Finding New Things To Photograph

I write a lot about photography here, which is a little like dancing about architecture.

I’ve kind of lost my way with photography subjects.
I’m too busy to do some of the things I used to do, like wander the streets aimlessly during festivals and just go hang out in Galveston on a cloudy day.  I still go to the Houston Zoo, but not as often as I used to.  Besides, let’s face it, after three years of going every month, even that diverse, active, ever-changing subject can get a little boring to shoot.  I mean, it starts to feel like you’ve made every possible shot of every possible animal.  And, frankly, if I don’t feel passion for a subject, it’s hard to make myself sit and edit photos.  Because, if I’m being honest, my photos need a LOT of editing!
In fact, the most passion I’ve felt for taking photos has been taking photos for my wife’s business, The Organizing Decorator.  I mean, it’s something I believe in, because I believe in her.  It’s a kind of shoot that I wouldn’t normally seek out for myself, but since it’s serving her needs, it makes me feel good to do it.
But, I need to branch out a bit more.
So, what to do?
Well, since I have an enormous backlog of photography blog reading, I just pulled up one of my old favorites and checked to see what he had to say.  The post was aptly titled, Trying To Find Something To Photograph, and by Scott Bourne.  I’ll let you read that for yourself, but, the essence of it is to find something that I’m passionate about.  Or that I associate with a strong feeling of some kind.
That’s good advice.  Art, according to my artist friend, Mark Flood, art is about making an emotional connection.  Now, I struggle with the idea that I’m an artist of any kind, since I feel like most of my photography is pretty work-a-day and, at best, craftsman-like, but, in my best work I strive for an emotional connection with the viewer.  My intent, when I’m conscious of it, is to stir the emotions of the people who view my art.  I think I mostly achieve that, but, I get rusty.
So, as Scott suggests, I need to ask myself, what do I believe in?  What photographic subjects move me?  What am I an expert at doing or showing?  How can I help someone with my photography?  And, most importantly, how can I push myself out of my own comfort zone with my photography and find some new ground to conquer?

I know how I’ve helped my wife, and being of service even in that small way feels good, but I don’t know yet how to answer those other questions.
How would you?

 

One Response

  1. […] I’ve kind of lost my way with photography subjects. I’m too busy to do some of the things I used to do, like wander the streets aimlessly during festivals and just go hang out in Galveston on a cloudy day.  I still go to the Houston Zoo, but not as often as I used to.  Besides, let’s face it, after three years of going every month, even… Read More […]

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