We all know that we should always expect the unexpected when it comes to life.
Family emergencies, job callings, and the simple toll of everyday life can force even the most passionate photographers to place their camera away for an extended period.
But, sooner or later, the itch of snapping that perfect picture will return.
In this guide, we’ll talk about ten tips that will help you ease your way back into photography once you decide to end your sabbatical.
1. Know Your Why
Before diving back into photography, take a step back and reflect on why you left photography, and why you would like to get back into it.
Start from the beginning: what made you fall in love with photography and why you seem to have lost that drive.
If that drive came from the money involved, that is absolutely fine. After all, everyone likes extra cash. However, it is essential to realize that veteran photographers are often not doing it for the money. They are doing it out of genuine interest and love for the art.
Be sure to realize and access what gave you the thrill of snapping that perfect picture.
Knowing the “why” behind your comeback can make or break your vision and motives heading back into photography.
When roadblocks and trouble come your way, this knowledge will be the one key point that will keep you going despite the hardship.
2. Schedule Time
The first step into getting back in the groove of photography is to set aside time for it. Although life can get in the way, you’ll want to prioritize and allocate some time for your craft.
Photography, especially the editing, can be long and daunting. Plan and give yourself enough time and space to ensure that you are not in a rush.
Just like finding the perfect angle for that photograph, you need to establish a game plan that includes proper time management, mental space, and self-commitment to furnish the proper results.
Ease your way back into photography by starting with a well-thought-out schedule that balances your time for photography with your personal life.
3. Honor Self-Commitment
When you think about it, keeping yourself motivated and committed to a task is often much harder when it is done alone.
For example, if your boss tells you to be in the building at eight, there is an extremely high chance that you will be in the building as instructed.
However, if you mentally tell yourself to be in the building at eight without anyone holding you accountable, you will most likely find yourself victim to multiple alarm snoozes and loafing around in the morning.
Build momentum by honoring self-commitment. Set goals for yourself and stick to them!
Make sure your goals are realistic and not over-ambitious. Start small; set aside an hour a week to shoot and work your way up.
Above all else, finish what you start – not doing so is one of the quickest ways to destroy self-confidence and abandon your motivation.
Research suggests that the mind releases a chemical called dopamine when you complete a goal. Not only does this increase your self-confidence, but dopamine also gives you a positive momentum boost.
Suddenly, that next goal doesn’t seem so big.
Results should be celebrated – both large and small. Even the most modest accomplishments can do wonders in increasing your momentum and giving yourself the encouragement to tackle the next task at hand.
We all know that fantastic feeling that comes when you can count on your skills and discipline.
Do yourself a favor and get that photography portfolio ready by smashing your goals, today!
4. Join a Club or Find a Buddy
Although self-confidence and drive are essential, it is human nature to fall victim to roadblocks.
Some of the most common roadblocks that come with rehashing an old hobby are lack of motivation and doubt. An easy solution to both of these roadblocks is to find a friend that is also passionate about photography.
Engaging in an activity with a friend of similar interests can have multiple benefits.
Not only does having a friend motivate you to stay on task, but it also forces you to bring your A-game to the table, one-hundred percent of the time.
Good luck canceling on your friend without any backlash!
5. Take a Class
Spend time with a group of people and consider joining a club or program that will help get you back into the swing of things.
These people can provide inspiration, encouragement, support, and even competition. Joining a club is a great way to connect and network as well.
Take a class to learn new skills and refresh yourself on the fundamentals of photography. When you take a class, you are more likely to continue learning and growing as an individual.
Furthermore, this is a great time to meet new talent, learn about new concepts, and explore other options within the field.
Working alongside professionals and mentors can help you break boundaries and master the skills needed to propel you to the next level of photography.
Also, having a group of like-minded individuals is a great way to receive feedback, constructive criticism, and a sense of validation.
Research shows that a heightened sense of validation is a great way to boost self-esteem and help us remind ourselves of who we are.
