Thai monks

Some call it resistance, some call it writers (photographers?) block, some call it a lack of inspiration. Whatever it is, being stuck in a rut can be a very frustrating thing for a creative.

It strikes most of us at some time. No matter what we do, we just can’t find the creative spark, and in trying to, in chasing after it, it just becomes all the more elusive. Just as different creatives are affected by it in different ways, there are different methods one can take to try to overcome it.

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The simplest is probably to do nothing. Don’t fight it, don’t chase after the spark. Just stop. Put the camera down and take a few days away from photography. Maybe go on a vacation somewhere and leave all your camera gear at home.

A change of scenery in general is good for the soul and in keeping with that, a change of location or genre can be good for your creativity. Shoot somewhere different. If you’ve got the time and means, jump in the car and head out on a short road trip. Alternatively, shoot in a completely different genre. If you usually focus on landscapes, get on Model Mayhem, arrange a TFP shoot and book a studio for a couple of hours.

Changing gear is another possibility. Put away the DSLR and pick up the iPhone. Swap your 50MP medium format back for a homemade pinhole. Learn to see and shoot in different ways with different equipment.

How about stepping out of the photography field altogether for a while? Get yourself a sketchbook and a pencil, a guitar, or some knitting needles and yarn. Try your hand at something creative that you’ve never done before.

Head to a museum or art gallery. (For some readers in Taiwan, check out the David LaChappelle exhibition that’s running at MOCA in Taipei). Take some inspiration from other artists, cultures and craftsmen.

These are just a few possible suggestions for ways to get past your creative blockages. Got any others you want to share? Drop me a note in the comments.

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