Why I need to take more photographs!

In recent times it feels like my photography has stagnated despite my continuing passion for the practice. I have questioned myself to try and understand why this has been the case and have listened to podcasts and read articles, all aimed at offering advice on what to do in times when creativity deserts us. In the midst of many suggestions there is one consistent message that I believe is the answer to my dilemma……….take more photographs. On reflection I have realised that this is advice which is diametrically opposed to what I have been doing. During this period of low inspiration and a lack of creativity I have often consciously decided to either leave the camera at home or to simply stay at home and not spend time on my photography. I easily find excuses to avoid going out, the weather is less than perfect, I am tired, I don’t know where I want to go etc etc. I have missed so many opportunities in recent months, quite often looking out of the window later in the day regretting my decision to stay in the house.

‍So, why do I think that getting out more regularly and taking more photographs is the answer to my photographic lethargy? Firstly, the law of averages supports the fact that the more photographs you take the more chance you have of creating a good one, and in my eyes the creation of a good photograph is more likely to stimulate your confidence, and therefore grow your interest and motivation to get out again with the camera. If I only go out occasionally I reduce my chance of creating anything worthwhile which in turn makes me question my ability as a photographer , and there the downward spiral begins. Taking more photographs will also develop and hone both my technical skills, and more importantly my ‘ability to see’. I find that if I only go out every couple of weeks the whole photographic process is less natural and I have to work harder to find compositions and to carry out the technical practices. On a recent visit to the Outer Hebrides I spent a whole week just practicing photography; as each day passed I noticed that I found it easier to see interesting compositions, and to manage my camera settings subconsciously. The whole process became more enjoyable, and with that so my confidence and enjoyment grew.

I have concluded that periods of inactivity only lead to more periods of inactivity and before you know it you are only practicing your photography every few weeks. That is simply not regularly enough to progress your development, but most importantly it ignores the fact that life is short and that the number of opportunities to spend time in nature being creative is therefore limited. I don’t want to look back in a few years regretting missed opportunities and wishing that I had taken more photographs. I have worked all my adult life and now that retirement has arrived it is time to enjoy the freedom that provides and to enjoy my photography as often as possible…..that means taking more photographs!