Photography is supposed to be fun, exciting, free, and a media form of creative expression for the photographer. But if you’re not getting any of that from photography, maybe the reason can be found among the following:
1. Buying a camera, lens, and other accessories that you don’t really need.
Every day, we’re bombarded by advertising, news, and advice from friends about the newest products. Anything new usually excites us. My advice, don’t be too hasty to buy a new product. Do some research about its uses and specifications and determine whether or not it’s for you and if it’s what you really need. Let your buying impulse sit for a few months and then reconsider once it doesn’t dictate your decision making.
Avoid buying equipment you don’t really need. For instance, why would you need to buy a 600 mm lens if you rarely photograph outdoor? Let alone condoning yourself to pay the stuff by taking out a loan. It’ll only add unnecessary burden to you along the way with endless loan payments.
2. Not enjoying the photography process.
Sometimes I see photographers that’s too concerned with the end-products, making them too serious in their photography. When traveling, for example, they’re too focused on their camera’s viewing screen because they’re afraid they’ll lose a photo moment. They then carry a lot of heavy equipment, burdening them in their travels. What was supposed to be a fun outing turns into an agonizing burden-filled journey. It’s best to always try and enjoy the photography process in the making of the photos and never force yourself. Going with the flow is best.
3. Rarely sharing your photographs.
However great a photo is, it won’t mean much if you’re the only one enjoying it. Try to share your photos to others. Compliments of critiques given to your photos can be a motivator to be more creative and to make more interesting works. Also, by sharing and communicating with more experiences photographers, you can get some priceless tips and ideas that will keep your creations new and fresh.
4. Not free.
What I mean by “not free” is the lack of freedom in creating works according to your vision. Usually, professional photographers are faced with this challenge. Many clients dictate the exact style of photographs that they want. As their photographer, they’re obligated to oblige even though it may not be in line with their taste as a photographer. Photography hobbyists often get trapped in this box also. Hobbyist often times try to sync with what’s currently in the public’s taste (online or offline). People’s appreciation and acceptance sometimes get to be more important than personal taste and vision.
5. Excessive fanaticism.
Nikon fanboys, Canon fanboys, or fanboys of other brands is a term for those who practically worship the brand they use. They’re like an army that’s willing to die for the good name of their country (in this case, brand). Being a fan of something is all well and good. But it’s best to avoid being a fanatic to the realm where you feel in absolution that a certain brand is superior. This excessive fanaticism usually results in a camera war, where fanboys taunt each other over their beloved brands. What you should understand is that each camera has their weaknesses and their strengths. And the best camera doesn’t depend on the brand, rather the photographer’s ability to optimize its use.
6. Only focusing on yourself.
Always thinking that you’re the best and refusing to learn or share can also be a fault. You’ll end up feeling stuck, with no chance of expanding your craft in photography. Then, all the fun is sucked out of it once you feel like you have nowhere else to improve.
It’s easy to get stuck in the boredom abyss when it comes to practicing photography if you don’t go about it the right way. Hopefully the above points can help you avoid such an ill fate. Enjoy the process, continue learning and experimenting, and photography can be your friend for life.
