Photography Burnout?

I'm highly considering selling my 5DIII, all my L glass and Nex5N and moving to another (Besides the 5N) EVIL setup. I've lost a lot of motivation over the last 6 months and even though I have some cool events coming up, I'm burnt out. I never pick up my stuff unless I'm shooting my little guy or getting paid. It's kind of a bummer.

Thoughts on this? I know I've talked to some of you guys over the last year about how to rekindle the flame and whatnot, but it just hasn't happened. I wonder if making it simple for a while and only shooting small body will bring the fun back. A kit can always be put back together.

Thoughts on the EOS M? Better EVIL out there? The 5N is great, but it still leaves a bit to be desired as far as detail in the images.

Thanks guys. I feel like I'm photo-bipolar lately.

Consider macro? Or primes?

I'm also in the same hole but every time I'm in a slump, I go for my macro or any of my primes. Instant gratification!

I have two primes and have tried to primarily shoot with them the last 6 months. Gorgeous images. No creativity.

35L and 85.

I was like that for a while (I am not a pro getting paid though), and found the wonderful world of Macro. It brought excitement back into photography during a slump. I didn't shoot staged macro, but real live macro so it was more of a challenge trying to get just the right 1:1 or more shot of a bug.

Once I saw the extreme detail that was obtainable, I started getting more excited. I didn't have much money for photography at the time, so I used what I had (ie. reversed lenses, lenses on extension tubes). I also didn't have money for a decent flash, so I made various bounce and fill reflectors to work with the onboard flash, which was half the fun for me (I like designing/building things).

So, to get out of the slump, try something you NEVER shoot, Macro was it for me, but it may be something else for you. Also get back to the basics of photography, don't buy the latest and greatest, make your own photography aids out of everyday things.

Dunno, might help?

For example, this

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …/55229792@N03/6​181513968/

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …/55229792@N03/6​134637886/

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …/55229792@N03/6​196172079/

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …/55229792@N03/6​183783870/

Hmmm. Macro.

Thanks guys. Just bouncing some ideas.

If you'll pick it up when you're getting paid, find a site with a regular photo contest take the topic they give you as an assignment, and do the best you can to come up with something spectacular. If you're extremely good (well depending on the contest) then you may actually get paid, but more importantly you're getting the challenge to bring some topic into a creative visual reality.

That's a great idea!

SCMedic wrote in post #15094040
I'm highly considering selling my 5DIII, all my L glass and Nex5N and moving to another (Besides the 5N) EVIL setup. I've lost a lot of motivation over the last 6 months and even though I have some cool events coming up, I'm burnt out. I never pick up my stuff unless I'm shooting my little guy or getting paid. It's kind of a bummer.

Thoughts on this? I know I've talked to some of you guys over the last year about how to rekindle the flame and whatnot, but it just hasn't happened. I wonder if making it simple for a while and only shooting small body will bring the fun back. A kit can always be put back together.

Thoughts on the EOS M? Better EVIL out there? The 5N is great, but it still leaves a bit to be desired as far as detail in the images.

Thanks guys. I feel like I'm photo-bipolar lately.

it's good that you'll getting paid for photography. I agree with the others, find something that's fun like macro, sports, contests, etc. and make it interesting. Sure, you could sell your stuff and get a mirrorless but what's to prevent that from getting boring

Another option is to put all your gear away for awhile. Deep in a closet or whatever.
I've done it when I've been burnt out before. Last time I locked my gear away for eight months... BUT...
You WILL go back to it! Sounds like you just need a break. The itch will come back... UNLESS you're a wedding photographer!!!

You are burnt out not because of your gear. You have been shooting paid gigs. After a while, you would just find it hard to shoot anything for free or for recreation purposes. Somehow, shooting for money and the pressure to deliver the goods give you the motivation. Try to shoot film when you aren't shooting for paid gigs..... That's what I am planning to do. Waiting for my Yashica Mat TLR coming in this week and trying my hands on some medium square format film.

I doubt that your gear is really the problem.

Creatives face burnout a lot especially when they are working creatives. When you have to work for someone else under their creative terms and conditions it burns you out. A lot of the time you will feel unfulfilled after a big job.

To counter act this you have to find another creative outlet. It can be personal photography projects or something completely different. The key is to get out there and create something.

Not sure how old your child is, but maybe schedule some outings with him, take along the gear and make time for your son AND some shooting. If he's still in a stroller, all the better as he can't get away while you're shooting.

Fairs, festivals, municipal events ... anything with lots going on to keep the boy interested in something. These deals usually present lots of good photo ops as well.

Me? I'm going to be stuck inside for the better part of 5-6 months in NE Ohio. Total crap weather and nothing going on except the birds out back.

dave

It's definitely not a gear problem. I just figure it I'm not going to use it, I'd rather free up the cash for another adventure.

I think I'll try the kid adventures for a while and shoot those. He's 2, so he's a bit of a handful.

I also don't see whats wrong with just shooting your son and paid gigs. It doesn't necessarily sound like a creative burnout, but you are just tired of going through the motions. Keep your gear, and just take photos of your son with what you have but I don't recommend selling your gear with the intent or possibility to "rebuild" the kit later. The only way it makes sense is if you plan to buy used later, with the possibility of breaking even in the end with more worn gear than what you had before, or you need the money now. I second the notion of putting most of your kit away in a closet instead of selling.

Also, with a 2 year old son, I can see it being a full on "life" burnout, not necessarily just photography :P