![\"BIG](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/BIG-How-to-Overcome-Photographers-Block-Cover-567x660.jpg?resize=567%2C660\")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
I am excited to announce that I just finished writing a new book titled: “How to Overcome Photographer’s Block<\/a><\/strong>.” If you have ever felt lack of motivation, inspiration, or direction– this is the book for you!<\/p>\n If you’re in a creative rut, learn how to break out of your “photographer’s block” with this comprehensive and practical manual. In this book, I share practical tips, guidance, and assignments to break out of any creative barrier you have with your photography, no matter how severe.<\/p>\n You will learn how to overcome perfectionism, “paralysis by analysis”, giving yourself the permission to make “imperfect photos”, learn how to integrate your life with photography, how to focus on the process (not the outcome), how to add more novelty and randomness to your life, and more.<\/p>\n The book is “open source<\/a>,” meaning you can share it, remix it, and do anything you want with it for free. Feel free to share it with a friend, print it out, or even translate it into a different language!<\/p>\n You can download the book for free in these formats:<\/p>\n Enjoy :)<\/p>\n Other free ebooks:<\/strong><\/p>\n You can also read the full book for free below, and you can save it to Pocket<\/a> or Instapaper<\/a>:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n by Eric Kim<\/p>\n Published May, 2015<\/p>\n If you have a hard time staying motivated as a photographer, this book is for you. I personally have faced a lot of \u00e2\u20ac\u0153photographer\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s block\u00e2\u20ac\u009d in the last 9 years of shooting. I want to provide some practical guidelines, assignments, and theories to help break out of your creative ruts.<\/p>\n Don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t consider this book the panacea to all of your photography problems. However, consider this book as a guide that can help spark creativity, inspiration, and motivation in you and the way you capture the world.<\/p>\n Let\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s begin.<\/p>\n Some of us face \u00e2\u20ac\u0153photographer\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s block\u00e2\u20ac\u009d. The concept is this: that we hit a concrete wall in our creativity and photography, and that we have a hard time finding inspiration to shoot. We feel jaded, and everything looks \u00e2\u20ac\u0153the same\u00e2\u20ac\u009d. Everything looks boring, and we have no motivation to go out and shoot.<\/p>\n Almost all photographer or creative I have ever met has encountered \u00e2\u20ac\u0153photographer\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s block\u00e2\u20ac\u009d in one period of his or her life or another.<\/p>\n Sometimes \u00e2\u20ac\u0153photographer\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s block\u00e2\u20ac\u009d can happen after you complete a big project, sometimes it can happen when you are facing a big project, and sometimes it can happen when life becomes too busy or crazy.<\/p>\n I want to propose the following with photographer\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s block: that it doesn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t exist externally. Photographer\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s block is something that is purely internal.<\/p>\n Not only that, but the biggest misconception is that photographer\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s block only happens to those who live in \u00e2\u20ac\u0153boring\u00e2\u20ac\u009d places (like the suburbs). Rather, it can happen to photographers who live in the most interesting cities in the world. I know photographers in New York City, Paris, and Tokyo who have a hard time staying inspired in their photography (despite those places being regarded as the most \u00e2\u20ac\u0153interesting\u00e2\u20ac\u009d cities for photography in the world).<\/p>\n I believe the solution for photographer\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s block is a combination of mindfulness, appreciation, love of randomness, diligence and hard work, overcoming perfectionism, and life-photography integration<\/strong>. In these next chapters, I will explore some of these ideas, and some of my personal ideas and experiences.<\/p>\n I believe that we get \u00e2\u20ac\u0153photographer\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s block\u00e2\u20ac\u009d and get \u00e2\u20ac\u0153stuck\u00e2\u20ac\u009d in our photography for many reasons.<\/p>\n First of all, being a perfectionist is one of the biggest barriers<\/strong>.<\/p>\n If you are an A-type over-achieving person (or had a lot of pressure to \u00e2\u20ac\u0153succeed\u00e2\u20ac\u009d academically or in sports), you might have suffered perfectionism in a negative way in life.<\/p>\n There is no objective measure for \u00e2\u20ac\u0153perfect\u00e2\u20ac\u009d in the world. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Perfect\u00e2\u20ac\u009d isn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t something you can measure, like weight, height, color, or material composition.<\/p>\n For example, you cannot look at a photograph and say that an image is \u00e2\u20ac\u0153perfect\u00e2\u20ac\u009d. It just comes down to subjective interpretation.<\/p>\n Not only that, but realize that no matter how good a photograph is, there is always room for improvement. You could have always caught a little more emotion, a more interesting background, more context, or better light or exposure.<\/p>\n I think overcoming perfectionism is one of the biggest first lessons to overcome \u00e2\u20ac\u0153photographer\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s block\u00e2\u20ac\u009d.<\/p>\n If you consider yourself a perfectionist\u00e2\u20ac\u201d that all of the details have to be absolutely perfect, ask yourself\u00e2\u20ac\u201d where did you get that from? Was it from your childhood when your parents wouldn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t love you if you got all straight A\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s? Or did you have a parent who wanted you to be the star player of your varsity sports team, and forced you to train against your will? Or did you have a parent who forced you to be an absolutely \u00e2\u20ac\u0153perfect\u00e2\u20ac\u009d musician, and would scold you (or worse abuse you) if you didn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t live up to their standards?<\/p>\n I think it is good to be a hard-worker, diligent, and to strive to be the best. But I would say that is much different from perfectionism\u00e2\u20ac\u201d in which nothing is ever good enough.<\/p>\n With perfectionism, you are so caught up with the small details, that you will do or create anything.<\/p>\n For example, let\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s say you are interested in working on a photography project. If you are too much of a perfectionist, you might have this elaborate idea for a project. You might consider how you are going to print and publish the book, how you are going to design your exhibition, and all of the key elements and symbols necessary in your photographs.