Hitting the Wall

[Thlayle]

Hello, everyone. I joined the CIC forum a few years ago without taking any time to introduce myself. I am from Michigan, a life long hobbyist photographer who has only gotten serious about my efforts at it in the last couple of years. I shoot with simple gear, a Canon T2i with its kit lenses and a couple of inexpensive prime lenses (one being the 'plastic fantastic Canon 50 mm f/1.8 and the other being a 14 mm Rokinon (100% manually operated)).

I am very happy with the greater depths at which I have been exploring photography and still pleased with how my work is coming along. I constantly strive for new experiences in most everything I do and photography is just one way for me to do that.

While I believe I am continuing to grow my skills & creativity at this, I have this worry in the back of my mind that I will at some point 'hit a wall' and stop growing and thus burn out.

So my question to all is this: do you have the same or any similar worry in your mind and how to you: 1) cope with it and more importantly 2) find ways to keep growing, learning and expanding your skill set?

Over time I see patterns, repetitive elements to my work, that I think can fairly be called the development of what is knows as 'style.' Still, I think at some point style must risk devolving into redundancy. I would hate that.

[Shadowman]

Hi Randy,

Some people might call "hitting the wall" the point where you've mastered your craft. On the other hand if you reach a point where your skills haven't improved then perhaps it's time to take another route, such as taking a class, joining a live photography group, or just putting the camera down for a few days, weeks, or even months. I did the same thing with my art, I put the tools away for twelve years (for personal reasons) then a year ago I had a bout of inspiration and went right back to creating art as if I had never stopped. Of course, I needed to dust off the supplies and even took a few courses (which I never did in the past) and find art more satisfying then I did when I put those tools away twelve years ago.

[Thlayle]

Hi Randy,

Some people might call "hitting the wall" the point where you've mastered your craft. On the other hand if you reach a point where your skills haven't improved then perhaps it's time to take another route, such as taking a class, joining a live photography group, or just putting the camera down for a few days, weeks, or even months. I did the same thing with my art, I put the tools away for twelve years (for personal reasons) then a year ago I had a bout of inspiration and went right back to creating art as if I had never stopped. Of course, I needed to dust off the supplies and even took a few courses (which I never did in the past) and find art more satisfying then I did when I put those tools away twelve years ago.

Yes, that's a great idea: taking some classes. And taking short breaks has already been some help to me, giving me time to reflect. Coming back after a twelve year interval: wow, that was bold & and (I can tell from your work) rewarding.

That difference between mastering the craft & realizing there's not continued improvement is exactly the heart of the matter for me; the point of introspection that drives my thoughts & the question I posted.

Thanks.

[Shadowman]

Yes, that's a great idea: taking some classes. And taking short breaks has already been some help to me, giving me time to reflect. Coming back after a twelve year interval: wow, that was bold & and (I can tell from your work) rewarding.

That difference between mastering the craft & realizing there's not continued improvement is exactly the heart of the matter for me; the point of introspection that drives my thoughts & the question I posted.

Thanks.

I think the classes or group setting will help immensely. I know a lot of photographers prefer to work alone, but if you are like me talking to yourself while out shooting can be a bit unsettling for strangers. Having a fellow photographer along for the journey can be very rewarding.

[IzzieK]

Thayle...John is more resilient than me and you should see and comment on some of the images he uploads here. I only stopped for two years because I got burnt out. I guess Johns personality is better than mine. And a few more other people here at CiC whom I love very much...They are a great resource and friendly and very good at giving advices and tips. Some of them are funny too and some, too serious for comfort. I have inquired on a photography degree recently at St. Louis University and as soon as I get my brochure I will want to enroll in the course...this will make me perhaps a better photographer on different areas instead of just one. Going to classes will help I am sure. Then CiC can help guide too--very much because of the active interaction of people here.

Glad you came back here. Enjoy your stay.

[flashback]

Randy, welcome back. I can only speak to that which I am most familiar. Many years ago I was extensively involved in 35mm photography, as well as wildlife biology. My interests then were exclusively wildlife/nature photography. After having all my equipment stolen it was a couple of years before I bought another camera (Nikon FM2) and some inexpensive lenses. But the edge, the interest was gone and I let the hobby lay fallow. I didn't pick up a camera (other than the occasional vaca trip) for nearly 20 years. Then I got the bug again, got into digital and tried to pick up where I left off. I've found I really have no interest in actively pursing wildlife and instead have become fascinated with (back to my roots) B&W and, in a totally different direction, street photography. So while I do (as I have been posting) take nature/scenery shot in B&W I'm equally or more drawn to street photography. But in either case, I go when the mood strikes and I prefer to go alone (or with my doggie). In shooting street photography I much prefer to shoot alone. I can go where I want, stop when I choose, linger if I wish or just keep walking.

So to your point, break out of your rut and shoot something different. If for no other reason than to give your soul a break and force yourself to look and shoot differently. You may then decide to go back to your area of expertise refreshed or, you may find a new area in which to challenge yourself.

