Some New Year inspiration

[kwpf]

Well I have come to the realization that I need to start taking this photography thing more seriously, or simply get rid of all my kit...now since I seriously doubt that is going to happen, I need to begin something that is going to give motivation to keep at it through these dark and dreary months. I am currently in a grey, and generally miserable English town with clouds fog and everything stereotypically British and my motivation/inspiration to get out and use my camera is at an all time low. I am looking for some ideas, suggestions or just a good butt kicking...

Can anyone help me out a little?


Cheers,
K

[tink]

English town? OMG I'd die for an old English town that will give so much character to your photos! You need to go out and exlpore, look for the interestingly devine buildings where you can use as backdrops.

I have seen some amazing photographs taken from these places! One thing I'd suggest is a monopod and a fast lens. If you have a 50mm 1.4 (or 1.8) this will be perfect. Set yourself up and shoot away. You'll find your inspiration and motivation will come flooding back!

[another view]

It's all a matter of perspective. Like Tink said, if I came to your town for vacation I'm sure I'd come home with a lot of good images. One thing that helps me is to start with the obvious stuff that's been done before (English town with clouds and fog...). From there, you'll probably start to see things differently. Community events can also be a great way to get out shooting and trying something new. Good luck and tell us how it goes - better yet post some of your shots!

[readingr]

K

Pack your kit bag and go walking, some lovely photos to be had in fog.

I do a lot of indoor photography in the winter, that is in the really bad weather which we've had recently.

I was down in Southampton a few weekends ago and last weekend. Wonderful.

Roger

[photophorous]

K,

I think the others are right about what can be done in your dreary town. I'm sure there are lots of good photos to be taken. But, I understand how it can be when trying to find inspiration in your everyday mundane surroundings. So, if you don't have the inspiration, now may be a good time to work on some specific techniques. I don't know what skill level you're at, but if there are any technical areas that you need to work on, you could create some assignments for yourself. Even if you've done these things before, you might benefit from a refresher. Set specific goals. For example, you could work on panning shots, by photographing passing cars. Or you could give yourself a depth of field assignment to become more familiar with your lens. You don't have to always be trying to take the perfect picture. You can use this time to improve on your over all skills, and eventually you'll find inspiration in some unexpected place.

Good luck, and don't give up.

Paul

PS. This is a great book for excercises in creativity: http://www.freemanpatterson.com/book2.htm

[Chunk]

Find your way over to the Projects Forum on this site and take some for this months project - "Colors".

Post the results and then work your way through some of the past projects as well.

[racingpinarello]

I can totally understand your issue. I live in Northern California and there are numerous photography opportunities, but I am unmotivated. Since living here for most of my life I have a hard time seeing "cool" stuff.

If it's cool and dreary, try b&w. By capturing small details and tones you can find new ideals. Use the dreary skies to take photos of people and journalistic captures. Without the sun you don't have to worry so much about uneven exposure.

Again, try something totally different and see what happens.

Have fun and just take photos...

Loren

[schrackman]

Try these for a little inspiration:

http://www.earth-photography.com/Countries/England

http://www.darknessandlight.co.uk/bl...tos_stock.html

What I wouldn't give to go to England even at this time of year and take pictures!

[megan]

This town can drag you down.
I'm in NYC suffering the same fate. I'm not inspired to pick up the camera at all. So instead, I've been leafing through old work to find photos that I missed. Find things that are local that maybe I'd like to reshoot. And revamping my website.

Is there a corner of town you're not familiar with? Sometimes, I even wander around my neighborhood and go down a street I don't normally go down. Sometimes when you're completely bored and have no agenda, you end up seeing things you would normally pass by.

[kwpf]

well this is a great response, and much appreciated. some brilliant ideas that have definitely got me in the right mood. although i have to say i don't think most of you have ever visted a middle england average size town that was long ago gutted by the drive for modernization. at any rate i really appreciate the suggestions, and if anyone has more feel free to contribute, hopefully i am not the only one taking something away from this.

cheers to all!
k

[Frog]

When I'm unmotivated, I just pick up the camera and start pointing it at things.
Just having it in hand makes me see things differently and seeing more and then more.
Now I only need the inspiration to pick it up to start with.
Good luck!

[readingr]

K,

One thing I forgot to mention, On my travels if I see an interesting item to photograph I make a note of it and imagine it in all sorts of weather and then go for a trek in the winter, spring, summer, or autumn to get the photo I imagined.

Try it, it fills some empty photo days.

Roger