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Every photographer hits a creative slump from time to time. One day, you’re capturing stunning shots, and the next, it seems like you’re going backwards and nothing seems to work. If you’re feeling stuck, frustrated, or uninspired, you’re not alone. In his latest video, Adam from First Man Photography shares five techniques that can help you get your creative spark back and start making great photos again.
You’re better than you think
When your photography stops meeting your expectations, it’s easy to be overly critical of your work. Adam points out that we tend to focus on our worst shots while forgetting the great ones we’ve already captured.
If you’ve been shooting for a while, think back to the images you’ve created that you’re truly proud of. You’ve taken great photos before, and you will again. Creativity isn’t linear—it comes in waves. Some days you’re just not “feeling it” – and that’s fine. Instead of getting discouraged, remind yourself that your next great shot is just around the corner. Keep shooting, rely on your skills, and trust that things will turn around.
12 good pictures
One of the best ways to regain confidence in your photography is to reflect on what you’ve already accomplished. Adam references a quote from Ansel Adams: “Twelve significant photographs in any one year is a good crop.
He suggests looking through your past work in Lightroom or wherever you store your photos. You might be surprised to realize that you’ve created more great images than you remember. Taking time to acknowledge your successes, even small ones, can shift your mindset and remind you that you’re still capable of creating incredible work.
If you’ve been scrolling through Instagram and comparing your work to others, it might be time to step away. Adam shares that he took a 100-day break from social media, and it completely changed his perspective.
Social media can be overwhelming, especially with the constant flood of “perfect” images. It’s easy to feel like everyone else is creating better work and that you’re falling behind. But in reality, social media often warps our perception. By stepping away at least for a while, you can remove unnecessary pressure and focus on your photography without comparison.
Big breaks
Sometimes, pushing too hard can make things worse. Adam explains that early in his career, he was so excited about photography that he worked on it constantly, which eventually led to burnout. Over time, he realized that creative growth isn’t about chasing big breaks or constant validation—it’s about enjoying the process.
If you’re feeling stuck, consider taking a real break. This doesn’t mean quitting photography altogether but stepping away for a while and allowing yourself to recharge. Whether it’s a few days, a few weeks, or longer, a break can help you reset your mindset and come back with fresh eyes and new inspiration.
Do something technical
When creativity feels forced, Adam suggests shifting gears and focusing on something technical. This can help keep your photography moving forward without the pressure of trying to be artistic. I personally really like this tip – it’s something I’ve been doing intuitively, but only realized it now that I heard Adam say it. 🙂
Adam mentions a few ideas. You can experiment with macro or water drop photography or learn how to print your photos and frame them yourself. You could also try a new editing technique or set up a small home studio and play with lighting. I mean, the sky’s the limit!
Exploring the technical side of photography can reignite your curiosity and help you see things differently. Plus, learning new skills can lead to creative breakthroughs when you least expect them.
I think it’s important to remember that you’re not alone in this. Creative slumps happen to every photographer, but an encouraging fact is that they don’t last forever. The key is to recognize that ups and downs are part of the process. So if you’re feeling stuck, don’t worry: you’re better than you think, and your next great shot is just waiting to be captured.
[When Your Photography Just… Stops Being Good! | First Man Photography]