How do you stay motivated (and creative) as a photographer?

We can all agree that living with the corona pandemic was challenging, and many of us didn't have the resources or strength to make it through unharmed. I've found that the best way to avoid negative feelings under these circumstances is to keep a positive mindset. One way of doing this is by doing things that make you happy, such as going for walks, running, listening to music, or doing something creative, like taking your camera and capturing the world that unfolds in front of you.

1: The struggle of being a photographer/artist

Artists are constantly battling with the struggle of being an artist and are often seen as difficult to deal with. They continuously have to find stability between their art and life by balancing personal creative pursuits while meeting the demands of a job or other outside pressures.

To be an artist is to live a life of vulnerability and struggle. However, in order for an artist to survive, one must find a way to make art that has value in the marketplace.

As creatives, we have the urge to express our own thoughts on the world. We cannot survive without creating valuable work that has no meaning to us and others. We need to live in a world where our need for creative expression is not thwarted by market-driven forces but rewarded with appreciation.

- What is a creative block and how can we overcome it?

Creative blocks are a common phenomenon and can be described as the inability to access one's internal creativity. However, no one really knows what causes them. Some experts have speculated that creative blocks are due to 'an individuals' lack of confidence in their own ideas. Others point to the absence of time and focus as a possible cause. Some professionals believe that creative blocks can be caused by mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety and may last for days or weeks without any relief.

A creative block can be overcome through a number of different methods. These range from brainstorming and making use of the mind's natural tendency to come up with new solutions to having a conversation with someone about what you are having difficulty with or taking a walk away from work and coming back when you have had time to let your brain rest and recharge

It is important to remember that a positive attitude can go a long way. Do good things and don't be so fixed on just one perspective.

2: How to Stay Creative With Your Photography

Photography is a process that requires creativity. The way you choose to capture your subject says a lot about who you are as a photographer and the message you try to convey.

The first step in being creative with your photography is to find the style that best suits you. You might be drawn towards more natural, outdoorsy shots or maybe bright, edgy cityscapes. Once you find what works for you, the next step is to build on it and experiment in order to expand your repertoire of styles and subjects.

Keep an eye out for inspiration from other creatives- art, music, films- as well as everyday life occurrences. To stay constantly creative with your photography, experiment with different angles and perspectives until you find one that speaks to you (and that also communicates your idea).

Personally, I have always been interested in beauty and fashion-related topics. It's something I started to be passionate about at a young age and it never faded, even after all those many years I have been involved and worked in various roles and capacities within the field.

- Set boundaries for yourself as an artist (time, subjects, environment)

Try not to think of self-discipline as removing freedom. Think of it as giving yourself the freedom to create by making good decisions.

Creativity and innovation is what separates successful people from the rest. One effective way to cultivate these qualities is by taking ample breaks during the day to explore your ideas, while also structuring your day with routine tasks.

- Take on other roles and interests outside of photography (good for your overall creativity) - Have a set schedule to help stay consistent with your work routine (creates habits)

Photography is a great art form, but it can also be a very isolating profession. Artists often have to take on many different roles. For this reason, it is good to have interests outside of photography, and these may be things that you are not necessarily good at or skilled in. This will make you feel better about yourself and more grounded in your life because you will have other activities going on outside of your job as a photographer.

In addition to being a photographer who takes on multiple roles, it might also be helpful to maintain a schedule so that you are not overworking yourself, which can lead to burnout.

By Armin Weisheit