Burnout, stress, and finding the joy in art again
p.1 #1Burnout, stress, and finding the joy in art again
I was previously a growing photographer, prolifically photographing my travels while in the US Navy.
In 2019 I sustained a back injury that resulted in me almost being kicked out in 2020, except that my son was diagnosed with cancer which put me in a protected program while we put him through treatment. We also got a positive diagnosis for Severe (level 3) autism, which the chemo didn't help.
During that time I gradually lost my... drive? Motivation? Muse? I'm not sure but my photography started dropping off. He range the bell and I retired in 2023, and I tried to pick it back up and failed. I managed to in 2025 on the first vacation I took since his diagnosis, and realized that I'm burnt out, exhausted, etc. But the joy that trip brought me was an eye opener. I used to be outdoors all the time, photographing, loving life. Now... every day is stress filled with his therapy, hospital visits, behavioral and developmental issues, etc. I'm retired but spend over 40 hours a week just doing the things needed to take care of his needs, to the point that making sure my daughter gets her time is becoming a struggle, much less with my wife.
My wife is 100% behind me getting back outside and taking photography back up, and had me go buy a new kit I loved while we were in Japan visiting family. I dove right back in there and loved it, while we had family support to take care of our son.
But when we came back, it felt like all that weight and stress returned. Now I'm again struggling with burnout and how to find that joy.
I don't know that anyone would have any advice I haven't heard, or if I just wanted to vent. But I'm open to ideas, motivations, etc.!
In 2019 I sustained a back injury that resulted in me almost being kicked out in 2020, except that my son was diagnosed with cancer which put me in a protected program while we put him through treatment. We also got a positive diagnosis for Severe (level 3) autism, which the chemo didn't help.
During that time I gradually lost my... drive? Motivation? Muse? I'm not sure but my photography started dropping off. He range the bell and I retired in 2023, and I tried to pick it back up and failed. I managed to in 2025 on the first vacation I took since his diagnosis, and realized that I'm burnt out, exhausted, etc. But the joy that trip brought me was an eye opener. I used to be outdoors all the time, photographing, loving life. Now... every day is stress filled with his therapy, hospital visits, behavioral and developmental issues, etc. I'm retired but spend over 40 hours a week just doing the things needed to take care of his needs, to the point that making sure my daughter gets her time is becoming a struggle, much less with my wife.
My wife is 100% behind me getting back outside and taking photography back up, and had me go buy a new kit I loved while we were in Japan visiting family. I dove right back in there and loved it, while we had family support to take care of our son.
But when we came back, it felt like all that weight and stress returned. Now I'm again struggling with burnout and how to find that joy.
I don't know that anyone would have any advice I haven't heard, or if I just wanted to vent. But I'm open to ideas, motivations, etc.!
Sep 09, 2026 at 10:54 AM
p.1 #2Burnout, stress, and finding the joy in art again
You're on a tough road at the moment. I know a little bit about caretaking and you do need to find a way to get some time to yourself.
My initial reaction was that you should use photography to document what you're family is going through right now. I realize that it's not giving you a break, but maybe using your camera to tell your story might distance yourself just a bit.
My other thought is to give yourself an assignment. Start a picture-a-day project, or photograph vertical lines one day, or pick a color and photograph that. None of this has to be become one more burden, or something you *have* to do, but it gives you a reason to get out of the house.
Try walking around in your backyard and challenge yourself to come up with the best compositions you can find. Just step outside and start, don't wait until you feel better. Tell yourself, "I'm going to take one photo," and see what happens.
A few thoughts, hope some of it might be helpful.
My initial reaction was that you should use photography to document what you're family is going through right now. I realize that it's not giving you a break, but maybe using your camera to tell your story might distance yourself just a bit.
My other thought is to give yourself an assignment. Start a picture-a-day project, or photograph vertical lines one day, or pick a color and photograph that. None of this has to be become one more burden, or something you *have* to do, but it gives you a reason to get out of the house.
Try walking around in your backyard and challenge yourself to come up with the best compositions you can find. Just step outside and start, don't wait until you feel better. Tell yourself, "I'm going to take one photo," and see what happens.
A few thoughts, hope some of it might be helpful.
Sep 09, 2026 at 11:56 AM
p.1 #3Burnout, stress, and finding the joy in art again
kbrede wrote:
You're on a tough road at the moment. I know a little bit about caretaking and you do need to find a way to get some time to yourself.
My initial reaction was that you should use photography to document what you're family is going through right now. I realize that it's not giving you a break, but maybe using your camera to tell your story might distance yourself just a bit.
My other thought is to give yourself an assignment. Start a picture-a-day project, or photograph vertical lines one day, or pick a color and photograph that. None of this has...Show more →
I've actually considered the assignment, and documentary.