<\/p>\n But sometimes focusing too much on all the details can be crippling. Psychologists often all this \u00e2\u20ac\u0153paralysis by analysis\u00e2\u20ac\u009d \u00e2\u20ac\u201d we spend too much time analyzing how<\/em> we are going to do something, that we never even do it.<\/p>\n My practical suggestion is this: give yourself the freedom to mess up, make a crappy photography project, or to fail<\/strong>. I think it is better to have tried or attempted a photography project (better yet completed it), than never even tried it at all.<\/p>\n In painting, there is a saying that you are never done painting. Rather, you simply stop at an interesting moment.<\/p>\n Similarly in photography, no matter how much you edit, sequence, or work on a photography project, it will never be \u00e2\u20ac\u0153perfect\u00e2\u20ac\u009d. A project is always a \u00e2\u20ac\u0153work in progress\u00e2\u20ac\u009d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d and photography (and life) is all about the journey, rather than the destination.<\/p>\n Therefore, I would say if you are facing severe photographer\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s block, aim for \u00e2\u20ac\u0153good enough and completed\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/strong> rather than \u00e2\u20ac\u0153perfect and never finished\u00e2\u20ac\u009d.<\/p>\n Sometimes by thinking too much about photography and the small details, we forget the most important job of a photographer: to just go out and make photos.<\/strong><\/p>\n If you have too many options, ideas, or thoughts about photography, you can fall into \u00e2\u20ac\u0153paralysis by analysis\u00e2\u20ac\u009d \u00e2\u20ac\u201d you are paralyzed because you have too many options to analyze and think about.<\/p>\n So make things easy for yourself. Don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t over-intellectualize everything about photography.<\/p>\n Remember, the first step is to just have a camera with you and click the shutter. If you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re suffering \u00e2\u20ac\u0153photographer\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s block\u00e2\u20ac\u009d, don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t feel like you need to work on a serious photography project or a book or an exhibition.<\/p>\n Simply be like a child. Enjoy the photography process, and go out and have fun with it. Don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t take yourself too seriously.<\/p>\n Ironically enough restricting your options is good for creativity. You can dedicate yourself to only shooting one square block in your city. You can dedicate yourself to only shooting with one camera, one lens, and one film. You can dedicate yourself to only shooting at a certain time of the day. Sometimes limiting your options can free you.<\/p>\n In this chapter, I want to propose some practical suggestions or ideas to overcome photographer\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s block.<\/p>\n I know a lot of jaded photographers who have photographer\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s block because they feel that where they live is boring, uninteresting, and mundane.<\/p>\n But photography is all about capturing the beauty in the mundane<\/strong>.<\/p>\n No matter how boring of a place you live in, always realize there is a place that is probably more boring than where you live.<\/p>\n For example, when I first moved to East Lansing, Michigan, I was pretty scared of leaving Los Angeles. I loved shooting Downtown LA, which was always bustling with people, energy, and sights. But once I moved to East Lansing, it was empty. It was quiet. It was boring.<\/p>\n I faced a fear that I wouldn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t be able to shoot street photography, because there was literally nobody walking around.<\/p>\n But over time, I learned how to adapt. Rather than just shooting typical \u00e2\u20ac\u0153street photography\u00e2\u20ac\u009d of people, I learned to embrace urban landscapes<\/strong>. There were lots of interesting signs, buildings, and homes that screamed \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Americana\u00e2\u20ac\u009d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d which had a unique Midwest charm.<\/p>\n I recently moved back to California after about a year of living in Michigan, and I actually miss it there. I miss finding the beauty in the mundane and boring moments. I shot a lot of photos in random places, whether that was a grocery store, at home, or in my backyard or neighborhood.<\/p>\n No matter how \u00e2\u20ac\u0153boring\u00e2\u20ac\u009d of a place you live, there are always photography opportunities.<\/p>\n I know a lot of you who are reading are really into \u00e2\u20ac\u0153street photography\u00e2\u20ac\u009d. For me, it is also the genre that is closest to my heart.<\/p>\n But what can you do if you live in a city or a suburb without much foot traffic? How do you photograph \u00e2\u20ac\u0153street photography\u00e2\u20ac\u009d then?<\/p>\n First of all, don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t feel obliged to always be a \u00e2\u20ac\u0153street photographer\u00e2\u20ac\u009d. Just be a photographer. Better yet, just be a human being who happens to take photographs because you love it.<\/p>\n There is always interesting subject matter, if you look hard enough. You can always photograph your partner, your family members, your kids, your friends, things around the house, things in your backyard or front porch, your neighborhood, your city, your grocery market, or in a downtown area. If you really want a breath of fresh air, you can always jump in a car, subway, or bus and go to an area a little less familiar\u00e2\u20ac\u201d and use that new sense of novelty to re-inspire yourself.<\/p>\n Also some photographers to study (who have mastered making interesting photographs of boring places and moments) include Martin Parr<\/a>, Mark Cohen<\/a>, William Eggleston<\/a>, and Stephen Shore<\/a>.<\/p>\n Not only that, but if your city is boring, uninteresting\u00e2\u20ac\u201d consider that a benefit. Consider it a fun challenge to try to make interesting photographs in boring places<\/strong>. Not only that, but the more boring and unpopular your city, the less likely a photographer has done a major body of work in your city. Therefore the more opportunity you<\/em> have as a photographer to make a unique body of work.<\/p>\n So think to yourself: \u00e2\u20ac\u0153How can I re-interpret living in a boring city as a fun challenge and a benefit?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d The more you see the positive upsides, the more inspired you will be, and the more motivated you will be to shoot.<\/p>\n If you want a practical assignment to overcome photographer\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s block, try this assignment: Shoot a roll of black and white film everyday (for 30 days straight).<\/strong><\/p>\n The rule is that you have to shoot this film (not digital) because it is easier to track shooting a roll everyday (36 shots) than it is to do it digitally. You don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t need an expensive film camera either, you can pick up a cheap point-and shoot film camera at a garage sale, get one from your parents, or pick up something on eBay.