Originally posted by troika Ever get the feeling that there's just nothing to photograph? I guess I have the photographic equivalent of writer's block. Is that a thing?
Any thoughts on how to break through?
It definitely happens. It's happened to me more than one time.
Here are a few thoughts on the subject... one, it's not a bad thing to hang up your camera for a while. I've gone a month or even two without snapping a single photo. That said you still have to check your desire to take photos. By that you might not have a camera in hand but if you get to the point where you are walking around framing things up in your mind, or checking out how the light falls on a subject, this is a good thing.
Along with that, TAKE A BREAK! Nothing wrong with taking a break. That said I personally will read books about photography and see pictures other people take or read about art or anything like that. All of those things can eventually combine together to improve your photography.
Taking time to study is a big deal if you ask me. There is definitely a lot of 'book work' if you plan to get to that other level. I have a book for example that will take 20 years to get even remotely good at... it's all about light, the different kinds of light, and everything in between. When I lack inspiration I break out that book (or others) and read away. Please note that I have never to my recollection ever read a book about how sensors work or anything like that. I personally focus on stuff that is about artistic quality. You will find that many of the masters of art and photography were masters at 1) light 2) observation. People that can lift every day mundane things and elevate them into art is fascinating.
I personally travel quite often but when I am back in Texas it's almost like 'block' hits me. To me, here, there is nothing to shoot. Texas as a whole is probably one of the least photography friendly places ever. But when you start getting down to real elements of light and how that interacts with your subject... there is a lot going on regardless of where you are at. Also read up about Ansel Adams (youtube has good videos too). He has an 11 zone method. Study that and get back to me.
Another thing that I do is try stuff I've never tried before. I got really into the 'blah' mode before and then I took up macro. It was something out of my element but I was curious so I learned about it. Same thing can ring true for flash or other things.
At the end of the day light inspires me. When you learn how to read light better you will start seeing thousands of more opportunities for shots.