I tried the documentary during his chemo, and we managed it for a year before it became too much for us. We still have that somewhere, but have a hard time revisiting that time.
For the assignment, I was doing a daily while in Japan and made it work, and I carry my OM-3 + 20mm with me everywhere. But I'm just so mentally exhausted most days. Maybe I need to work through that.
I appreciate the input. Your suggestions reinforce that those might be the best way.
You're on a tough road at the moment. I know a little bit about caretaking and you do need to find a way to get some time to yourself.
My initial reaction was that you should use photography to document what you're family is going through right now. I realize that it's not giving you a break, but maybe using your camera to tell your story might distance yourself just a bit.
My other thought is to give yourself an assignment. Start a picture-a-day project, or photograph vertical lines one day, or pick a color and photograph that. None of this has...Show more →
I've actually considered the assignment, and documentary.
I tried the documentary during his chemo, and we managed it for a year before it became too much for us. We still have that somewhere, but have a hard time revisiting that time.
For the assignment, I was doing a daily while in Japan and made it work, and I carry my OM-3 + 20mm with me everywhere. But I'm just so mentally exhausted most days. Maybe I need to work through that.
I appreciate the input. Your suggestions reinforce that those might be the best way.
Sep 09, 2026 at 12:02 PM
p.1 #4Burnout, stress, and finding the joy in art again
It's really hard to know what to do. I went through a couple hard years of managing my parent's care. Nothing like you're going through, but I remember more than anything, just wanting to sleep.
Another idea, maybe a short walk in your neighborhood, and take your camera with you. The walk gets you outside, it's good for you, and if you find a few things to photograph that might get your mind off of things for a bit.
Another idea, maybe a short walk in your neighborhood, and take your camera with you. The walk gets you outside, it's good for you, and if you find a few things to photograph that might get your mind off of things for a bit.
Sep 09, 2026 at 12:19 PM
p.1 #5Burnout, stress, and finding the joy in art again
kbrede wrote:
It's really hard to know what to do. I went through a couple hard years of managing my parent's care. Nothing like you're going through, but I remember more than anything, just wanting to sleep.
Another idea, maybe a short walk in your neighborhood, and take your camera with you. The walk gets you outside, it's good for you, and if you find a few things to photograph that might get your mind off of things for a bit.
Did the walk today, with the wife and dog. Didn't bring the camera today, as I was too stressed. Maybe tomorrow...?
It's really hard to know what to do. I went through a couple hard years of managing my parent's care. Nothing like you're going through, but I remember more than anything, just wanting to sleep.
Another idea, maybe a short walk in your neighborhood, and take your camera with you. The walk gets you outside, it's good for you, and if you find a few things to photograph that might get your mind off of things for a bit.
Did the walk today, with the wife and dog. Didn't bring the camera today, as I was too stressed. Maybe tomorrow...?
Sep 09, 2026 at 12:21 PM
p.1 #6Burnout, stress, and finding the joy in art again
Whatever you do, don't make *not* taking the camera another stress point. Maybe being with your wife and dog are enough for now.
Sep 09, 2026 at 12:26 PM
p.1 #7Burnout, stress, and finding the joy in art again
There are plenty of reasons not to do photography, so don't feel like you need to do it. Figure out where that is coming from and deal with it first. There are many activities that come and go during a lifetime. If there is something else better for now then do that! Perhaps a few years from now you will regain interest, but forcing anything is a bad idea unless it is absolutely necessary.
It took me until about 40 to fully realize that I don't like most photography and will never be good those due to unpleasantness. I refused to ever shoot for money again and only concentrate on a few things like species and lansdscapes. Sometimes I capture images 3-5 weeks per year, othertimes fewer.
EBH
It took me until about 40 to fully realize that I don't like most photography and will never be good those due to unpleasantness. I refused to ever shoot for money again and only concentrate on a few things like species and lansdscapes. Sometimes I capture images 3-5 weeks per year, othertimes fewer.
EBH
Sep 09, 2026 at 12:57 PM
p.1 #8Burnout, stress, and finding the joy in art again
EB-1 wrote:
There are plenty of reasons not to do photography, so don't feel like you need to do it. Figure out where that is coming from and deal with it first. There are many activities that come and go during a lifetime. If there is something else better for now then do that! Perhaps a few years from now you will regain interest, but forcing anything is a bad idea unless it is absolutely necessary.
It took me until about 40 to fully realize that I don't like most photography and will never be good those due to unpleasantness. I refused...Show more →
I actually love photography, but at the same time I empathize with you. Once upon a time I did retirement ceremonies as a paid thing and realized I utterly hated that. So I swore never to do event photography of any type ever again, paid or unpaid.