Spark your passion back to life by surrounding yourself with fellow photographers who remind you why you fell in love with this art form in the first place.
6. Volunteer or Teach
Consider volunteering or teaching budding photographers.
You can do this through local charities, schools, non-profits, or even just with a friend.
Not only does sharing your knowledge help reinforce what you have already learned, but it is also a great way to grow and expand your knowledge within the field.
You will come to realize that you continue to learn when you share your knowledge with others.
Not only will teaching help you re-master and dial in the fundamentals of photography, but it is also a great way to experiment and expand on what you already know.
Teaching is a great way to try out fun and innovative ideas.
Students are oftentimes more open to new ideas and are usually accepting of new experimentations. They are also more willing to ask questions.
Nothing sparks my motivation like a beginner photographer coming up with unique ideas that I can utilize as well. On top of that, you also get a heightened sense of fulfillment that comes hand and hand with helping and motivating others.
Every day brings new challenges and ideas to the table. If you find yourself getting tired or bored of being the student, reverse the roles!
As with all jobs, consider the pay, cost, and scheduling availability at all times. Take care not to spread yourself too thin.
Mental and emotional health is crucial to reigniting an old hobby after a long break.
Do not end up burning yourself out by teaching others if you are not ready. Help yourself first before you extend your hand to help those around you.
7. Study Bodies of Work
The best photographers tend to have the most create journeys. With journey and studies come knowledge and wisdom.
Remember, hard work beats talent if talent doesn’t work hard enough. Incorporate and study other bodies of work around you.
Take the time to dive into photography books and actually study the craft for what it is. Deepen your knowledge of the field by understanding what made other famous photographers so unique and successful.
Understand the deeper context behind each piece. Remember that no photograph was ever made in vacuity. Thus, studying the history behind the different pictures is also a great way to deepen your knowledge of photography.
This is also a great time to hone your fundamental skills, especially if you have stepped away from the scene for quite some time. Allow learning to inspire and help you ease your way back into photography.
8. New Inspiration
Look to find new inspiration and ideas from other sources and mediums unrelated to photography.
This could be through magazines, books, movies, or music surrounding your everyday life.
These mediums are excellent sources of inspiration that can paint an innovative landscape for a photographer. They can provide you with a variety of textures and color palette you can translate into your work.
As a photographer, you’ll always want to hone your creativity. And looking at other creative works of art can be a great way to expand your imagination and artistry.
9. Take a Vacation with Your Camera
If possible, take a vacation with your camera.
Taking your camera on vacation is not only a great way to get some new photos in your portfolio, but also provide you with the inspiration you need after your photographic sabbatical.
Wandering through a new area or environment can be a great way to refresh your love for photography.
If you live in the city, try escaping to the countryside for a weekend. For those living within the countryside, take a well-deserved break into the city for a weekend full of lights, entertainment, and fun!
Make sure that you are genuinely interested in the environment and not merely snapping the perfect photo. The best images come from the most genuine places within the mind.
When you take your camera with you, always remember to bring extra equipment and the proper utilities.
Nothing spoils a road trip quicker than checking your bag and realizing you forgot about your camera battery.
10. Set Realistic Goals
Remember to set realistic goals.
Nothing will destroy your motivation and momentum in getting back into photography quicker than breaking your goals and resolutions. And oftentimes, this happens because we set unrealistic goals.
If you ever feel the creeping sensation of burnout or a lack of motivation, take a step back and reassess.
Write your goals down. Writing is a great tool to help design your life in a way that is congruent with your goals.
Whether that is to become a better photographer or a better friend, writing your thoughts down can help ensure that you stay focused on what’s important.
It will help you see clearly what activities in your life need to be removed and which ones should stay.
Getting back into photography can be daunting. So take the time to analyze and create an actionable plan to accomplish your goals.
Each night, write down what you did to accomplish your plans and a list of what you intend to do tomorrow.
Finally, try to write down and acknowledge your accomplishments each day. A little self gratitude can come a long way in building momentum.
