When Hard Times Come Staying Motivated

When Hard Times Come Staying Motivated
Thoughts on making the most of your photography without a travel budget:

I am by no means an expert at this.  These are actually things that I’m thinking about and working to put them into practice myself.  I’m not just writing because I say so.  I’d also like your suggestions for sharing in the community.

This stemmed from a post by Fred Scott Jr.  about shooting closer to home.  Both Fred and I come from more rural communities in the Midwest of America.  It sometimes can seem dull and boring around these parts, especially when you’re seeing pictures taken of faraway places like Venice and Rome.  To be honest, it’s kind of hard to see photos of such amazing places, become jealous, and get into a funk.  Don’t get me wrong, I love the beautiful pictures you all are posting and encourage you to keep it up.  It’s just a personal struggle.

So here’s some thoughts and suggestions to help you and keep you going.

Your everyday is somebody else's escape The most exciting places in the world can become mundane and everyday once you start living there.  I’ve never seen the Eiffel Tower in real life and I think it’s pretty amazing and special.  But I bet there are Parisians who pass by it every day and think it’s old hat.  I guarantee there are buildings and places you pass by every day that somebody else in another city, state, or country might think is special, unique, and amazing.

Keep your ear to the ground.  Read your local newspaper, sign up for weekly “happenings” newsletters, stay in touch with your local visitor’s center.  You’d be surprised at how much can go on in a small town.  Car shows, local music events, trade shows, county fairs, parades, and sporting events, etc… can provide great opportunities for photos that can only be had at your community.
Develop relationships with local small businesses.  If you’re selling your photography, you are a small business.  In general, small business maintain a tight network that has a common focus; to support, develop, and help each other grow.  Strong communities have strong local economies.  Keeping in contact with the business community will help keep you informed of local happenings, but it will also give you an avenue to do some self promotion and maybe to do some promotional work to help grow their own business.  Business like a local florist can provide great flower specimens and coffee shops can provide a great atmosphere.   Additionally, many local coffee shops and restaurants host work from local artists.

Get out of your comfort zone.  My favorite thing to photograph is architecture.  I’m still a little shy about photographing people I don’t know.  I’m working on getting bolder about taking shots of people.  Getting out of your comfort zone will provide you broaden your scope and help you see things differently.

Take a walk around leave your camera behind.  Walk around your neighborhood but leave your camera behind.  Think about what you would photograph and how you would photograph it.  Sometimes leaving your camera behind will free you from frustration and allow you to open your mind and think about the possibilities.  You’ll begin to ask yourself, “what would I photograph if I had my camera?”

This is a subject I’m passionate about and would like to share more if you would like.  But definitely leave your own suggestions in the comments.  I want to know what keeps you motivated.