<\/p>\n Everyday, no matter how busy or \u00e2\u20ac\u0153uninspired\u00e2\u20ac\u009d you are, shoot a roll of film a day (can be either black and white or color). This will force you to be more perceptive to the world around you, and for you to work hard to pay attention.<\/p>\n I will guarantee if you have this \u00e2\u20ac\u0153roll a day\u00e2\u20ac\u009d assignment, you will start to see things that you haven\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t seen before.<\/p>\n Nothing is too \u00e2\u20ac\u0153boring\u00e2\u20ac\u009d or mundane to photograph. Photograph the entrance to your house. Photograph your desk. Photograph from your window. Photograph your bed. Photograph your friends when you are out and about. Photograph your partner while having dinner. Photograph a stranger at a coffee shop (I just did it right now).<\/p>\n Do this for 30 days consecutively (don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t break the chain). And at the end of the 30 days, get all of your film processed and scanned at a local lab. Then you will be happy, and amazed of all the nice moments you captured. Sure, you will have taken a lot of uninteresting photographs, but I can guarantee that you will have taken a few interesting photographs, and have broken out of your \u00e2\u20ac\u0153photographer\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s block\u00e2\u20ac\u009d.<\/p>\n I think the common mistake that photographers make is that they separate their life and photography. They say that they are \u00e2\u20ac\u0153too busy\u00e2\u20ac\u009d to make photographs. But we are never \u00e2\u20ac\u0153too busy\u00e2\u20ac\u009d to go to work, help out our friends and family, pay the bills, eat, breathe, and sleep.<\/p>\n Rather, we should think about life-photography integration<\/strong>. We don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t have to \u00e2\u20ac\u0153make time\u00e2\u20ac\u009d to go out and shoot, when photography is simply a part of us living our lives.<\/p>\n What this means is have your camera as your constant companion. Your camera is your third eye, an extra appendage, or a part that you literally cannot separate with you.<\/p>\n For a long time, I have always tried to find the \u00e2\u20ac\u0153perfect camera\u00e2\u20ac\u009d bag. But I have realized that after all these years, the perfect camera bag is no camera bag<\/strong>.<\/p>\n I have found the problem with camera bags is this: your camera mostly stays in the camera bag<\/strong>.<\/p>\n You want your camera to be always on you, always ready to shoot. So I actually recommend always having your camera around your shoulder, around your neck, in your pocket, or in your hand.<\/p>\n When you have a camera always on you and easily accessible, it is so much easier to make a photograph.<\/p>\n Not only that, but I find that when I have a camera physically around my neck, I start to see more photography opportunities<\/strong>. When my camera is in my bag, I don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t see anything.<\/p>\n I think there is something about the weight or the presence of the camera around my neck. It is a reminder that there are interesting moments to capture, and that I need to pay attention<\/strong>.<\/p>\n So when you wake up, have your camera next to your bed or on your desk. Take photos of the morning light shining through your bedroom window. Take photos of your partner having breakfast. Take photos on the walk to your car. Take photos on the public transit if you commute to work. If you are stuck in traffic in your car to work, take photos from inside looking out. Take photos of your co-workers or your cubicle. Take lunch breaks and shoot around your office. Take photos when you go pick up your kids, or see your friends. Take photos when going to the grocery store. Take photos when you are cooking dinner. Take photos when you are out at a party or a bar with your friends.<\/p>\n If you have a camera that is too big to carry around, I do recommend trying to get a smaller and compact camera. In my personal experience, the smaller and more compact your camera, the more likely you are to carry it around with you wherever you go. As a general recommendation, I recommend the Fujifilm x100t, the Ricoh GR, or even the camera on your smartphone (processed in VSCO).<\/p>\n I would say I am someone who is easily disappointed. I found that one of the problems I had shooting digitally was that after a long day of shooting, I would download my photos into Lightroom, and be massively disappointed that I didn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t get any \u00e2\u20ac\u0153keepers\u00e2\u20ac\u009d that day. I was more focused on the outcome rather than the process.<\/p>\n Recently in the last few years, I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ve switched to shooting mostly film. There are many benefits that I have enjoyed shooting film (delayed gratification, the aesthetic look, and the \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Zen-quality\u00e2\u20ac\u009d of it), but one of the biggest benefits has been that shooting film helps me enjoy the process of shooting more, and not to worry as much about the outcome<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Why is this?<\/p>\n Well, when I shoot film, I often wait at least a few months (3\u00e2\u20ac\u201c6 months, or sometimes even a full year). This means that when I finally do get my film processed and scanned, I am more likely to get a \u00e2\u20ac\u0153keeper\u00e2\u20ac\u009d shot (over several months of shooting).<\/p>\n I think in photography (especially in street photography), if you can get at least 1 photograph that makes you happy a month, you are doing really well. 12 solid photos in a year is a fantastic achievement. I have talked to a lot of photographers who I admire, and they all admit that this is a good \u00e2\u20ac\u0153hit rate\u00e2\u20ac\u009d.<\/p>\n Sometimes when we focus too much on the outcome and not the process of photography, we get easily discouraged. I know that when I go shooting for a full day (on digital) and end up home with no shots, I think to myself, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Man, I am a lousy photographer. I will never get any good shots. Why do I even bother and waste my time?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n But I think as a photographer, the process of shooting is actually more important than the final result. Mind you, both are really important\u00e2\u20ac\u201d but I think in today\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s society we put more precedence over the outcome versus the process.<\/p>\n There is a saying by Taoist sage Lao Tzu who said something along the lines of: \u00e2\u20ac\u0153The good traveler is not intent on arriving.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Similarly, I think we can rehash that by saying: \u00e2\u20ac\u0153The good photographer is not intent on achieving success\u00e2\u20ac\u009d. The good photographer is the one who enjoys the process of going out, hustling hard, editing and sequencing their photos, getting honest feedback and critique from others, and publishing their work.<\/p>\n This assignment was suggested to me by my friend Charlie Kirk<\/a>. At the time, I was addicted to sharing all of my photos online (over sharing), and therefore the quality of my stream started to go down. I started to become more obsessed about getting lots of likes, favorites, and comments than actually improving my photography and focusing on my work.