I know what type of photography I enjoy, and to restrict myself to that. It's excellent advice, for sure. I have concepts of things I want to capture right now; it's getting my emotions and mind in order to do them that I'm currently struggling with.
I appreciate your insight and advice.
There are plenty of reasons not to do photography, so don't feel like you need to do it. Figure out where that is coming from and deal with it first. There are many activities that come and go during a lifetime. If there is something else better for now then do that! Perhaps a few years from now you will regain interest, but forcing anything is a bad idea unless it is absolutely necessary.
It took me until about 40 to fully realize that I don't like most photography and will never be good those due to unpleasantness. I refused...Show more →
I actually love photography, but at the same time I empathize with you. Once upon a time I did retirement ceremonies as a paid thing and realized I utterly hated that. So I swore never to do event photography of any type ever again, paid or unpaid.
I know what type of photography I enjoy, and to restrict myself to that. It's excellent advice, for sure. I have concepts of things I want to capture right now; it's getting my emotions and mind in order to do them that I'm currently struggling with.
I appreciate your insight and advice.
Sep 09, 2026 at 01:04 PM
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p.1 #9Burnout, stress, and finding the joy in art again
Wanted to touch back on this. I haven't picked up the camera as much as I wanted the past two weeks, but I did join a social club of sorts that has been helping. Decided to get a little more serious about my archery and joined a team for disabled veterans.
So I'm shooting, just not photos! But I'm feeling more motivated to shoot now.
My next hurdle is processing my RAWs. I'm leaning towards just shooting SOOC for a but and saving the RAWs in case there are any I REALLY want to work on. I like my OM's colors so it's not a big issue I don't think.
Also really looking forward to this winter for some skiing. Hoping at least a few areas get decent snow.
So I'm shooting, just not photos! But I'm feeling more motivated to shoot now.
My next hurdle is processing my RAWs. I'm leaning towards just shooting SOOC for a but and saving the RAWs in case there are any I REALLY want to work on. I like my OM's colors so it's not a big issue I don't think.
Also really looking forward to this winter for some skiing. Hoping at least a few areas get decent snow.
Sep 25, 2026 at 08:55 AM
p.1 #10Burnout, stress, and finding the joy in art again
RAW+JPEG is not a bad idea. If you generally like the jpegs you can tweak RAW processing settings to compare. Eventually you will probably like the processed files better.
EBH
EBH
Sep 25, 2026 at 10:31 PM
p.1 #11Burnout, stress, and finding the joy in art again
That's how I've been shooting for years, and rarely prefer the JPEG to my processing.
But it IS easier!
EB-1 wrote:
RAW+JPEG is not a bad idea. If you generally like the jpegs you can tweak RAW processing settings to compare. Eventually you will probably like the processed files better.
EBH
But it IS easier!
EB-1 wrote:
RAW+JPEG is not a bad idea. If you generally like the jpegs you can tweak RAW processing settings to compare. Eventually you will probably like the processed files better.
EBH
Sep 25, 2026 at 10:33 PM
p.1 #12Burnout, stress, and finding the joy in art again
I am a caregiver for my wife.
That being said, I do not get out much to do photography on a "random" basis any more. By random I mean just drive around and find something to "shoot".
I cannot leave her alone for more than a few hours.
I have to plan any photography for early mornings as that is "thee" only time I can "sneak" out for a few hours.
I also have medical "issues" that prevent me from doing certain types of photography.
My body cannot take heat and humidity so the summer I fill my back yard with all sorts of flowering plants and I do most of my macro in the summer just in my yard.
I have to plan the outing or I get frustrated by "wasting" time and shooting nothing.
My suggestion is to start slow, plan an "event"...see your results, both mentally and physically..and go from there.
I shoot raw 100% I use ACR, Br, PsCC and the Nik Collection v7.
Good luck and good shooting!
Dan
Edited on Sep 26, 2026 at 10:45 AM · View previous versions
That being said, I do not get out much to do photography on a "random" basis any more. By random I mean just drive around and find something to "shoot".
I cannot leave her alone for more than a few hours.
I have to plan any photography for early mornings as that is "thee" only time I can "sneak" out for a few hours.
I also have medical "issues" that prevent me from doing certain types of photography.
My body cannot take heat and humidity so the summer I fill my back yard with all sorts of flowering plants and I do most of my macro in the summer just in my yard.
I have to plan the outing or I get frustrated by "wasting" time and shooting nothing.
My suggestion is to start slow, plan an "event"...see your results, both mentally and physically..and go from there.
I shoot raw 100% I use ACR, Br, PsCC and the Nik Collection v7.
Good luck and good shooting!
Dan
Edited on Sep 26, 2026 at 10:45 AM · View previous versions
Sep 26, 2026 at 10:40 AM
p.1 #13Burnout, stress, and finding the joy in art again
Danpbphoto wrote:
I am a caregiver for my wife.
