Those who went on a hiatus – how'd you get back into the flow?

I've been a member on POTN since I was 13 and have been shooting since 14. Throughout that time, I've gotten pretty good at post processing and editing. For the past year, however, I haven't been as active as I once was in photography – to the point where I feel I've almost forgotten how to edit. All my stuff just kinda looks and feels dull and not like what it used to. I'll spare the examples as I'm sure you guys get the point – I'm rusty.

For those of you who have taken a break, how did you get back into it? How long did it take?

I've taken breaks long and short for various reasons in a lifetime of photography (mainly amateur but sometimes part pro) but always returned to it.

These days, I suggest POTN may hold the answer. Regularly enter one of the weekly competitions (e.g. in the Competitions section try the "Digital Speed Challenge" which always welcomes new entrants.).

Incidentally, like you, I was a pilot and once had to take a break of 19 years from flying, then reinstated my medical, just took a 10hr floatplane course, and it all came back, no problem - like riding a bicycle! Same for you with photography, I hope.

When you stated that you had gotten good at processing and editing, were you referring to something such as using Lightroom/Photoshop or something else?

It seems that the YouTube instructors (Phlearn, Tutvid, Serge, etc) all offer the files that they are using in their videos to download and follow along. (I am sure you need to subscribe to their newsletter/whatever but you can get yourself a junk email address to use if necessary.) But it somewhat depends if what they are teaching is somewhat the type of style you prefer.

Maybe find someone local that has interest in photography to go out with you and shoot. A little peer pressure to see what you can come up with and edit/process after the fact.

Good luck.

Gart

Photography has been a life long hobby that has followed the ebb and flow of life. Sometimes the camera doesn't leave my side, others it sits on a shelf. It is a hobby that is used as an outlet to the stresses of everyday life and sometimes it becomes a focus of the latest gadgets. If the hobby sits for a while, by the time you get back a lot of technology has changed and provides a venue for learning and building upon what you once knew. I guess my two cents is, enjoy the ride, if finances permit, buy a new camera body or lens, build a web gallery or as someone else mentioned, involve yourself in competitions. Best of luck...

I think I can totally resonate with how you feel. I was exactly like you. I started photography since I was a teenager but had been focusing on my career for a good 4 or 5 years. I didn't really do any photography during that period of time. Partly because I was busy and also I got a bit fed up with photography. I felt my images were flat, boring and I didn't know what else was there for me to explore. I used to be very active on Flickr (shortly after Yahoo bought over Flickr) and had made many friends from there.

I got over the "photographer's block" a couple of years ago (not long!) when I stumbled across exposure blending and other wonderful things. It reignited my interest and made me picked up my camera again. I haven't stopped shooting since

I am in the same boat now !!! Have been away for sometime mostly due to work, partially due to lack of motivation and dearth of creative juices. I really want to get back to those glorious days of capturing great moments and living on those during post processing. Following this thread now...already looking into some of the suggestions already posted

teekay wrote in post #18321504
Incidentally, like you, I was a pilot and once had to take a break of 19 years from flying, then reinstated my medical, just took a 10hr floatplane course, and it all came back, no problem - like riding a bicycle! Same for you with photography, I hope.

Out of curiosity, what made you stop? Just life kicked in?

Flying for me is more of a career choice, so I'm pretty diligently working toward it. Nearly done with my instrument rating!

Gart wrote in post #18321552
When you stated that you had gotten good at processing and editing, were you referring to something such as using Lightroom/Photoshop or something else?

Gart

Yes, particularly retouching with PS and giving my images a certain vibe.

quadwing wrote in post #18330492
Out of curiosity, what made you stop? Just life kicked in?...

Yeah, reality kicked in! Emigrated to Canada hoping to get a flying job here, but nobody wanted to hire a fighter pilot at that time, so had to fly a desk and do other things to feed family.

Hope your Instrument Rating goes well - it will be worth it.