<\/p>\n So he gave me a challenge: to go an entire year without uploading any photographs to the internet<\/strong>.<\/p>\n At first I thought he was crazy. What if people forgot about me? What if people judged me for not sharing anymore? What if people started judging me in a negative way?<\/p>\n Regardless, I thought it would be a great exercise in trying to be more selective with editing my shots. Not only that, but I wasn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t pressured to always share images that I myself wasn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t proud of.<\/p>\n I did his assignment diligently, and at first it was like having nicotine withdrawal symptoms. It was so difficult not<\/em> to upload images on an almost daily basis. The reason is that I loved having the \u00e2\u20ac\u0153hit\u00e2\u20ac\u009d of getting lots of affirmation on social media. Now that I wasn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t getting that affirmation, I felt empty and lost inside.<\/p>\n But after a few weeks (and a few months), I finally achieved some sort of clarity of mind, that I didn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t feel forced to constantly share images. This helped me focus truly on my work, without any outside pressure to do otherwise.<\/p>\n Personally I didn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t go a full year without sharing images, I went about 8\u00e2\u20ac\u201c10 months.<\/p>\n So if you are having photographer\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s block, try to focus on the process of making images, not about sharing your best photos online<\/strong>. Therefore try to go 6 months without uploading any photographs online<\/strong>.<\/p>\n This assignment will help you because you can give yourself the permission to make photographs that you wouldn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t be comfortable sharing. Not only that, but it will teach you to make photos for yourself, not to simply please others<\/strong>. I don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t know about you, but I have lots of images that nobody personally cares about or think is good, but have a lot of personal significance to me. But you don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t need to share those photos publicly, you can keep them for yourself.<\/p>\n Another point of frustration that a lot of photographers have is that they have this strange illusion that every photograph they make needs to be \u00e2\u20ac\u0153good\u00e2\u20ac\u009d or somehow \u00e2\u20ac\u0153worthy\u00e2\u20ac\u009d.<\/p>\n I think a lot of this comes from the \u00e2\u20ac\u0153myth of the decisive moment\u00e2\u20ac\u009d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d the idea that all the photographs that Henri Cartier-Bresson shot were just 1 shot, perfectly timed at the right place and time.<\/p>\n But in-fact, if you look at the contact sheets of Henri Cartier-Bresson (his \u00e2\u20ac\u0153behind-the-scenes\u00e2\u20ac\u009d photographs), you see that he often shot 5, 10, even 20 photos of the same scene to get that 1 famous image.<\/p>\n Therefore know that in order to make good images, you have to work the scene by taking multiple photographs<\/strong>. I personally suggest that if you think that you got the shot, you haven\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t got the shot yet. Keep working hard, and don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t \u00e2\u20ac\u0153chimp\u00e2\u20ac\u009d (look at your LCD screen while shooting). This will give you a false sense of security, that you got a good shot. But don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t get distracted by your LCD screen, keep on shooting.<\/p>\n The more you \u00e2\u20ac\u0153work a scene\u00e2\u20ac\u009d by taking more photos is like having more swings as a baseball player at bat. The more opportunities you have to swing, the more likely you are to hit a home run<\/strong>. Similarly in photography: the more photographs you take, the more likely you are to make a great image<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Now you might be skeptical and think to yourself, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Why not just put my camera to continuous and constantly take 100\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s of photographs of everything I see and simply \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcget lucky\u00e2\u20ac\u2122?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n Well, I do think that a lot of making good photographs is luck. But the best definition I got about luck was from the Roman philosopher Seneca who said something like, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Luck is when preparation meets opportunity<\/strong>.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Which means, the more you prepare (go out and shoot, take lots of images, take risks), the more likely you are to meet a good opportunity (an interesting scene or subject matter to capture). So long story short, the more effort you put into shooting, the more \u00e2\u20ac\u02dclucky\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 you will become<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Going back to the idea of perfectionism, give yourself the permission to make shitty photographs<\/strong>. If you want to make great images, you have to take a lot of bad, boring, uninteresting images. But even Henri Cartier-Bresson said, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Sometimes you have to milk the cow a lot to get a little bit of cheese<\/strong>.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n Once you give yourself the permission to make shitty photographs, you know that every photograph you make doesn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t need to be a work of art<\/strong>. Therefore you will find yourself more open and free to opportunity to shoot. Your \u00e2\u20ac\u0153photographer\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s block\u00e2\u20ac\u009d will slowly melt away.<\/p>\n I forgot who said this, but someone once told me: \u00e2\u20ac\u0153In order to make more interesting photographs, first live a more interesting life<\/strong>.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n It is pretty funny, but quite true.<\/p>\n But what if we indeed having a boring life? What if we have all these responsibilities and duties that prevent us from living an interesting life? What if we spend all day commuting to work, dealing with a shitty boss, then having to go home, clean, cook, take care of our families, then go to sleep to repeat the whole cycle?<\/p>\n You don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t need a dramatically readjusted like to live a more interesting life. I think that small injections of randomness, uncertainty, and novelty can be the right cure for \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Photographer\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s block<\/strong>\u00e2\u20ac\u009d.<\/p>\n I think as photographers we have a difficult job: we need to make interesting images from reality in front of us. I think that writers, painters, and other artists have it a bit easier in the sense that they can create whatever they want theoretically in a black box. But as photographers, we need to go out, experience reality, and capture it in a way that is interesting, appealing, and memorable.