Getting bored with macro?

I apologize up front for the ramble.

I've been shooting macro (bugs, mostly) for a few years now. Now I have to wonder if I'm done:

I just don't get excited about it like I used to, and almost feel obligated to shoot bugs when I find 'em. I did spend a few hours yesterday looking around for critters to shoot, and got some images. But I feel like I'm just going through the motions; "Got a macro lens and tubes... better use them." I feel like my best work is behind me.

Maybe it's a physical thing. I'm 57, my back is bad, I have knee issues frequently, not as flexible as I used to be, and I'm a little overweight. So getting up and down, kneeling, crouching, contorting... not as easy as it was even a year ago.

Maybe I'm just bored with the bugs in my area, I dunno.

I used to lust after the MP-E 65. Now I'm not interested.

Anyone else go through this?.... Think it's a phase?

Okay, that's it.

Carry on.

I cut down too. The first two years of owning a dLSR I did a lot of macro work. I know I still have a lot to learn. I just find getting the time is harder. I spend more of my free time doing other things.

There is no pressure on you to continue. Do what you like/want/need to. You might find yourself coming back again or going into a completely different direction.

I hope to get back to it. I picked up some more macro gear this last winter.

That's why we have the macro game, so you can shoot obscure bike parts to entertain the masses.

I know! You could move to Malaysia! They got lots of cool stuff.

ed57gmc wrote in post #15821219
I know! You could move to Malaysia! They got lots of cool stuff.

HAHA i was thinking the same. Not many glamorous bugs on our side of the world.

ed57gmc wrote in post #15821219
I know! You could move to Malaysia! They got lots of cool stuff.

I know. Every time I see Kurt's stuff, I get jealous of all the critter they have there.

But my wife would never move... because of all the critters they have there.

cappo wrote in post #15821425
HAHA i was thinking the same. Not many glamorous bugs on our side of the world.

California? Try the UK..........

If you are not enjoying it then no point in doing it. I'd take a break for a while.
I do sometimes feel like that but it only takes one interesting bug or behaviour to get me going again.

Brian V.

Try another genre of photography for a while. I also have knee problems & find that macro can be a real strain on them at times, so I've also "moved on" from macro recently. This however doesn't mean that I've lost my passion for it. I've still got "the bug" (excuse the pun). I just feel that when you are not enjoying what you are doing, it feels more like a chore & you will not produce your best work. I'm hoping to return to macro when the weather gets a bit better, but in the mean time, I'll just try out shooting birds etc.

LordV wrote in post #15825431
I do sometimes feel like that but it only takes one interesting bug or behaviour to get me going again.

Brian V.

That's what I'm hoping for.

Miki G wrote in post #15825536
Try another genre of photography for a while. I also have knee problems & find that macro can be a real strain on them at times, so I've also "moved on" from macro recently. This however doesn't mean that I've lost my passion for it. I've still got "the bug" (excuse the pun). I just feel that when you are not enjoying what you are doing, it feels more like a chore & you will not produce your best work. I'm hoping to return to macro when the weather gets a bit better, but in the mean time, I'll just try out shooting birds etc.

Yes. I still enjoy shooting hummingbirds and landscapes. The wife's going out of town soon for a few days. I'm going to take the opportunity to spend some time at the strip at night, and local state/national parks during the day, and give the camera a workout.

I understand about the physical aspect of it, I am just 37, but my back is pretty much "destroyed" and last summer, I was in the worst shape ever, I just could not get motivated to get up early and get out there. This year I just got the 6D, so that should at least be a motivation!

But I agree that if you are not excited about it at the moment, you might want to take a break. I am sure it will come back!

Do you have a "shooting partner"? I go with one of my best friends, I guess I am lucky we have the same interest. But it does add a lot to the fun, as we get all excited finding stuff and get to hang out (it also helps me getting up early). And indeed, now that I think of it, when I go alone, it is not as enjoyable and I might be also "going through the motions" just like you.

There should be tons of exciting bugs around you, or a bit further that could be done is a week-end trip.

You might want to consider also a "safari" trip if you can afford. Although I did not do one last year, I try to go in the tropics once a year to go do some macro, it is nice to see more exotic insects. Heck, probably a trip to Florida could suffice! The whole planning of the itinary is always exciting as well.

Hopefully you stay with us, I always enjoy seeing your pictures!

Martin

Martin G. wrote in post #15828060
I understand about the physical aspect of it, I am just 37, but my back is pretty much "destroyed" and last summer, I was in the worst shape ever, I just could not get motivated to get up early and get out there. This year I just got the 6D, so that should at least be a motivation!

But I agree that if you are not excited about it at the moment, you might want to take a break. I am sure it will come back!

Do you have a "shooting partner"? I go with one of my best friends, I guess I am lucky we have the same interest. But it does add a lot to the fun, as we get all excited finding stuff and get to hang out (it also helps me getting up early). And indeed, now that I think of it, when I go alone, it is not as enjoyable and I might be also "going through the motions" just like you.

There should be tons of exciting bugs around you, or a bit further that could be done is a week-end trip.

You might want to consider also a "safari" trip if you can afford. Although I did not do one last year, I try to go in the tropics once a year to go do some macro, it is nice to see more exotic insects. Heck, probably a trip to Florida could suffice! The whole planning of the itinary is always exciting as well.

Hopefully you stay with us, I always enjoy seeing your pictures!

Martin

Thanks, Martin. I appreciate the comments and the thought you put into this.

No shooting partner, and I feel that I've shot the majority of interesting bug species in my area, with a few exceptions. But if I took a trip out of state with the emphasis on shooting bugs, my wife would not be pleased

Anyway, whether or not I do much more macro myself, I'm sure I'll still lurk in that section to enjoy the images from you and the many others who produce such excellent work.

And I still wonder if it's just a phase. That being said, and possibly related... I've been riding motorcycles for 35 years and recently fell out of love with that, too. I sold my Harley about three weeks ago.

LV Moose wrote in post #15828303
... I sold my Harley about three weeks ago...

Ohhh. Money for a new macro lens. Perhaps the MP-E will suit the gentle man.

AbPho wrote in post #15828423
Ohhh. Money for a new macro lens. Perhaps the MP-E will suit the gentle man.

Nah. A year ago it would've; a Canon 100-400 is now atop my short list.