The ending of one year and the start of the next quickly puts people into a creative funk. The hustle and bustle of the holiday season occupied our time, not allowing much of anything besides shopping, family gatherings, and wrapping presents. If you ever look through your inactive followers on Instagram and when their last post was, it is usually around this time of year. All we want after a crazy holiday season is to sit down and do absolutely nothing.
Here are a couple of things I usually do to beat that creative funk and get back into the groove of posting and contact creating.
Take photos in a new location
My photos usually center around one particular dog beach at the same time, every time. So, when I get into a funk or am not happy with what content I am creating I change it up. I go to a new dog beach at a completely different time than my usual. While it is essentially similar to my usual location it does provide enough diversity for my liking. You may need a complete change of scenery. If you normally take portraits while on hikes in the mountains, try going to your quaint downtown area and try your hand at some urban portraits.
Try a new focal length
This recommendation does require you to have a DSLR or Mirrorless camera AND more than one interchangeable lens. I don’t know about you but, when I get a new lens that I love it tends to never leave my camera and I end up not using my old ones usually. So, to bring back some creative spark and challenge in your photography, change your lens to your least used lens, even if you strongly dislike it. Ask yourself, “why do I dislike this lens?” and then take that on head on and force yourself to love it. Now, if that answer has something to do with its just overall a crappy lens that can not take a photo, I do not recommend using it.
Using a new focal length will force you to get out of your muscle memory of taking photos. If you are using a lens that has zoom capabilities, switch to a prime lens, and use your legs to “zoom in”. Or if you are using a wide-angle lens pretty regularly, switch to a longer length or telephoto lens, this will force you to back up and will give your photos that creamy bokeh effect that many photographers attempt to achieve.
Photograph other subjects than your dogs
This may sound blasphemous, especially with being apart of the dog Instagram community but, photographing other subjects gives you a change of pace, even though you may never post it online or share it with your friends. New subjects can get you thinking of other ways to take photos that you can later take back with you the next time you are out with your dogs for photos.
Buy New Gear
Wild idea I know, but buying new gear can give you the motivation and excitement to go out and take photos. You don’t have to go out and buy a new lens or body, but something simple like buying a photography crystal, lens ball, or macro lens adapter all of which will cost about $20 -$30 USD each can inspire you to go out and take photos.
Take these recommendations and get yourself out of that New Year’s creative funk and get out there and take some photos!