Out of the Loop

As the title states, I've been out of the loop for a while now. I have not taken any more wedding gigs in the last 2 years because my body isn't up to the demands that I require of it anymore. I like to move around, explore the space and get many different angles but I just can't do that anymore with my lower extremities (knees, feet and lower back) giving me issues all the time. I was getting to the point where I felt that my work was suffering because I couldn't get to a spot I wanted to get to quick enough. Getting older stinks!

After I dropped weddings I also found myself not using the camera anymore for my own personal enjoyment. There's nothing around me that I haven't taken photos of. I have so many photos of the waterfall and the covered bridge by me, They're becoming redundant and a waste of time to go to those places anymore. I've lost the will to find creative places to shoot. I tried getting a model to come out and shoot with me just so I have a different subject to work with but they keep canceling on me and it's frustrating to me which makes it even more of a waste of time and effort.

Recently, I was looking through all of my gear. The 3 cameras I have, the lenses, the accessories and whatnot. All the money I've invested in this stuff and now it just sits in my camera bag all zipped up and put in a corner. It's so sad.

So I'm making it a point to try and get back into these cameras again. I'll probably not do weddings again but I feel I should try and do SOMETHING creative with these things before they become useless paperweights. My 5D Mark II was strictly for weddings and has served me well. It's time to use it for other things. I just need to get myself motivated again so I am back here at POTN and other photo sites looking for inspiration.

Wish me luck!

Besided photography, what other interests do you have? Most of us have more than one and, for me, my photography is most enjoyable when I combine it with something else I enjoy, be it motorsport, nature or travel.

Most recently, I have started to combine three: photography, motorsport AND travel, by attending events 2-4hrs away in places I haven't been to before, and staying overnight. I shoot the event and the locality.

Is there scope for you to do the same?

Well, I'm actually trying to get myself back into playing drums. I did this earlier today...

Don't give up, please. You said you've shot it all. I may say: no, you haven't . Go and try to look at familiar things from a very different perspective, close up, a little abstract and discover the beauty of inanimate objects. Try to discover the beauty of little things and shoot them as you shot the drum sticks. If you have a macro lens, go down into the hidden world of macro...just some suggestions.
Apart from that you could try to perhaps mentor budding photographers on all aspects of exposure, post processing, framing, composition, lighting etc.

And you know, we all age. Best of luck! Keep calm and shoot on

itsallart wrote in post #18914261
Apart from that you could try to perhaps mentor budding photographers on all aspects of exposure, post processing, framing, composition, lighting etc.

I actually thought of that. It could be a fun thing to take them to places I've gone and showing them the ropes. Something to consider. Thanks!

itsallart wrote in post #18914261
no, you haven't . Go and try to look at familiar things from a very different perspective, close up, a little abstract and discover the beauty of inanimate objects. Try to discover the beauty of little things and shoot them as you shot the drum sticks.

I have done that in the past. I shot rocks, pine cones, little flowered weeds. I even tried to shoot a dragon fly but he wasn't being very cooperative. As for a Macro lens, I can't see buying one right now unless I can prove to myself that it is financially justifiable. I thought about renting on for a weekend but that would entail a commitment to go out and use it when it arrives. I don't think I am ready for that just yet.

CameraMan wrote in post #18914275
I actually thought of that. It could be a fun thing to take them to places I've gone and showing them the ropes. Something to consider. Thanks!

I have done that in the past. I shot rocks, pine cones, little flowered weeds. I even tried to shoot a dragon fly but he wasn't being very cooperative. As for a Macro lens, I can't see buying one right now unless I can prove to myself that it is financially justifiable. I thought about renting on for a weekend but that would entail a commitment to go out and use it when it arrives. I don't think I am ready for that just yet.

Alan, I have just read the green line in your signature saying "Fear Nothing"...

itsallart wrote in post #18914279
Alan, I have just read the green line in your signature saying "Fear Nothing"...

Heh, Well it's not fear. It's just a lack of desire at this point. I'm certain if I wanted to do it and could physically get it accomplished I'm pretty sure fear wouldn't be an issue.

Try committing yourself to someone else and their project.

If I commit myself to someone, I will be there, cause that’s who I am.

If I have to rely on myself for motivation...well, I’m tired, lazy, and easily distractable.

Commitment to someone else works for me.

An update:

I know it's been a while but I have been taking pictures. I have many that I will be sharing over the next few days. Some really interesting and cool looking shots as well. But I've been using a Canon G7X III which is meh... I'm not real happy with the wider angle shots because I get the dark edges from the lens. But I've gotten a few amazing shots with it and with my phone. So I'll be posting those up real soon.