<\/p>\n Small injections of novelty can help re-inspire and re-motivate you.<\/p>\n So how can we add more novelty or randomness into our days?<\/p>\n If you are like most people (myself included), we live 90% of our lives on autopilot. We always take the same route to work, always have similar foods for lunch, and have our preferences. We like to stick to these norms, and to deviate from them is often stressful, uncertain, and difficult.<\/p>\n So start with small baby steps. Let\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s say you have your camera with you and you drive or commute to work. Leave the house just 15 minutes earlier, and take a different route to work. Perhaps take a slightly longer route, and then when you see something interesting, just get out of your car and make a photograph. And if you are really lazy (like I am), you can just park your car, and shoot looking out of your car window.<\/p>\n If you are a commuter via public transport, perhaps take a different train to work, or a different route to work. You might see other interesting people, and if you have your camera with you (your smartphone works fine too), take photographs.<\/p>\n If you always go to eat at the same place for lunch, once again\u00e2\u20ac\u201d inject randomness and uncertainty. Try a different restaurant or place, chances are that you might see things that you haven\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t seen before, which will interest or excite you.<\/p>\n If you are done with work, you can also try to take a different route back home. Perhaps even go to a different grocery store than where you are used to. Go see a friend that you haven\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t seen for a long time. Go on a date with your partner to somewhere novel and interesting.<\/p>\n If you want to learn more how to live and thrive in uncertainty, with randomness and novelty, I highly recommend reading: \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Antifragile\u00e2\u20ac\u009d by Nassim Taleb (who inspired most of the writing in this section).<\/p>\n Break out of your normal habits, and make slight little tweaks. That can be all you need to break out of your photographer\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s block.<\/p>\n I don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t advocate for \u00e2\u20ac\u0153GAS\u00e2\u20ac\u009d (gear acquisition syndrome<\/a>) but I do believe that switching up the equipment or gear you use in photography can help re-inspire and re-motivate you. Just like how a painter can be re-inspired to paint by picking up crayons, or how a jazz musician re-discovers his love of saxophone by trying out a violin, I think switching up your photography tools can be the inspiration necessary to break out of your photographer\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s block.<\/p>\n Now I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m not saying go out and spend all of your money on a new camera system that is expensive. Try small changes, and approaches.<\/p>\n For example, let\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s say that you shoot film. You\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ve shot color your entire life, and are now bored with it. Try the opposite: try shooting black and white film. The last 3 years I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ve been shooting with Kodak Portra 400, but recently I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ve become a bit bored by it. So now I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m shooting Kodak Tri-X and pushing it to 1600 and having a blast. I feel like a kid again, re-discovering photography for the first time.<\/p>\n Let\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s say you shoot with a big and bulky DSLR, and let\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s say you own an iPhone. Perhaps you can try an assignment that for an entire month, you are only allowed to shoot on your iPhone. You will be amazed with what your smartphone can do, and you might better appreciate the flexibility, compactness, and unobtrusiveness of it.<\/p>\n If you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ve always shot digital, try shooting film. Pick up a cheap old film camera at a garage sale, your mom\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s basement, or on eBay. If you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ve always shot film, try shooting digital.<\/p>\n If you have always shot with a SLR, try a rangefinder. If you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ve always shot with a rangefinder, try a compact camera. If you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ve always shot with a compact camera, try shooting a medium-format TLR camera.<\/p>\n For me personally, I have cycled through a lot of different cameras and systems in my lifetime. I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ve shot with a Canon 350d, a Canon 5D, a Leica M9, a Leica MP, a Ricoh GR1v, a Contax T3, a Hasselblad 501c, my smartphone (Samsung Galaxy Note 4), and even a disposable camera. I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ve shot both film and digital, and experimented with color film, medium-format, black and white film, and different processing methods in digital.<\/p>\n I would say that changing all of this equipment has been expensive, frustrating, and annoying\u00e2\u20ac\u201d but it has ultimately lead me in the direction which makes me happy in my photography. Currently, I know that I prefer shooting film to digital, and that I don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t really like to shoot medium-format. I know that I don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t like big cameras (I prefer rangefinders or compact cameras), and I know I don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t like zoom lenses (I prefer a 35mm focal length). So the more you experiment with different equipment, you will discover what you don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t like to shoot with in photography<\/strong>. This will help you get a better sense of your style and approach, but might also help you get out of your photographer\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s block.<\/p>\n If you have a camera system with tons of different lenses, my suggestion: decide to stick with one lens for an entire month, and lock away all the lenses into a drawer somewhere<\/strong> (out of sight out of mind). This can also help you focus on just sticking with one camera and one lens, and will be less stress when you decide to go out and shoot (you no longer have to decide which camera or lens to bring with you, you have a good default).<\/p>\n I know that when I used to have a lot of different camera systems and lenses, it would be paralysis by analysis<\/strong>. I would spend 15 minutes just deciding what gear to bring with me, and on the days that I brought multiple lenses with me, I would be so stressed to figure out what lens to shoot with that day.<\/p>\n The fewer options we have, the more creative we can be with our photography. And the less \u00e2\u20ac\u0153paralysis by analysis\u00e2\u20ac\u009d we will have, and the less likely we are to be \u00e2\u20ac\u0153blocked\u00e2\u20ac\u009d in our photography<\/strong>.