Gunzorro
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 p.4 #19 · Getting Unstuck - How do you re-motivate yourself? | |
Carsten -- I'm not in favor of gimmicks or tricks to get out of a slump. To get out of a slump, you have to shift gears, but it doesn't need to be extreme.
Just getting out and into motion will often result in good images. Sometimes the initial movement resembles floundering, but eventually interest is piqued and new ways of approaching thing develop.
Personally, I wouldn't take a season off, except for extremely bad weather periods. I know you have much more dismal winters in Germany than I do here in California, but still, you should get out and about. Take a tough camera and lens. Often in poor weather, I'll trip around with just a body and zoom lens (or a small 50mm macro) under my waterproof parka -- no other photo gear. Your D3 should be pretty weather sealed for slightly damp conditions, or cold.
Having a backlog, is by its very nature an impediment to forward motion. One has to find a rhythm that keep is the process in balance. For me personally, every 1/2 hour of shooting results in at least an hour (sometimes more) of review and/or PP.
Enthusiasm is the result of excitement for future results. That rests in part on past positive results. Having a blockade of unhandled older work is exactly the opposite. There are only two ways to avoid backlog: increase your production and time commitment to a higher level, or reduce the activity specifically creating the backlog.
Going far afield for "projects" is eventually a dead end -- you run out of sites, unless you go even further afield for new inspirations. I fall into this trap -- eventually I don't want to leave the house! 
I love new gear! Each new piece provides new combinations and opportunities to learn and improve the image quality. I love multiple formats -- the Oly M4/3 and Canon G10 are fun and primal. Even film is an interesting option with lenses shared with DSLRs and M4/3 platforms.
I try to photograph something every day, or at least five days a week, staying current on gear and thinking up new tests or comparisons. I keep my gear list handy and review it regularly to find piece of gear that would be interesting to use or have been neglected. In this way, I have an informal schedule of projects always at hand.
In trying to shoot every day, it may only be in my backyard as readers can easily recall! I'm not trying to make great art, just trying for good lighting, subject separation, color, etc., so that when an assignment or personal jaunt comes along, I'm on top of my game and gear.
Personally, I'm the opposite with film. I've recently gotten involved with it again, and find it to be terribly irritating -- mostly due to the built-in backlog and delays. I do best when I shoot and immediately review the shots, thinking of new things to try. Hence, the backyard and digital are my two best friends. Film will always be a passing acquaintance for me, and definitely nothing I will ever use again for assignment (unless specifically requested, and there better be some serious money behind it for the trouble!  ). Film shooting destroys my rhythm, so I do it only occasionally.
One last demon: Sometimes a person can set unrealistically high goals for themselves that sap the pleasure out of the activity. When criteria becomes too rarefied, there is little chance for a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. This doesn't mean abandoning standards is the answer, but occasional "slumming" can be very beneficial -- just go out without a plan and take pictures.
Every photographer needs to find their own way to keep in the game, just as a writer needs to learn to consistently write.
Anyway, that's how I avoid slumps for the most part. Hope that helps get you thinking of ways you can deal with your scene. Looking forward to more of your great work.
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