Road Runner has opened up its blog post to our guests and followers! Our first guest blogger is Walter Stinnett. His blog will likely resonate with many of us, as we have all felt uninspired. Check out how he overcame!
Take on a Project
This past year I didn’t get out a lot to take photos. I just wasn’t motivated. I was more concerned with sitting on my backside and relaxing. I wanted to do photography, but most of the time, resting took precedence over getting out.
Maybe you are in the same boat. You love photography, but you don’t have the getup and go to make it out and explore and be creative. What are some ways that can help us to get out and explore and enjoy nature and take the opportunity to photograph its wonders?
Several ways can help you to be motivated. One way is to join a photography club. Many clubs have field events where you can join up with other like-minded persons. Sharing these photography experiences can be very helpful.
Another way, which is similar to a photography club, is to find a friend that has the same interests. Doing photography together can be motivational. I met a friend earlier in the year who has been very helpful in that way.
The third way that you can be motivated and the one I want to spend the most time on is assigning yourself a project. Last December, I decided to give myself the assignment of visiting as many waterfalls in Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania. I started the project on January 1 by visiting Kilgore Falls in Harford County, MD, and since then, I have visited five other falls. How has this motivated me? Well, it is like collecting things. When you have a collection, you want to have as many of the things you are collecting as you can. And as a result, I have been rewarded with seeing some beautiful waterfalls, as evidenced by the photos in this post.
Now, I haven’t concentrated on trying to get the portfolio shot, the winner. Of course, I am going to try to get the best and most artistic shot, and I hope to come away with some portfolio worthy photography. But it doesn’t have to be. The goal is to get out. 99% of the battle is to get off the couch and out of the house and go exploring, if for the only purpose of mental and physical health. How many of you know that you feel a whole lot better by getting out in nature instead of sitting in front of the TV or computer?
So, if you need to be motivated, take the time and think of a subject that you enjoy shooting and assign that to yourself. Maybe it will be waterfalls. Perhaps it is photographing your children to create a record of their growth, or visiting different cities to have a collection of cityscapes. Whatever it is, make a proactive goal of collecting as many of those types of photos as you can. If so, your life will be rewarded.
Gear and settings used:
Nikon D7100
Kilgore Falls.jpg: 14mm, ISO 100, 1.0 sec., f16, Harford Co. MD
Mill Creek Falls.jpg: 10mm, ISO 100, 1.0 sec., f11, York Co. PA
Doyle River Falls.jpg: 11mm, ISO 100, 1/3 sec., f11, Shenandoah National Park, VA
If you would like to be a Guest Blogger, send us a note! Click Here