That being said, I do not get out much to do photography on a "random" basis. By random I mean just drive around and find something to "shoot".
I have to plan any photography for early mornings as that is "thee" only time I can "sneak" out for a few hours.
I have to plan the outing or I get frustrated by "wasting" time and shooting nothing.
My suggestion is to start slow, plan an "event"...see your results, both mentally and physically..and go from there.
I shoot raw 100% I use ACR, Br, PsCC and the Nik Collection...Show more →
I'm kind of going that way. I take my camera with me almost everywhere but sometimes that's more effort than it can possibly be worth. So I'm trying to plan photography outings now, like you mentioned.
I appreciate you sharing your process with me as well. I previously used DxO PL6, but have exited the Apple/Windows ecosystems so am looking at alternatives that run on Linux. Davinci Resolve looks promising but does not (yet) support my camera. Darktable also looks interesting, and supposedly Affinity runs on Linux with some minor effort.
I am a caregiver for my wife.
That being said, I do not get out much to do photography on a "random" basis. By random I mean just drive around and find something to "shoot".
I have to plan any photography for early mornings as that is "thee" only time I can "sneak" out for a few hours.
I have to plan the outing or I get frustrated by "wasting" time and shooting nothing.
My suggestion is to start slow, plan an "event"...see your results, both mentally and physically..and go from there.
I shoot raw 100% I use ACR, Br, PsCC and the Nik Collection...Show more →
I'm kind of going that way. I take my camera with me almost everywhere but sometimes that's more effort than it can possibly be worth. So I'm trying to plan photography outings now, like you mentioned.
I appreciate you sharing your process with me as well. I previously used DxO PL6, but have exited the Apple/Windows ecosystems so am looking at alternatives that run on Linux. Davinci Resolve looks promising but does not (yet) support my camera. Darktable also looks interesting, and supposedly Affinity runs on Linux with some minor effort.
Sep 26, 2026 at 10:44 AM
p.1 #14Burnout, stress, and finding the joy in art again
TJRidgway wrote:
Danpbphoto wrote:
Fall is a fantastic time to get your "juices" flowing! The Holidays also give you subjects to shoot.
Find something you enjoy and do some photography and then decide how to proceed.
I find FM a GREAT source of "ideas". The photographer's here are "thee" best I have ever seen and I have been on almost all the photography websites over many years.
When I had the time, I attended all the "photo shows" in the DC metro area and even up into Philly.
I still find FM members that produce most excellent compositions!
Have fun!
Dan..and thanks for your response!
Danpbphoto wrote:
Fall is a fantastic time to get your "juices" flowing! The Holidays also give you subjects to shoot.
Find something you enjoy and do some photography and then decide how to proceed.
I find FM a GREAT source of "ideas". The photographer's here are "thee" best I have ever seen and I have been on almost all the photography websites over many years.
When I had the time, I attended all the "photo shows" in the DC metro area and even up into Philly.
I still find FM members that produce most excellent compositions!
Have fun!
Dan..and thanks for your response!
Sep 26, 2026 at 10:51 AM
p.1 #15Burnout, stress, and finding the joy in art again
We just returned from a trip to visit family in Japan and I shot a TON of pictures there. I'm hesitant to share the family photos, but I'll put a couple of my favorites here.
Local Summer Festival in my in-laws neighborhood (OM-3 + 20/1.4 Pro):
At Liberty Walk HQ in Aichi (OM-3 + 50-200/2.8 IS Pro):
I still have a fair few to edit from that trip; as soon as we got back life got in the way!
Edited on Sep 29, 2026 at 08:16 AM · View previous versions
Local Summer Festival in my in-laws neighborhood (OM-3 + 20/1.4 Pro):
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At Liberty Walk HQ in Aichi (OM-3 + 50-200/2.8 IS Pro):
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I still have a fair few to edit from that trip; as soon as we got back life got in the way!
Edited on Sep 29, 2026 at 08:16 AM · View previous versions
Sep 26, 2026 at 10:58 AM
p.1 #16Burnout, stress, and finding the joy in art again
TJRidgway wrote:
I still have a fair few to edit from that trip; as soon as we got back life got in the way!
Asia can be "split screened" and it would be reality! You can literally go from olde to modern in 1 view.
Customs still have a great meaning in Asia and most parts of the World.
Not that they don't here in America......
Very well done!
Dan
I still have a fair few to edit from that trip; as soon as we got back life got in the way!
Asia can be "split screened" and it would be reality! You can literally go from olde to modern in 1 view.
Customs still have a great meaning in Asia and most parts of the World.
Not that they don't here in America......
Very well done!
Dan
Sep 26, 2026 at 12:55 PM