Photographers: Rethink your creative rut
Photo by Marcelo Chagas
How to get out of a creative rut. That’s the first thing most photographers aim to understand when the fire to create has all but died. But, what if I were to tell you a creative rut isn’t a bad thing? In fact, it can be one of the best things for us to progress within the craft.
Slipping into a creative rut
I’ve made images almost every day for the past three years. From Mexico to Türkiye, Montenegro to Austria, my creative engine hasn’t been close to running out of gas. Even during “the thing” I was still making photographs in Colombia - you can learn if Colombia is dangerous for photography.
Bogota, 2024.
Up until three weeks ago, my attention to the craft had never been stronger. Then, one day, I left my camera at home. Then I did it the next day, and the next. It’s remained that way pretty much since.
I didn’t notice it at first. Then, one day I realized; I have no desire to make photographs right now. In the past this would be cause of anxiety. I would wonder; have I fallen out of love with my deepest passion?
Calm creative rut
Now I’m much calmer about the situation. There's a good reason why. Throughout your journey you have enough creative ruts to understand they’re not forever.
Sure, they may last longer in some instances. I have friends who have been in a rut for years, but even they eventually came out the other side. Knowing that, I understand there’s no reason to find the quickest route out of a creative rut. Instead, I just let it be and allow it to last as long as it needs.
Not only that, I now realize they’re several benefits to a creative rut. It’s very demanding to create every day, and it can put a lot of pressure on both our mental and physical resources. Taking that away for a period of time allows us to recharge and reassess who we are as photographers..
A rut also allows us to focus our energy towards other avenues. I may not be making photographs right now, but I am still discussing photography through Them Frames and our YouTube channel. I’m also channeling my energy into other areas, like learning how to plate food to a high standard, for example.
My plating needs some work.
It’s a relief not feeling the need to pick up my camera all the time. It’s a huge weight being taken off my shoulders. That’s why I am in no rush and instead I am learning to enjoy it.
Singing off
If you’re in a similar situation and panicking you may never find the creative pulse again, don’t worry. The love for the craft lives in the heart, and it will forever keep beating. However, the mind needs to take a break from time to time, and allowing that to happen is far healthier than trying to fight it.
Even if you're not making images, you can still consume them. Of course, we have plenty of inspiration on Them Frames through all our artist interviews. You can also check the best photography magazines and listen to the best photography podcasts.
So don’t fret. Use your creative rut to explore other areas of life. The fire will reignite eventually and you’ll have a fresh spring in your photographic step. You’ll return with a new inspiration to make better images than ever before, and enjoy the process more than ever.
How do you manage a creative rut? I’d love to know. Let me know in the comments. Thanks for reading.
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