has 5 times as many owners on this site as Nikon.. so Cannon has a lot more ribbons.

I'm sorry to hear about your 17-55.. that is bad news.. is the crack in the glass? or the body?

As far as photography block goes, I wish I knew the answer. I noticed a thread where IreneM posted about her new D700. In the first week she owned it.. she took over 3000 snaps. My first thought was "what the heck!!" I have had my D300 for 2 months now.. and I've barely broke 1000. Obviously I don't take enough pictures. But my question is always "what do I take pictures of?" I don't find anything interesting enough to take a picture of it. I take the occasional photo of a flower..or bee.. but to me ..it's just another damn flower or bee. I'm gonna start carrying a can of gasoline, maybe it will make things more interesting lol!

My only challenge entry this year

Love the elephant, amazing textures! I think I've commented on him already - or if not, I certainly was going to. Is that your next door neighbour, did you travel far and wide to take that, or are you lucky enough to have a zoo where you live?

I had to laugh at your gasoline quip too - I'm exactly the same. I think this kind of boredom can be frightening for anyone who may tend towards 'crossing the line' - luckily I don't think I'll be burning down my neighbour's house today, but last night I was imagining how good a shot it would be to have my cello standing with its spike extended over a flaming fire.....but trying to work out how to separate the two elements (ie cello and fire)......are we allowed to do multiple exposures or combine two images on this site, or do I really have to burn my cello for the shoot?

As for bees and flowers......I'm with you there. Sadly though, there's probably many amazing photographers on this site who can get incredible shots of bees and flowers that we HAVEN'T seen before......bring them on everyone, please!

[user]louis[/user] thanks for the post too (another D300 yay!!) - you could well be right. I am relatively happy with my portraiture, but I have found things on this site that I really want to try - I'm completely drawn to

IreneM's work, although I have no idea if I could pull it off as well. But I have to wait until I have enough money to buy a macro, and some lights.....and so it all goes. Photography is SO expensive, isn't it!

Sugarpie

Canon EOS-400D Rebel XTi

09/04/2008 04:08:59 PM · #13

as far as the block goes, my camera has been sitting in its case for about two weeks now
however i can feel it something good and pretty will come so i can take a picture of it
in the meantime im just taking the occassional break that is very much needed :)

Purple_Girl

Canon EOS-1100D

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 II

09/04/2008 04:16:12 PM · #14

I spend most of my time feeling blocked. The new challenges for example, I haven't a single idea for either of them that I can do with the resources I have. My Dolls and Puppets entry was very last minute because I had no good ideas for the whole week. It's a bitch to be sure and pretty hard to drag yourself out of. It's all the more daunting when you see the quality of work that is submitted here. Good luck to you, I hope you find some inspiration soon; when you do, please share....!

cryan

Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro for Nikon

09/04/2008 04:20:53 PM · #15

I think we all feel the block. I've been a photographer for almost 20 yrs, and i am going through one of those blocks right now. I just signed up for the DPC olympics to get the juices flowing again, sometimes you just need a kick in the ass like being on a team to get out of the "RUT". As far as cameras go, you have a great camera, but like any camera it is only a tool.

IreneM uses a Nikon 60mm macro and if I'm not mistaken uses one or two SB-800 for most if not all of her macro work. Before she got the D700 she favored her D50 over her 5000.00 D2x. Its all in how you put it together. Try experimenting, it's free. PM

IreneM and see if she can help you emulate her style. Just don't give up.

Message edited by author 2008-09-04 20:24:51.

09/04/2008 04:22:33 PM · #16

What's the DPC Olympics?

ralph

Nikon Z9

09/04/2008 04:25:58 PM · #17

it happens once in while
the way i "treat" it - is do the samething i do everyday
I take the camera with me - everyday whereever i go
I can go a week with zip then shoot 300 frames in a blink once 'it' hits me whatever i was looking for ..

go out with a specific lens /
buy the 50mm and keep it onthe camera for a week then go back to the zooms ...

or tell yourself you are ONLY going to shoot from a hieght of a 1" (30cm) for a week

shoot on manual/ push the settings - ever tried to shot a timeexposure in daylight ?
push the iso shoot in b&w mode for a week (and don't convert back to color for the week either ..)
wake a dawn go to the nearest field ...

cryan

Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro for Nikon

09/04/2008 04:27:48 PM · #18

DPC Olympics is a team based format where teams of eight compete with other teams for the best score from the open challenges. There are tons of threads and they are still signing people up right now for the third season. Its tons of fun, a great way to learn as you share your shots with your team before you submit. Just be sure not to vote on photos you recognize. Its also a great way to get to know people on the site. We may be crazy but we are all willing to help others to learn.

Intelli

Nikon D300

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED

09/04/2008 05:48:51 PM · #19

Originally posted by Louis:

Nice Louis.. Are you a counselor or what? I really like your input here. =)

Lonni

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II

09/04/2008 06:11:50 PM · #20

Oh, I feel the same!! I really, really want to be a great photographer, but all these incredible photographers around here make me feel like I can never be that good, and create a defeatist attitude in me. I'm currently participating in one of the side challenges and about to start in the DPC Olympics III - and competition usually is the trick for me to improve my game :)

I'm with you too on the gear envy - I'm currently yearning for lights, lenses, filters, etc, but I forget that I can take really great images with what I have already.

I think I just need to shoot more, and forget about the fact that i'm not usually a creative type (when I'm having a photographic block my inner voice tells me that since I hated art at school and I can't draw to save myself, that I'll never be a decent photographer).

Don't give up!

09/04/2008 07:15:54 PM · #21

Ok, I decided to take some shots of my partner - here's one. There's a story behind this shot - until this year he was one of Australia's best guitarists, played all over the world and won ARIA awards etc etc. He gave it all away this year (as did I the cello) in order to find a more stable income and help raise our family properly. It was a tough decision, he's a true musician and has never been anything else, but he's doing a great job. Last night we started with just head shots, but he started fiddling with this very old (1780's) guitar that now hangs on our wall.....it was like he had reunited with a long lost love, it was an emotional time for him. I didn't want to show the guitar as a whole, it was too cliched for me (all our publicity shots always featured the instruments) - but I wanted the guitar, and his hand, to be a reflection of the moment. Does it work?

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

09/04/2008 07:16:30 PM · #22

Bugger....how do you add the image? Its on my portfolio page, the last one I think....

violinist123

Canon EOS-6D

09/04/2008 07:16:50 PM · #23

Originally posted by jettyimages:

Bugger....how do you add the image? Its on my portfolio page, the last one I think....

Just the numbers, not the rest of it.

cpanaioti

Canon EOS-40D

Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM

09/04/2008 07:19:35 PM · #24

Originally posted by jettyimages:

Quote this post to see what the code looks like.

For ease, just use the second icon from the right, above the post box, and enter just the image number.

Message edited by author 2008-09-04 23:20:30.