Why Taking a Break is Good for Your Photography

Grand Canyon

Sometimes, I feel motivated to photograph with every chance I have. Other times, and this is especially true in the winter, my motivation declines as the bad weather, sometimes bitter wind chill, and overall inconvenience of going out to shoot take over, and nothing is captured.

Taking each opportunity to photograph is essential as it will help with the progression and improvement of photography and the enjoyment of doing so. Photography requires consistency to refine and grow as an artist. But it’s okay to take some time away from the craft you love and regroup to keep the excitement alive.

Reinvigoration

I would consider my recent travels to Spain the first since September last year. That is over six months, half a year, and an entire winter season between. Over that period, there was nothing automotive to photograph; everything was tucked away for the winter, and I did nothing for any dealerships that consisted of indoor shoots. I only photographed periodically over those six months. When I arrived in Barcelona, and after I shot many mediocre-at-best photos to shake off the rust, I found myself getting excited. It wasn’t just that I arrived and was now exploring a place I had never been; it was that I was doing what I love to do - create. During the trip, there were several instances when I would look at the LCD screen and notice what I had captured, and I couldn’t wait to see it on a larger monitor. The break enhanced my desire to create.

Staying Connected to the Craft

Being consistently on the move and trying to create, you can experience physical and creative exhaustion. In a culture that frequently promotes constant productivity, stepping back from the lens may seem counterintuitive, but constantly being behind the lens can lead to burnout and, in turn, less-than-desirable results and frustration. Taking too many photos is not the only reason to step back; external factors can impact your photography - weather, location, and personal challenges can also play a role.

If you want to take a break from creating photographs but stay connected to the craft, a break can be an optimal time to reflect on your past work, determine what worked or did not, and uncover improvement opportunities. Sometimes, we get so caught up in capturing new photos that we don’t dedicate the time to analyze what we created before. This can also be a time to study the artists you admire. What works in their photos?

Periodic breaks can immensely benefit your growth as a photographer as they allow you to focus on other interests, using the time to grow personally and gain fresh perspectives. If creating photos becomes more of a chore than a passion, it may be time to step back and enjoy other aspects of interest and fulfillment. Engaging in different activities can reignite your spark and bring new ideas to your photography, allowing you to return to your craft with renewed energy and enthusiasm.

Conclusion

While maintaining a consistent practice in photography is crucial for artistic growth and enjoyment, it is equally important to recognize the value of taking breaks, especially when motivation wanes due to factors like bad weather or personal challenges. Breaks prevent burnout and offer opportunities to reflect on past work, study admired artists, and explore other interests. This rest period can reignite passion and creativity, leading to a more inspired and enthusiastic return to photography.