You love photography. You know, you used to do that. But somewhere along the way you stopped doing it. Pressure. Doubt. Other priorities. And now itches again. Only: where do you start? In this article, I will help you on your way. With practical tips, recognisable examples and above all: enthusiasm. So that you enjoy picking up your camera again.
Why you ever started
Maybe you recognise it: you once walked through the city full of wonder. Your camera in hand. Everything seemed worth capturing. A ray of sunshine. A smile. A shadow on the wall. Photography was a way of looking. To slow down. Maybe even to get to know yourself better.
And then... life happens. Work. Family. Other hobbies. Before you know it, your camera is gathering dust on a shelf. No time, no inspiration, no desire.
But hey: that doesn't mean you've lost it. You still have it inside you. It just needs to be kissed awake.
Start small
If you want to start photographing again, it doesn't have to be big. Really no. No complicated, new equipment or distant travels. Start small.
Take a walk. Take your camera with you. Or just your phone. Look around you. What strikes you? What touches you? What do you see that you didn't see before?
Set yourself one simple assignment. For example: today I am only photographing in black and white. Or: I only capture shadows. Photograph only the colour yellow. Limitations make creative.
Give yourself time
Don't expect everything to work right away. Or that you'll take that wow photo right away. It doesn't have to be perfect. Give yourself room to play, to try, to search. Every photo is one. Every time you look like a photographer, you take a step.
It's not about making something beautiful right away. It's about having fun again. That you do it again does.
Find support
Sometimes you need a push. Someone to look with you. Who helps you remember why you liked this so much. To give you just that little push, towards the right path.
That's exactly why I want to keep my sparring and mentoring offer. No endless theory, but practical guidance. Focused on where you are. And where you want to go.
Together, we'll get you moving again. In a way that suits you.
Make it part of your day
Photography doesn't have to be a stand-alone moment. Not a separate activity you have to make special time for. It can become part of your day.
On the way to work. While walking the dog. In your own street. Look as if for the first time. That is the basis of good photography.
Have your camera or phone within easy reach. So you can react to what you see. Spontaneously. Without pressure.
Don't be too hard on yourself
You don't have to perform. You don't have to prove anything. You just get to explore again. Playing. Trying out.
We are often our biggest critic. Especially when we have stopped for a while. Then we think, "I've lost it." Or: "Everyone else is better than me."
That's not true. You are you. And your gaze is valuable. Give yourself the space to practice that gaze again. Without judgement.
Rediscover your enthusiasm
What ever got you excited? What made your heart beat faster? Maybe it was playing with light. Or capturing people. Or just abstract details.
Go back to that feeling. Scroll through your old photos. See which series or images touch you. And ask yourself: what do I like about this? What does this say about me?
This is how you find your direction again. Not by copying what others do, but by being true to what you see.
You don't have to do it alone
Maybe you feel a little insecure. Or you think: there are already so many photographers. What do I add?
Trust me: there is room for your view. For your story. And sometimes it's nice to have someone say that to you for a moment.
Want help? Looking for direction? Or do you just need a conversation about your photography? I'd be happy to help. Take a look at my mentoring schemes. Together, we bring your photography back to life.
Ready to start photography again?
You don't need to make plans for the next 10 years. Start with today. With looking. With one picture. And then one more.
Photography is not just something you do. It is something you are. And you still are.
So grab your camera. Go outside. And start. You never know what you'll see.
Want guidance or inspiration? Check out my offer for sparring and photography mentoring. I'm happy to help you on your way.