Just Keep Swimming
It is often said that sharks die if they stop swimming. Actually, this is true only for a few shark species, including great whites, whale sharks, and mako sharks. These three species have a breathing method which requires the shark to swim with its mouth open, which forces water through the gills where oxygen can be extracted. The faster the shark swims, the more oxygen it gets. If the shark stops swimming, it will die.
Why am I talking about the peculiar breathing habits of sharks? Because what is true for great whites is also true for photographers. Creativity withers when you aren't taking photos, and the only way to get a fresh burst of it is to start taking photos again.
It's been a tough year for my personal creativity. I haven't been able to work on my own photography projects as much as I wanted to and, as a result, didn't produce many photos that I was truly happy with. As the year went on and I wasn't able to get past the obstacles in my way, I felt my creativity fading. When I was making photos, I was often just going through the motions, playing it safe and falling into well-worn patterns. The photos I was taking just weren't moving me forward as an artist. I was stuck in a creative rut, and stuck bad. I knew I had hit rock bottom when, on a recent photo trip, I couldn't be bothered to take out my camera because I had a total lack of inspiration. I had stopped swimming, and I knew I had to get moving again.
This is the paradox of getting out of a creative rut: you have to start taking photos again to reignite your passion, but you just don't have the creative spark to do so. I've spoken before about ways to get your mojo back, but it ultimately comes down to one thing: you have to force yourself to get behind the lens, even when you don't want to.
So, basically, you have to tell yourself:
My creative rut ends here, and ends now! I don't care if I'm inspired or not. During my next photoshoot, I'm taking my camera out, no matter what. I'm going to try something new, something that will move me forward as an artist.
As for me, 2024 has been a bit of a whimper, but I want to end it with a bang. And in 2025, I'm going to be swinging for the fences: I'm not interested in base hits, I'm hoping for nothing but home runs from now on.
It's time for this shark to start swimming again, and to get my creative gills fully oxygenated.
How creative and inspired were you in 2024? Let me know in the comments.
About the image: This is a drone photo taken over a sand dune field in Utah. I captured the very last light of the day striking the top of one of the dunes. The golden light of the setting sun creates a striking contrast with the cool tones of the surrounding sand in the shadows. The shape created by the patch of light reminds me of a shark fin.
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Just the kick in the pants I'm needing right about now! Thanks Ian!
Thank for this article and the inspiration behind it. The last half of 2024 was a rough photography year for me. My cameras set in the corner (or closet) of my office. I just lost my desire to go out and shot. After reading your article and a few others, I’m starting to work on getting my photography groove back. And to get out there trying new things.
Thanks everyone for your comments, insights, and kind words! We all have rough patches, but the key thing to remember is that we love photography and the creative process. Never forget your love for the art, and all the rest will work itself out. Thanks everyone for letting me be a part of your creative journey, and let's make 2025 our best year yet!
I too went through this phase this year. While I was not forcing myself to get behind the lens, I was just not taking pictures which will satisfy me. So, getting a frame wihch will uplift my mood was rare. One of the reasons I figured was social media influence, watching posts of other photographers, too many tutorials.. trying too many things and kinda forgetting the basics. While learning is a process, one need to balance it with one's journey of progress too.
This was a very inspiring article. I face many obstacles to my creativity. At 83 with a bad back I cannot take many of the photo workshops I would like as I cannot hike many miles with a camera backpack. There are trips from boats or safari vehicles but these are not the ones I generally want to go on. I have had to be creative, plan tours on our own or with driver/guides I hire where I will not be far from the vehicle. I find that a change of scene often helps despite the fact that one should be able to find inspiration close to home.