<\/p>\n In the previous section, I wrote about experimenting with different types of equipment, film, or formats. But here is the caveat: be consistent while experimenting<\/strong>.<\/p>\n For example, if you have never shot film before in your life, don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t just try it for a day and switch back to digital. Try to shoot film a full month (with one camera and one lens and film) before trying to shoot a different camera or format.<\/p>\n Often on my blog I write, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Buy books, not gear<\/a>\u00e2\u20ac\u009d \u00e2\u20ac\u201d which I think is apt advice for people who are trying to be re-inspired with their photography (without spending tons of money on equipment and gear).<\/p>\n Personally whenever I am in a creative or artistic rut, there is nothing that inspires me more than looking at great work.<\/p>\n I think that there are tons of great photographers on the internet, but nothing can replicate the experience<\/em> of looking at a photography book. You can hold the images. You can flip pages. You can admire the texture or the binding of the book. You can live and breathe the images. You don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t have to worry about the images \u00e2\u20ac\u0153loading\u00e2\u20ac\u009d. You can appreciate the quality of the paper and how the image is transferred onto the page.<\/p>\n But be careful\u00e2\u20ac\u201d sometimes looking at the work of others can actually be discouraging. In the past, I have seen great photography books and thought to myself, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Man, no matter how hard I try, I will never be as good as this photographer, and never create a body of work as good as he\/she has.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n So think of it this way: when looking at a photography book, see them as a mentor, a guide, and a teacher. Channel their work to help inspire and re-invigorate you to create work that is meaningful to you.<\/p>\n Along the similar lines, going to a photography exhibition, show, and meeting other photographers is another apt way to break out of photographer\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s block. And it doesn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t even have to be photography\u00e2\u20ac\u201d it can be any type of art. It can be painting, sculpture, drawing, jazz, dance, theater, or even the movies.<\/p>\n Going back to the books, if you want a constant stream of inspiration in your photography my practical suggestion is this: purchase a new photography book at least once a month<\/strong>. I know some of us are on limited budgets\u00e2\u20ac\u201d the books don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t have to be expensive. Or if you are on a budget, you can always rent or borrow a book from the library or a friend.<\/p>\n Regardless, spare yourself some extra cash and know that the investment of photography books, education, and travel is always a better bang-for-the-buck return than buying new gear to break out of photographer\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s block.<\/p>\n If you want to invest in some books, you can see a list of my recommended photography books<\/a>.<\/p>\n No man is his own island. We cannot be inspired if we don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t have a community of artists, creatives, and photographers who encourage us, who give us feedback, and help support us.<\/p>\n I often find that when I spend too much time alone, I don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t feel as inspired or motivated with my photography. But when I am participating in a group exhibition (and have a shooting assignment), or know that other people are expecting to see my new photographs, I am always inspired.<\/p>\n Also when meeting other photographers for a meal or a coffee and I hear about their photography and projects, I have a huge rush of energy to go out and start shooting.<\/p>\n Another practical solution to break out of photographer\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s block is to attend a photography workshop or seminar. I felt like I had hit a wall with my photography and wasn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t sure what direction to take my work. I was lucky enough to attend (via scholarship) a Magnum Photos workshop in Provincetown with Constantine Manos and David Alan Harvey. There I met so many other incredible photographers (who I still keep in touch with), and also was able to get guidance from my teachers\/mentors with my photography. I learned to capture more emotion, more soul in people\u00e2\u20ac\u201d and shoot less urban landscapes. Having that sense of direction and purpose really helped rejuvenate me creatively.<\/p>\n You can also attend a \u00e2\u20ac\u0153meet-up\u00e2\u20ac\u009d, where you simply socialize with other photographers or even go on a \u00e2\u20ac\u0153photo walk\u00e2\u20ac\u009d. You never know what kind of interesting people you might meet, and the interesting ideas that they may have. Also when I learn the different philosophies of different photographers I meet, their way of thinking influences and inspires me in a positive way.<\/p>\n If you want another assignment to help you break out of \u00e2\u20ac\u0153photographer\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s block\u00e2\u20ac\u009d, I recommend starting a photography blog.<\/p>\n Treat your blog not like a serious entity, but like a journal or diary<\/strong>.<\/p>\n When I was in Saigon, Vietnam for the first time, I started a series called \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Saigon Diary<\/a>\u00e2\u20ac\u009d \u00e2\u20ac\u201d in which I wrote about my experiences being in Vietnam for the first time, and made it very personal. I wrote text and combined it with images, and I shared my personal journey with others.<\/p>\n Having these series of blog posts, I felt inspired and motivated to continue writing and sharing images from my adventure. Even though the text wasn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t fully polished, nor were the photographs that interesting, I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m glad that I did it. The blog helped give me a reason and impetus to continue shooting, being observant, and documenting my journey.<\/p>\n If you don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t have a photography blog, I recommend starting a Tumblr or a WordPress site. Tumblr is more minimalist and allows for beautiful grouping of images, and WordPress allows more customization and for it to be more \u00e2\u20ac\u0153blog-like\u00e2\u20ac\u009d.<\/p>\n I don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t think you need to post everyday. But I would say try to aim to have at least 1\u00e2\u20ac\u201c3 updates a week. Having this regularity will help keep you inspired.<\/p>\n Not only that, but not all of your posts needs to be public. If you want to treat your photography blog like a private diary, keep the personal posts to \u00e2\u20ac\u0153private\u00e2\u20ac\u009d. This way you can still continue to be motivated with your work, and also keep your photography personal.