I call it creative exhaustion. Though I’m sure I’m not the first person to use that phrase.
Those times when you completely run out of ideas. When the last thing you want to do is pick up the camera.
It’s a feeling that makes you wonder if you’ll ever find another moment of inspiration and that the time has come to move on.
It’s not.
You just need to give yourself permission to take creative break.
Part of the practicing and learning process for any skill, including becoming more confident in creating your photos, is working in necessary breaks.
Growing happens during these breaks. It’s the kind of growth that can’t happen when you are deep in brainstorming your next idea, styling a set, and selecting the right aperture.
Step away from the camera.
Here are 4 things you can do during this much-needed break that will continue to move you forward without stalling your progress.
Find something other than food and product photos to look at.
Whether it’s a book, online, or in person, browse paintings, pottery, poetry, illustrations. Set no expectations or a need to translate this into a photo. Enjoy it for what it is, the colors, the words, the art.
Make something beautiful and delicious, and then don’t photograph it.
When we have such a strong urge to share our food because it’s too good or beautiful to keep it to ourselves, or worse, we need content (believe me, I’m with you), we sometimes lose the true enjoyment of what we love working with most - food. Whether its a bread, dessert, or a fruit salad - create it mindfully, appreciate its beauty, then enjoy eating every bite.
Shift your focus to another task in your business.
Chances are you have a million things to do regardless of the focus of your work. Take a week off from creating photos and move another part of your work forward. Finally design a portfolio page for your photos. Draft your work or content plan for the next quarter. Get moving on that new logo. Start planning for next year’s growing season.
Learn a new skill that supports either the technical side or the creative side of your photography work.
Sign up for a quick photo editing course or watercolor painting class. Review videos online on styling a home or a holiday table. Read through blog posts or catch up on podcast episodes from those sharing on topics such as prop styling, creating a brand, or business tips.
Okay, that should get you started. Now set the camera down. I promise it won’t collect dust. Commit to not making yourself feel bad for taking a week (or more) off from shooting. Dive into something else and then return to it renewed when you are ready.