Feeling like you're hitting a plateau with your photography is a common struggle, even if you're putting in regular shooting hours. Knowing how to break free of this rut can redefine your relationship with photography and energize your creativity.
Coming to you from Rick Bebbington, this straightforward video tackles specific techniques to help you overcome a standstill in your progression. One of Bebbington's first tips centers on shifting your perspective. Instead of pursuing a genre that doesn't sync well with your available time or lifestyle, try shooting something different entirely; if landscape photography isn't matching well with your family commitments or schedule, explore subjects you can photograph comfortably in the hours you do have—and enjoyably. He illustrates how moving away from landscapes to subjects better suited to his lifestyle allowed him to reignite his passion and develop deeper skill. Bebbington also suggests changing your gear (not necessarily buying new equipment) but altering your current routine of equipment usage.
Another strategy discussed is about setting clear and very precise photography challenges. You might roll your eyes at the suggestion of embarking on another online challenge, but Bebbington highlights that specificity is key. Photographing an easily accessible location near your home repeatedly through different seasons or conditions creates not only an ongoing project but keeps you connected through familiarity and convenience. His point is clear: pursue something that genuinely interests you, not a random exercise plucked from the internet to tick a creative box. Additionally, limiting yourself can paradoxically enhance growth—restricting yourself to a single lens for a set period, for instance, can encourage experimentation and sharpen your skills.
To further invigorate your photography, it's also necessary to deepen your knowledge intentionally rather than passively scrolling through social media for quick inspiration fixes. Learning new editing techniques or studying photographers whose work you really admire creates meaningful improvements. Actively asking others in the photography community pointed questions about composition, editing, lighting choices, or specific images is another important step toward improving your craft. Bebbington notes that this type of feedback, although subjective, can help pinpoint exactly how your work could grow.
A particularly helpful reminder is revisiting your fundamental motives: thinking deeply about the initial reasons you picked up a camera in the first place. Getting back in touch with your "why" can clarify your perspective and guide your future projects, reconnecting you with your own inspirations and motivations. Bebbington emphasizes the value in continuing to shoot constantly without obsession over creating perfect images each time. Letting go of perfectionism and simply keeping up a steady shooting habit allows continual learning and growth.
Finally, stepping away temporarily might actually help move your photography forward dramatically. Taking short breaks or creatively exploring other art forms can relieve the pressures of constant productivity. Bebbington's insights here emphasize balance rather than continuous drive. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Bebbington.
