Hitting the Wall

[Saorsa]

Sometimes the wall is hard to get over but, try setting yourself a project that will take time like watching a fruit tree from blossom to fruit. Or, create a catalog of all the birds you see, or wildflowers. You can actually have several of these going on at once.

[IzzieK]

I like your attitude, John...maybe when I grow up I'd like to be you instead of wanting to be Brian G or Bob...

Some interesting experiences here Randy. Like a few, I have never hit that wall in what is now a very long term hobby. Thinking about it, which is what you have caused to happen, there is probably a difference between on the one hand taking a specific direction and setting goals and on the other, just enjoying where photography takes you. IMHO, College courses will teach you technique but ideas come from being out there with a camera looking and seeing , the two not being the same thing. I'm in the latter camp and as a result I guess, I just enjoy what comes along without the pressure of having to think up something new.

[TonyW]

Could we see examples where you feel you failed?

John, I have been thinking about this question. It is not a simple thing to do but I will try. I don't think I should do it in this thread though.

[Thlayle]

Thanks to everyone for sharing their ideas and their experiences. There's so many meaningful examples and thoughts here. They are really helpful to me. I will have to find a way to save this thread for later reference.

I find looking at others work inspiring. It's one of my reasons for joining CIC in the first place. I enjoy learning new things so I think classes will in fact be a good potential source of energy for me. I also enjoy hearing directly from others, their thoughts about photography, their experiences and their feedback on my work when they feel inclined to share those thoughts. So maybe a photography club might be a good thing for me.

To everyone: again thanks and keep going & growing. That's my hope AND my plan.

[Downrigger]

Many nice and helpful and insightful comments here, so thanks for bringing up this problem which I think most of us understand.

Like Izzie, I appreciate John 2's remarks among the many that are also helpful. My (only) camera has been in the shop for a while and it has been an absence that has definitely made the heart grow fonder.

[JR1]

Too long to read all posts so sorry if I repeat.

Plastic fantastic 50mm, what is great about a 50mm, hate it.

As for "hitting a wall", er...............

Most people I have spoken to never have, except on an icy road.... No, people expand and diversify and in fact start to specialise.

We all start out shooting everything, then as time passes move in the direction of what we prefer, landscape, astrophotography, sports (with me) and so on.

Look at peoples websites for ideas.

[John 2]

Not all of us Jeremy.