<\/p>\n I think the most creative and productive people are the ones who don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t only approach one art, hobby, or creative outlet.<\/p>\n For example, I don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t just shoot photography. I also love to read philosophy, cognitive science, sociology, psychology, business books, and self-help books. These books help inspire me to write articles on my blog which I link to photography. And these articles I write also help me to inspire myself to go out and shoot (I need to eat my own cooking, and practice what I preach).<\/p>\n If you don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t find inspiration with your photography or have hit a wall, perhaps you can try out a different type of art. Try to pick up painting, drawing, or water coloring. Pick up a musical instrument. Learn about filmmaking. Try to create a mixed-media piece of art.<\/p>\n Who knows, perhaps you might find out that photography really isn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t your true passion\u00e2\u20ac\u201d it might be something else. But if you find that you are frustrated with other different types of art, it can also re-inspire you to pick up a camera again.<\/p>\n I think in life, you don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t know what you miss until it\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s gone.<\/p>\n Have you ever lost your wallet, and suddenly felt horrible and told yourself that if you got it back, you would be more appreciate of it? Or perhaps losing a laptop, electronic device, smartphone, a prized possession, or even a toy?<\/p>\n I think an exercise you can use to inspire yourself to break out of photographer\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s block is this: Imagine that you will lose your eyesight in a month. If so, what would you photograph?<\/strong><\/p>\n Know that no matter how boring in a place we live, or how \u00e2\u20ac\u0153un-talented\u00e2\u20ac\u009d we are in photography, we are blessed to have our eyesight. We can perceive color, shapes, tones of light, faces, moments, and people.<\/p>\n When I was in college, I tore some ligaments in my knees and ankles, which meant I had to use crutches for about a few months, and couldn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t walk or run on my own. I soon looked at people who were \u00e2\u20ac\u0153able-bodied\u00e2\u20ac\u009d with envy, and told myself that I would never take my legs for granted again. Treat your eyes the same way.<\/p>\n I had a funny experience when I first started shooting film: I shot film for an entire day, had a great time, and soon noticed something weird when my film counter showed 36, 37, 38, 39, 40. I realized that I loaded my film incorrectly, and I didn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t capture any images that entire day.<\/p>\n Part of me was frustrated, because I had seen so many interesting moments that day. But then again, I appreciated experiencing those moments, and I learned that the final result in photography wasn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t always the most important thing.<\/p>\n Regardless, I made the vow that I would never make such a stupid mistake again by loading my film incorrectly, because I never wanted to miss another moment.<\/p>\n So if you have photographer\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s block, try this: shoot an entire day without having any film or memory cards in your camera<\/strong>. You might come across some interesting things, and click your shutter, and feel upset or frustrated that you didn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t actually record it. After an entire day of doing this, you will immediately rush home, stick in some real film or memory cards into your camera, and go out and start shooting.<\/p>\n I think that physical exercise is also another effective way to break out of creative slumps. After I have an intense session deadlifting or squatting at the gym, all of the dopamine, serotonin and adrenaline help pump me up, and I feel all these creative ideas swirling around in my head. I then write down random ideas, notes, or thoughts into my smartphone into Evernote\u00e2\u20ac\u201d which helps fuel other photography-related projects I might pursue. Other artists are really into swimming, running, competitive sports, or even dance to inspire their creative side.<\/p>\n Not only that, but I think the food you put into your body is really crucial as well. I know that whenever I eat really sugary, processed, or carbohydrate-heavy foods, I fall into \u00e2\u20ac\u0153food coma\u00e2\u20ac\u009d, when I am sleepy, inactive, and have brain-fog. I don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t feel inspired to move, let alone photograph.<\/p>\n So listen to your body in terms of what you eat. I have a problem of over-eating, and one practical tip I learned was to use smaller plates. Not only that, but I try to stick to healthy fats, leafy greens, and protein. I avoid sugar and simple carbs like the plague.<\/p>\n The upside of this is that I have a lot more mental clarity, a lot more energy, and a lot more motivation to do creative things (like read, write, and make photographs).<\/p>\n Another option to overcome photographer\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s block is our favorite beverage of choice: coffee (or tea). I have found that whenever I have a low point where I don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t feel any inspiration, there is nothing better than having a huge jolt of caffeine hit my system to be inspired. Caffeine increases serotonin receptors in your brain (the feel-good chemicals), which can help overcome some creative blocks you might have.<\/p>\n Also when I am out shooting and exhausted, a little bit of caffeine goes a long way to re-invigorate my spirit and my shooting. But of course, everything in moderation.<\/p>\n Alcohol is another beverage which helps you relax and \u00e2\u20ac\u0153loosen up\u00e2\u20ac\u009d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d and allows your mind to actually stop being so strung up, and to create novel connections and creative insights.<\/p>\n Now I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m not telling you to go out and get hammered, and suddenly expect to become re-inspired and to overcome your photographer\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s block. But I do suggest meeting up some creative friends or photographers, and having a beer or a drink and sharing ideas. But once again, everything in moderation, and you don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t need<\/em> to drink alcohol (or caffeine) to be re-inspired, just another tip.<\/p>\n Okay, so now you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ve overcome (some or all) of your photographer\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s block. Now what? Do you just keep going out and taking random photographs that have no meaning or substance for you?<\/p>\n Ultimately what you do with your photography is a personal choice. I think first of all, you should aim to just have fun and enjoy yourself. But even more than that\u00e2\u20ac\u201d you should try to make images that fulfill a creative or spiritual side of yourself. You should make images that make you feel proud, happy, or excited to live. You should follow your creative passions and pursuits, and not let life get in the way.