How to Motivate Yourself as a Photographer

Post updated January 2018: This has happened to me on a number of occasions. I grab my camera on a rare day off and set out with the excitement of shooting something new. Only to feel totally flat at the end of it.

What a waste of my time! Why did I bother? Should I carry on? What's it all about?

Don't worry, it happens to the best of us. After 35 years of being a photographer in one form or another (amateur, professional, child) it happens to me too.

There have even been times when I felt like giving it all up, professionally and as an amateur. However, it wasn't long before I was right back in the thick of it. I think photography is in my blood forever.

I usually read something, see someone's amazing portfolio or have a brainwave that gets me going. The thought of having sold all my cameras at this point fills me with dread so that will never happen.

How to motivate yourself

If you ever feel like this, look for outside influences and stop relying on yourself to get motivated. Think outside the box and clear your mind of what you think you should be doing. Get creative, get outside and look for something you haven't shot before.

Get in your car and just drive...

Hopefully this article from Jim Taylor (entrepreneur, writer, hockey fan, NY local) will inspire you: