My Photography Demons...

I know I just talked about my new camera in my last post, and how I've been going out and taking pictures. But what I didn't say is taking photographs in and around Seattle is not easy for me. In fact, it's a major challenge. So I thought I'd share why this is with you.

When I travel, my camera is a constant companion. I have no problem toting it and its gear. I love taking snapshots of locals in their element and photographs of daily life. My eyes are alert -- my "photo-vision" is at work. However, when I board the plane/car/boat to come home, much of the photo-vision is packed away until the next trip. It's a combination of reasons, but here are what I consider my Big Two Photography Demons.

First, when it comes to Seattle, I've "been there, photographed that". The city and the subjects within aren't new and fresh to me. They are part of my daily life, so they aren't on my radar anymore. A prime example- right after I got my D300s, I made myself go outside to take pics. I wasn't very creative, so I ended up at Gasworks. Gasworks is one of my favorite parks in Seatown. But the thing is that it's really difficult for me to take pictures there. The reason being that I feel like I've photographed it all before. Now, I know that isn't true, but the "photographer's block" I experience is...

My second demon is my comfort level of shoot daily life pics drastically decreases when the people involved live in my neighborhood. Don't ask me why -- I am just more comfortable shooting strangers outside my zip code. Case in point: Earlier this past week I decided to enjoy the afternoon by taking a walk around Maple Leaf (my neighborhood). Once again, I was deliberate in bringing along the Nikon. As I'm strolling through the residential streets, I see a house prepped for painting. The painters are out front, sitting and enjoying a smoke break. I liked the idea of the image -- people working outside, making a living. Now if I was anywhere else, I would have clicked away. But instead, I felt uneasy, almost as if I wasn't allowed to take the picture. So instead of capturing the image on "film", the only snapshot I have is in my head.

So what does this all mean? Well, much of my time during my sabbatical has been introspective. Not only when it comes to what I want to do next workwise, but also taking the time to learn new things. Specifically to photography, I'm trying to find ways to improve and increase my skills. By recognizing and fighting the two demons above, it forces me to look at my everyday life and surroundings and embrace them new ways. And in doing so, hopefully it will expand my personal shooting styles and boost my comfort levels.

I did find a couple suggestions (here and here) to help me in my battle against boredom. I look forward to using them in the next few weeks. The first idea is to have a theme in mind. For example, shooting pictures of things that are red. Or pics of VW Bugs. Or sneakers. You get the point. Another idea is to shoot the Alphabet. Apples, Boats, "Comfort" are all fair game. So, will these tips work? I don't know. But it can't hurt to try, right? As for those of you out there that are photographers, do you have any suggestions? Do you ever experience this "photographer's block"?