Help! Im losing it....

I mean, Im losing my interest in photography...

After getting the best equipment I can afford (40D, Katz Eye Manual focus
screen, Sigma 17-70 2.8, Canon 70-200 2.8 IS, Canon 500 4.5, Manfrotto
190XproB, 488 rc2, etc, etc, etc)

I suddenly woke up one morning and found out that I dont want to "play" with
the camera for a while.

I dont know what came over me but I just dont feel drive to shoot pictures for
the mean time.

For you seasoned photogs out there, does this happen to you once in a while?

I have done this. But I'm always back holding the gun soon enough. When it's in you .. it's in you.

Hi tma888!

I was kind of in a rut too a little while ago. I just went out for a walk along the Mississippi and took a few pictures and enlarged one to an 8X10 and it's stunning!

Thats all it took to get me out shooting again!

I felt like that right after my 20D's shutter died back in December. I started using it sparingly over Christmas and now I'm back with a new 40D and I can't wait to get out and start shooting again. I would be shooting right now if it wasn't for my stupid alternator in my car. So instead of shooting I've spend the last hour under my car.

I think it happens to everyone with every hobby. You just need something to really grab your attention. Maybe go on a trip or go somewhere where you can get some amazing photos. That gets me right out of a slump.

Or just look online for some inspiration.

That's never happened to me, and I don't think it ever will because I love spending just as much time looking at and drooling over other peoples' photographs as I do making them myself, and each of the two kind of fuels a passion for the other.

i ddi this for a couple weeks. i even stopped coming on here while i was in my rut. but im back in the game again. for now. lol.

it think it happens to the best of us.

shannon

I find the best way to get over a slump is to go somewhere. I rent some big L glass and head to the zoo.

shannyD wrote in post #5314087
i ddi this for a couple weeks. i even stopped coming on here while i was in my rut. but im back in the game again. for now. lol.

it think it happens to the best of us.

shannon

Righto - judging by my own experience, I'd say that "ruts" are rather normal - I've been experiencing them since 1962.

I now recognize this and don't worry about it, knowing that I'll come back with "the fire" sooner or later.

I have to laugh because many people, myself included, have written threads like this at one time or another. I'm in a rut right now because my kids both run away from me and we've had rain for a couple of weeks now. I'm also a bit frustrated learning the 40D since selling the 30D. Don't worry, it'll come back. I think it's always good to take a break from things no matter what they are. It helps give you a fresh perspective and free your brain a little.

I equate a rut or disinterest with writers block. Writers experience them, but it doesn't mean they stop writing for good or stop considering themselves writers. My suggestion is take a break, don't worry about it or try to force it. It'll just come back one day. You'll look at something and suddenly see the picture in your head. And that's all it will take.

The last couple months of winter were hard on me. My fresh new equipment, nothing to shoot. Hundreds (or probably into the thousands) of pictures of my cats. I've findally started to go outdoors and take pictures of stuff. I'm really looking forward to shooting at a friends wedding this summer.

that man needs to do some drop shots

I am afraid your situation is hopeless....I am sure you will never feel like shooting ever again.
I am sure having that equipment around will make you feel bad so I am extending this, one time, opportunity to send it all to me. I will happily pay shipping so you won't have to worry about that expense. I know this is overly generous on my part. I am feeling in a very giving mood......

I want his 500L F4, OK??? This happened to me in cycling/racing. I raced for 4 years and one day I realized I didn't want to suffer anymore. Asking myself why I am spending the little spare time I have and go race bikes. I didn't win any race. That was it. I literally quited that hobby.

With photography, I felt the same way until I begin doing bird photography. I was shooting landscapes and cityscapes. I live in NYC and don't travel a lot. Got bored really quick. Shooting birds are something else.

poloman wrote in post #5316127
I am afraid your situation is hopeless....I am sure you will never feel like shooting ever again.
I am sure having that equipment around will make you feel bad so I am extending this, one time, opportunity to send it all to me. I will happily pay shipping so you won't have to worry about that expense. I know this is overly generous on my part. I am feeling in a very giving mood......