On the other hand, if I interpret your comment(s) that you may be one of the greatest photographers around and find that there is nothing out there with which to challenge yourself, then may I suggest knitting?

[Thlayle]

So to your point, break out of your rut and shoot something different. If for no other reason than to give your soul a break and force yourself to look and shoot differently. You may then decide to go back to your area of expertise refreshed or, you may find a new area in which to challenge yourself.

On the other hand, if I interpret your comment(s) that you may be one of the greatest photographers around and find that there is nothing out there with which to challenge yourself, then may I suggest knitting?

Thanks for sharing, Jack. I think the idea of looking at new areas of photography, not just new techniques, is an idea that can help me. There's so many things I have not tried at all or very much yet. I am still aversive to portraiture & basically all flash photography. Flash strikes me as something I must delve into. I suspect it can apply to many situations I have not thought of as yet. Street photography appeals to me. Overall, though just the idea switching things up sounds like it has worked for you.

If I ever lost or had stolen any of my gear, I think would be so dejected it would be hard to pick up a camera again.

As for your other interpretation of 'hitting the wall,' wouldn't that be the dilemma of all time: nothing new to try because seemingly everything has been mastered?

My wife would love the company with the knitting but I am afraid I just can't see myself taking up knitting: I'd never catch up to her.

[Thlayle]

Thayle...John is more resilient than me and you should see and comment on some of the images he uploads here. I only stopped for two years because I got burnt out. I guess Johns personality is better than mine. And a few more other people here at CiC whom I love very much...They are a great resource and friendly and very good at giving advices and tips. Some of them are funny too and some, too serious for comfort. I have inquired on a photography degree recently at St. Louis University and as soon as I get my brochure I will want to enroll in the course...this will make me perhaps a better photographer on different areas instead of just one. Going to classes will help I am sure. Then CiC can help guide too--very much because of the active interaction of people here.

Glad you came back here. Enjoy your stay.

Thanks, Izzie & good luck on your degree program. That sounds exciting. I'd love to take some classes and a degree sounds wonderful.

[DanK]

do you have the same or any similar worry in your mind

Oh, my, yes indeed. Often. I'm a left-brained type by natural inclination and vocation, so I don't have lots of great flashes of artistic inspiration.

and how to you: 1) cope with it and more importantly 2) find ways to keep growing, learning and expanding your skill set?

I think of it as two distinct parts: 1) learning to be better at what I do, and 2) pushing myself to do something new. I do lots of different things to address this. I participate (erratically) in an established photo club that offers workshops, photo events, and (maybe most importantly) contests and critiques. I participate in some photo critiques and discussions about techniques, e.g., on this site. I look at a lot of different types of photos, looking for new ideas. Sometimes, I try something on a whim. E.g., a couple of summers ago, I took a one-day workshop on night photography, which I had never thought about before, and I found that I really enjoy it. I'm still not very good at it, but that means it is still an area where I can grow and improve a lot.

[Thlayle]

Oh, my, yes indeed. Often. I'm a left-brained type by natural inclination and vocation, so I don't have lots of great flashes of artistic inspiration.



I think of it as two distinct parts: 1) learning to be better at what I do, and 2) pushing myself to do something new. I do lots of different things to address this. I participate (erratically) in an established photo club that offers workshops, photo events, and (maybe most importantly) contests and critiques. I participate in some photo critiques and discussions about techniques, e.g., on this site. I look at a lot of different types of photos, looking for new ideas. Sometimes, I try something on a whim. E.g., a couple of summers ago, I took a one-day workshop on night photography, which I had never thought about before, and I found that I really enjoy it. I'm still not very good at it, but that means it is still an area where I can grow and improve a lot.

Thanks for your input, Dan. It helps to hear the things others are trying to keep moving forward. I know myself well enough to know I can burn out at some point: so I need to convince myself I can either avoid it or overcome.

[IzzieK]

Randy, the most significant studies (according to me...) are those that do not allow you to stick to books and rules. Only theoriens (is this a word?) do that. But photographers can take the rule out of rulers so to speak, but only once we know the rule so we can break it. The rule I mean, not the ruler. One good thing in joining a group is being able to put into practice what you see in the members' photos as an inspiration. Then you can practice being a critic too. Once you get down to taking your own pictures and looking at it SOOC then you envision what you want to do with it and try to edit it the way you wanted it to look. You review that shot and become your own worst critic. One reason for my burnt out was of many things and doing it all by myself it seems. I gorged myself instead of taking things easy...like what you said -- like hitting wall. As has been said, plant seeds, leave pebbles, break it down. Little segments are easier to digest. I can say this from experience, not from theory.

[Stagecoach]

Randy, all I can add is if you hang around here there's plenty of inspiration and interest covering many different areas of photography.

Grahame

[Manfred M]

Randy - like many of the others I have been into photography for a very long time (I ran my high school camera club) and am now approaching retirement age...

