When the Shutter Stalls: Overcoming the Photographer’s Creative Block

I can imagine every photographer — from the amateur who ventures out at the weekend to the professional behind the lens every day — eventually hits that point. The dreaded creative block. The images start to feel repetitive, the inspiration that once came so easily now feels forced, and even the camera seems to gather dust on the shelf.

It feels like the photographers version of 'writers block' - a period where raising the camera feels like hard work and you wonder whether you've 'lost it'. I've experienced this before and feel like I may be currently entering this phase again. Previously, I didn't pick up the camera for the best part of six months so this time I need to draw on past experiences and techniques to spice things up a bit and get out of this creative rut.

Why Creative Blocks Happen

I did some research as to why this happens which brought back theories that hit close to home.

Overfamiliarity

"You’ve shot your local park a hundred times, and it’s lost its magic. Familiar scenes start to feel uninspiring, and your compositions feel predictable." In my case, as a street photographer, wandering around London at the moment sparks no interest, and everywhere seems dull, uninteresting and flat. I can definitely relate to this.

Perfectionism

Sometimes we demand too much of ourselves — every shot must be a competition winner. That pressure can smother creativity faster than anything and I certainly feel this pressure when taking images. Maybe it's the need to enter images into the Club competitions, where your image is judged in front of a crowd, which produces the need to take fantastic images. Or maybe its platforms such as Instagram that introduce the need to produce your best work for 'likes'.

Burnout

Too much shooting, editing, or even comparing yourself to others on social media can drain the joy from photography. This one doesn't resonate with myself so much but I know other photographers where this has happened. This resulted in taking a long break from shooting which is a difficult thing to do with something that is a passion for most.

Lack of a Challenge

You’ve mastered the area of photography within your comfort zone — but comfort is the enemy of growth. Without something new to explore, motivation naturally dips. With street photography at the moment, I struggle to 'see' images; to find a way of shooting the images that I see in my head. Maybe I've become too accustomed to taking the same type of image which is resulting in a lack of a challenge.

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How Do We Re-ignite That Creative Spark?

Recreating that spark is easier said than done and a break from the camera maybe what is required. However, if you're like me, getting out and taking pictures is a form of mental healing, away from the chaos and pressures of everyday life. Getting back to enjoying photography is key to my wellbeing. Here are some approaches to addressing that creative reignition; some that I've used in the past.

Change Of Scenery

It doesn’t have to be a grand adventure — even photographing a different part of your town or city, shooting at night instead of day, or visiting a local event can offer fresh perspectives. Sometimes, just stepping out of your regular route is enough to reset your eye. This is something I've adopted in recent years, taking myself off to a different city or even abroad. Shooting at night is also a great method of sparking new interest as the familiar city looks completely different at night. The dark evenings are upon us so maybe it's time to get out there and see what lurks in the shadows!

Try a New Technique or New Lens

Experiment with something you don’t usually do — long exposures, a different style of photography, macro work, working in colour/black and white. I've also chosen a different lens to shoot with to mix things up; changing from a 23mm to a 56mm prime lens. This provided a completely different approach to shooting on the streets, which I really enjoyed. Learning a new skill or way of shooting reignites curiosity, and curiosity is fuel for creativity.

Join a Camera Club

When I joined Letchworth Camera Club, it provided the perfect launchpad to shoot in ways I'd never tried before. Food photography, macro, ICM, portraiture etc; examples of the variety of different genres that you can try. Genres you would probably never have approached without being part of a camera club. This gives a new impetus to be creative and maybe find an alternative genre that you equally love. Myself, I found portraiture really interesting and it's something I can pivot to now if I need an alternative creative channel.

Take a Break

Sometimes, the best way to rekindle creativity is to step away. Go for walks without your camera. Visit a gallery or exhibition, read books. Watch a film with amazing cinematography. Don't force the return; inspiration often returns when we stop chasing it.

A Final Thought

Although it can feel like it, creative block isn’t a sign that you’ve lost your spark. I think most photographers experience it at least once but there are ways to overcome it.

So, if you’re in that rut right now like me, don’t be discouraged. Keep your eyes open, be curious, and remember: sometimes the best photograph begins when we stop trying to take one.

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