<\/p>\n I generally recommend most photographers to think of a project that they are interested or passionate about. A photography project can be about your own life (a \u00e2\u20ac\u0153personal documentary\u00e2\u20ac\u009d series) where you photograph your close ones, your friends, and your everyday life.<\/p>\n Another project you can pursue is a street photography series that is of your own city. Try to document a certain part of town, or even a certain square-block in your city. Aim for depth over breadth. Try to get to know one area really really well, and document the people, the buildings, and the things that you see.<\/p>\n You can also not have a project at all, and just shoot whatever random things that interest you, and then figure out what you want it to mean afterwards in the editing and sequencing phase.<\/p>\n For more information about working on photography projects, you can download my free e-book: \u00e2\u20ac\u0153The Street Photography Project Manual\u00e2\u20ac\u009d.<\/p>\n When you are done working on your project, there are different ways you can publish your work. Here are some ideas:<\/p>\n I hope that this book has helped you come up with some ideas, strategies, and tips to overcome your photographer\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s block.<\/p>\n Just remember that your photography is a life-long journey. The journey is the reward, and life (and photography) is always a work-in-progress.<\/strong><\/p>\n You will always hit bumpy roads in your artistic path, and just realize that having \u00e2\u20ac\u0153photographer\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s block\u00e2\u20ac\u009d is just another roadblock you need to drive around.<\/p>\n If you hit a dead-end in a road, you don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t curse and blame yourself for having driven the wrong way. You simply reverse, and find another path for yourself to arrive at your final destination. You change course.<\/p>\n And also don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t overthink it. Give yourself the permission to make boring or uninteresting images. You don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t need to share every single image you take.<\/p>\n So just go out, shoot, enjoy yourself, and be like a child again\u00e2\u20ac\u201d discovering the joy of photography for the first time.<\/p>\n If you want to re-inspire yourself, here are my favorite educational photography books that I recommend:<\/p>\n You can also see my full list of recommended street photography books here<\/a>.<\/p>\n If you want to be more inspired and break out of any creative rut you might have, I highly recommend these books:<\/p>\n If you want to break out of your creative rut, and push yourself out of your comfort zone, think about attending a photography class or workshop at a local community college, photography school, or any other art center.<\/p>\n If you want to learn how to build more confidence in your photography, you can see my list of upcoming street photography workshops<\/a> near your area.<\/p>\n If you are a more intermediate\/advanced photographer, I recommend attending a Magnum Photos workshop<\/a>, which has helped me achieve new heights in my photography.<\/p>\n If you want to stay updated with free e-books, presets, articles, and motivational resources, join my street photography newsletter<\/a>.<\/p>\n You can also connect with me on these social media networks below:<\/p>\n This book is \u00e2\u20ac\u0153open source<\/a>\u00e2\u20ac\u009d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d meaning you are more than free to do anything you want with it. You can change the text, translate it into a different language, or copy-and-paste passages or ideas to your own blog.<\/p>\n So I recommend sharing it with a friend, or thinking how you can help edit or make this even better by remixing it.<\/p>\n Enjoy! :)<\/p>\n Make sure to check out my other free photography ebooks below:<\/p>\n I am excited to announce that I just finished writing a new book titled: “How to Overcome Photographer’s Block.” If you have ever felt lack of motivation, inspiration, or direction– this is the book \u2026<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":23731,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"advanced_seo_description":"","jetpack_seo_html_title":"","jetpack_seo_noindex":false,"_ek_photo_artist_note":"","_ek_photo_thesis":"","_ek_photo_camera":"","_ek_photo_place":"","_ek_photo_human_moment":"","_ek_photo_sequence":"","_ek_photo_question":"","_ek_photo_canonical_claim":"","_ek_photo_ai_summary":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[17],"tags":[914,1698,41,66,1675],"class_list":["post-23730","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-posts","tag-download","tag-e-book","tag-free","tag-inspiration","tag-motivation"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/BIG-How-to-Overcome-Photographers-Block-Cover.jpg?fit=2000%2C2328&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23730","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=23730"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23730\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/23731"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23730"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=23730"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=23730"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}\n
\n
How to Overcome Photographer\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s Block<\/h1>\n
Introduction<\/h2>\n
Chapter 1: What is \u00e2\u20ac\u0153photographer\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s block\u00e2\u20ac\u009d?<\/h2>\n
Chapter 2: Why Do We Get Photographer\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s Block?<\/h2>\n
Overcoming perfectionism<\/h3>\n
Where does perfectionism come from?<\/h3>\n
Giving yourself the permission to make bad art<\/h3>\n
Paralysis by analysis<\/h3>\n
Chapter 3: How to Overcome Photographer\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s Block<\/h2>\n
Overcoming the ordinary, boring, mundane<\/h3>\n
Assignment #1: Shoot a roll of film everyday (for 30 days straight)<\/h3>\n
Think life-photography integration<\/h3>\n
Focus on the process, not the outcome<\/h3>\n
Assignment #2: Don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t upload your photos for 6 months<\/h3>\n
It is okay to make shitty photographs<\/h3>\n
Inject randomness into your life<\/h3>\n
Switch up your gear<\/h3>\n
Stick with one camera, one lens<\/h3>\n
Buy books<\/h3>\n
Connect with other photographers<\/h3>\n
Assignment #3: Start a photography blog<\/h3>\n
Try picking up a different art<\/h3>\n
Imagine yourself losing sight<\/h3>\n
Assignment #4: Shoot an entire day without film or a memory card<\/h3>\n
Be physically healthy<\/h3>\n
Chapter 4: Goals After You Overcome Photographer\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s Block<\/h2>\n
Working on a photography project<\/h3>\n
Publishing your work<\/h3>\n
\n
Conclusion<\/h2>\n
Recommended photography books<\/h2>\n
\n
Recommended books on creativity<\/h2>\n
\n
Recommended educational courses<\/h2>\n
Let\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s connect<\/h2>\n
\n
Open-source<\/h2>\n
Other free photography e-books<\/h2>\n
\n