I never really got "out: of photography; I had a home B&W and colour wet darkroom and about 10 years ago, started to get into the "digitial darkroom" as well. At first I was scanning film (using a Minolta Dimage film / slide scanner) and over time went from point and shoot to my first DSLR about 5 years ago.

As for "hitting the wall", I have never really come close to that happening, but I think that this is related to my continuing to evolve as a photographer. I've always been interested in the same photographic genres; people and places (with a bit of wildlife work thrown in when I get the chance). I just keep on finding that I enjoy taking pictures and "polishing" them in Photoshop. I keep pushing myself to improve from both an artisitc / compoisitional and technical standpoint, and haven't run out of subject matter yet. The world is a large place and there are intersting photo opportunities close to home and around the world.

[TonyW]

Over the years I had done a bit of photography but never seriously until I got my first DSLR just over a year ago. I have not, not yet at least, hit the wall but it has been a steep climb. I think I pretty well understand the technical principles of the camera and i am making steady progress with post processing. What is causing me the greatest problem now is knowing about the aesthetics and making the right artistic judgements. What makes a good photograph?

I am still not sure what type or types of photography I should be aspiring to. I have been dabbling in various genres with mixed success. I like photographing people but portraiture does not really grab me. I prefer to photograph people doing what they normally do not for the camera. I like nature photography but I am not good at it yet even though I sometimes fluke a reasonably good picture. I like landscapes, cityscapes and streetscapes but again my failure rate is high.

For me, the greatest difficulties are being truly creative and getting a really well finished product. Those are my aims but I still don't quite know where to look. There are some photographs on this forum which move me and help me direct my efforts.

[Shadowman]

Over the years I had done a bit of photography but never seriously until I got my first DSLR just over a year ago. I have not, not yet at least, hit the wall but it has been a steep climb. I think I pretty well understand the technical principles of the camera and i am making steady progress with post processing. What is causing me the greatest problem now is knowing about the aesthetics and making the right artistic judgements. What makes a good photograph?

I am still not sure what type or types of photography I should be aspiring to. I have been dabbling in various genres with mixed success. I like photographing people but portraiture does not really grab me. I prefer to photograph people doing what they normally do not for the camera. I like nature photography but I am not good at it yet even though I sometimes fluke a reasonably good picture. I like landscapes, cityscapes and streetscapes but again my failure rate is high.

For me, the greatest difficulties are being truly creative and getting a really well finished product. Those are my aims but I still don't quite know where to look. There are some photographs on this forum which move me and help me direct my efforts.

Could we see examples where you feel you failed?

[skilsaw]

...I put the tools away for twelve years (for personal reasons) then a year ago I had a bout of inspiration and went right back to creating art as if I had never stopped.

Tools - 12 years old, plus the age when they were put away!
Must have caused some pretty good oos and aaghs when you took them out.

[Shadowman]

Tools - 12 years old, plus the age when they were put away!
Must have caused some pretty good oos and aaghs when you took them out.

When I signed up for a class I had almost everything I needed from the supply list.

[ShaneS]

Randy, I have hit the wall, pounded my head against it and still can't define it I think I have a foothold on the wall now but can't seem to peak over the top of it to really define who I am as a photographer. I struggle with the artistic side of the craft and often wonder when, or if, a breakthrough will occur.

I prefer to work alone for the most part but have enjoyed some recent meet-ups with other photographers via online groups that I searched out. You get a different perspective and get introduced to areas that you may not have thought to visit on your own through these groups. I have also taken a few classes on the artistic side and one of the take aways for me was the concept of giving yourself a project. I found that as I delved into a project it evolved into directions that I would never have thought it would go which allowed me to grow as a photographer and see things differently when I wasn't working on a project. The class format was good as it held me accountable and forced me to work through frustration to see what was on the other side.

I wish you luck and resilience as you scale your own personal wall.

[John 2]

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.

[AndrewMcD]

Having decided one year ago to learn photography as something more than taking point and shoot snapshots I am still at the point of learning the craft. It is only recently that I have admitted to myself the desire to make photography an artistic endeavor. Being a technical person with no training whatsoever in "the arts" this has been a bit intimidating. Fortunately I'm finding understanding photography from the arts point of view very exciting. I still frequently frustrate myself with the craft side but I have confidence I can become competent in that area; particularly with the often excellent advice available on this site.
One of the lessons I've learnt is that with many of my photographs I need to simplify and narrow the subject matter. I am beginning to feel that same need with regard to my approach to photography. I'm a very goal oriented person and the current "wall" I'm up against is this sense that in order to make further progress I need to set some specific goals. Deciding on the goals is the hardest part! I'm not ready to restrict myself to a particular area of photography but in order to keep making progress I'm going to need a project. The idea of a project is that I will need to discipline myself to learning the particular skills required to accomplish the project. Having accomplished the project I can reassess my skills and interests and decide where to go from there. So now the hard part...........narrowing down the enormously fascinating field of photography and selecting some projects to improve my craft and help me develop a vision for my art.

Andrew