How To Get Out Of A Photography Rut

If you are just beginning your photography journey, it can be easy to get discouraged by a lack of engagement, bookings, and inquiries. You are talented, after all with so much to offer so why is it so hard to actually get booked? When we get into this mental rut, our creativity can fall right down there, too. Our once vivacious and enthusiastic creative energy can quickly turn stagnate. I have been there many times and it’s completely normal to feel like you’re in a rut. It’s just one of those stones in our path, and yet all it takes is to keep putting one foot in front of the other and look toward where we are going. If you are in a dry spell, be it a creative, client, or financial one, often the best thing to do is to let the camera collect dust on your desk but to give yourself an assignment. Pick an assignment and give yourself a due date. Think of yourself as the client and be as specific as you’d like. For example, take a visual narrative of a road trip to the coastline and include natural features and pit stops along the way in only 7-10 frames.

This can be quite fun and challenging at the same time, getting us out of our comfort zone. And more often than not, the rut we find ourselves in. It gets us out of the thinking mode and into feeling and seeing. We become inspired again, and it gives us a little kick in the bum to keep moving. It clears our creative windshield so to speak. And we can find our confidence again and that knowing that this is what we love to do. Take it seriously as you would a client. Give yourself the opportunity to try that thing you are kinda intimidated by yet intrigues you! Challenge yourself to grow by giving yourself an assignment that feels totally from left field! Maybe it’s capturing a friend’s engagement portrait or picking a recipe and shooting the process from start to finish, or using a tripod in low-light situations. Throw in a challenge, such as experimenting with different shutter speeds or sticking to a specific color palette or time of day. Even though it may seem silly to drive around or set up a little scene in your hallway, the point isn’t to create the most beautiful images but to keep you in the game in both your heart and your mind. By doing so, we put forth the energy we want to receive and live in. If you want to get an article published for your local magazine, give yourself the assignment, and don’t wait for them to reply to your emails! Just do it. Just get out there and make one up, not to send them (even though that not a bad idea) but to cultivate the feeling within that you are worthy, good enough, and more than capable of achieving your creative goals. So many times, hunched over I’ve looked at my camera collecting dust, thinking, what’s the point; no one is going to see the photos I share anyway? But that’s not the point of why you love photography, right? As only a means to an end? Giving ourselves an assignment gets us back on track, out of the pity party, “no one wants to work with me” mentality. We can’t predict when the work will come, but we sure can refine it, practice, act like the professional we are, be ready and feel worthy of it when it does.

If you need some guidance along the way, don’t hesitate to reach out. Having a mentor was a game-changer for me. When I feel wobbly or insecure, they are right there every step of the way, listening and supporting me. You can learn more about my mentorship program here to see if it’s the right fit for you.

So here’s to your next assignment! Do feel free to share it with me on Instagram if you do! I look forward to seeing it!

Also, don’t forget to join the conversation in my weekly newsletter, where I send out more in-depth photography tips, training, and other relevant stories to help you grow as a photographer.

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Comparing Your Work To Others

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A November Reset